As Beijing’s most popular flower market, Lai Tai Flower Market is at its busiest during Spring Festival. To most Beijing residents, buying plants has become a Chinese New Year tradition. On the first floor, as you walk in there are potted plants on the left, and cut flowers available on the right. There are over 50 booths altogether, and most of them sell a variety of flowers. Some focus on one or two popular breeds, like the moth orchid (¥30-50 per flower) or kaffir lily. For wishing happiness, plants with pretty flowers are most popular. Besides the moth orchid, the new anthurium variety (about ¥120) is also popular, with its bright red bloom. You can also purchase potted fruits, like kumquat, orange or lemon. There are also small bonsais for artisan green thumbs. In the smaller, cut flower area, you can get a variety of lilies (¥10-20) and tulips (¥5). There are also homeware stores, with items costing between ¥10 and ¥500.

Find it: 9 Maizidian Xijie, 麦子店西街9号, Tel: 6463-6554