The fresh fruit appeal at Beijing's Xinfadi market

Grace Su | China Daily/ANN | Fri Mar 5 2010

China, March 5, 2010 - Diners tired of the same old apples, oranges and watermelon after Chinese meals can venture to the south Fourth Ring Road to procure exotic fruits at wholesale prices.

Many Beijingers visit the Xinfadi agricultural products wholesale market, which is open from 7 am to 6 pm daily, to buy fruit to give as Spring Festival gifts for family and friends.

Ms Yu, a Beijing resident for more than 20 years, has been selling fruit at Xinfadi since 2006. Her stall sells tropical fruit including mangosteen and Thai mangoes (only in bulk).

Although fruit such as mangosteen often sell for 25 yuan per kg (four or five pieces) in the city, at Xinfadi such a quantity will cost 200 yuan for a big box holding 70 to 80 pieces.

Almost all the fruit at the market must be bought in bulk, except for easy to keep fruit such as apples and pears. 

Sunkist oranges can be purchased here for 6 yuan per kg, or 240 yuan per box.

However, do not expect great shopping conditions. The stalls look like they are out in the middle of nowhere and be prepared to travel there by car - it is nowhere near a subway station (at least for now).

Also be sure to visit the restroom before visiting the market, which has no running water.

From the market's main entrance, the fruit section is still a good five- to ten-minute walk. Since customers must buy in bulk, it is unlikely that they will want to carry boxes of fruit on a long walk.

Read also:

The best markets in Beijing

Kim chi is popular at this Beijing market