China Daily | Discover Beijing's hidden treasure: Open-air rural market - video Dailymotion

The Star

A 40-minute drive from downtown Beijing, you'll find the bustling Shahe Market where you can taste mouth-watering local food, find bargains and immerse yourself in the lively festive atmosphere of the upcoming Spring Festival.  WATCH MORE: https://thestartv.com/c/news SUBSCRIBE: https://cutt.ly/TheStar LIKE: https://fb.com/TheStarOnline

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00:00 You've probably never seen Beijing like this.

00:04 At dawn, the market is open.

00:10 40 minutes drive from downtown,

00:12 you'll find a place full of hustle and bustle,

00:15 where some people still pay back cash.

00:17 This tradition dates back to at least a thousand years ago in China,

00:25 and still brings joy to people today.

00:28 So, sit back and relax,

00:31 let's get this delicious journey started.

00:33 The open-air markets can usually be found in suburban areas.

00:44 No dress code, no social pressure,

00:46 it's a perfect escape for people from the city.

00:55 In winter, the market is all about atmosphere.

00:58 Hele noodles, a special kind of noodle dish,

01:19 is not that familiar to many Chinese people.

01:23 We call a Hele noodle maker the "bed" of the noodles.

01:26 It produces thick and chewy noodles that goes well with gravy or broth.

01:32 It is a little bit like Italian spaghetti,

01:35 but more distinct in taste because of the buckwheat.

01:38 People from northeastern China are famous for their toughness.

01:46 So is their food.

01:48 Come, folks, have some lamb soup,

01:50 it's hot pot soup.

01:52 It's been at least 3 hours since we've been on the plane.

01:54 It's fresh and sweet.

01:56 Zhou needs a big face, and a strong smell.

01:58 Flatten the dough ball and toss it into the boiling oil.

02:06 The dough soon puffs up, turning crispy and golden brown.

02:10 Zhou's recipe of smoked pork contains over 30 ingredients.

02:15 The juicy, tender and fragrant pork is Zhou's secret weapon in his wrap.

02:20 Chop it up, and don't forget the sauce.

02:26 Fat and carbs, definitely a comfort food in winter times.

02:30 The whole of north China is in this market,

02:34 and the main northern crop, wheat, is everywhere.

02:43 This one is a little kung fu.

02:45 The special oven is driven from hundreds of miles away

02:49 from east China's Shandong province.

02:51 This oven uses clay near China's Yellow River,

03:01 and handmade by the vendor, with charcoals underneath to bake.

03:05 Season with pepper and salt.

03:10 Cut it into shapes like chrysanthemum,

03:13 finish with honey syrup, and swiftly put into the oven.

03:17 The technique usually takes years to master.

03:20 Not everyone can do it.

03:22 The freshly baked flatbread is crusty on the outside,

03:28 soft and fluffy on the inside,

03:30 striking a great balance between salty and sweet.

03:33 Yes, he's definitely right.

03:35 Slow-cooked mutton soup is another hearty delicacy from Shandong province.

03:44 It's perfect for warming up in winter.

03:46 Zhou's store has stood the test of time.

03:53 The mutton soup is a classic,

03:55 and the most popular dish in the market.

03:57 It's a classic, and the most popular dish in the market.

04:00 This is really a classic.

04:02 Zhou's store has stood in the market for 13 years.

04:05 His family recipe has been passed down from his grandfather.

04:08 Chop the lamb offal,

04:10 pour the broth,

04:12 brown white pepper is crucial for the mutton soup

04:14 to balance its richness and aroma.

04:16 One mutton soup costs around $2.

04:20 Pretty reasonable, but remember to get a flatbread as a side.

04:24 Why is your business so good?

04:28 I don't know, but it's delicious.

04:31 Eating in the open air is not what Chinese people usually do,

04:36 but that's how you experience the market.

04:38 Clever shoppers know when to buy for a good price.

04:41 It's when the market is about to close.

04:44 With so many good delicacies and products from everywhere,

04:48 you never leave empty-handed.

04:50 The Chinese New Year is a good reason for shopping,

04:54 and also a good reason for reunions.

04:58 Many vendors will go home on New Year's Eve.

05:01 They say if you walk on the first day of the new year,

05:04 the whole year will be tough.

05:06 I hope to spend the New Year with my family.

05:09 Make more money.

05:11 Buy a house and a car.

05:13 I hope my children will be healthy.

05:15 I hope my career will be healthy.

05:17 It's a good thing.

05:19 People love the open air market,

05:22 because it's just like the city of Beijing,

05:24 it's big, it embraces everything and everyone.

05:27 You can always find things you want,

05:30 and return home with a good hope.

05:32 The market may not be perfect,

05:35 but in a place not far from the urban hustle,

05:38 it gives people a place to relax,

05:41 a reason to let their guard down,

05:43 which reminds us of the New Year,

05:45 or more childhood memories.

05:47 [Music]

05:49 [Music]

05:52 [Music]

05:54 (audience laughing)

China Daily | Discover Beijing's hidden treasure: Open-air rural market

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