Lamb skewers, cold noodles, rice cakes and makgeolli (rice wine) at Yanji's evening street stalls.
Yanji Xi Market Night Food Stalls (延吉西市场夜市) are the evening street stalls around the Xi Market area of Yanji, the capital of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in Jilin province, north-east China. Yanji is the cultural centre of China's ethnic Korean community, and the night food scene reflects it: the stalls sell lamb skewers, cold noodles, rice cakes and makgeolli, the milky Korean rice wine, in a setting that blends Korean and Chinese street-food traditions. For visitors, it is among the most characteristic evening experiences in the prefecture.
The crowd is a local mix of Korean-Chinese and Han Chinese residents, groups of friends, families and some travellers. The atmosphere is casual, social and food-led, with no live music or DJ programming; ambient street noise and conversation provide the soundtrack. There is no dress code, no door and no age restriction beyond the normal rules for buying alcohol. Visitors dress for the weather, which can be very cold in winter and pleasant in summer.
Drinks are straightforward: makgeolli, beer and soju-style spirits are the typical choices, served alongside grilled skewers and snack dishes. Spending is usually CNY 30 to CNY 100 per person (roughly USD 4.50-15), depending on appetite and how many drinks a group orders. Many stalls accept mobile payment, so visitors without Chinese payment apps should keep some cash available.
The stalls generally operate in the evening from about 6PM until midnight, although individual vendors set their own hours and weather affects the cold months. No cover charge or reservation is needed, and seating is informal, first come, first served. The busiest period is typically from about 7PM to 10PM, especially on weekends. Bottle service is not part of this setting.
The address is listed at neighbourhood level (Xi Market area, Yanji), so searching 延吉西市场 on Amap helps visitors confirm the exact location. Because menus are often in Chinese or Korean, a translation app or pointing at items can make ordering easier.
| Price | CNY 30-100 per person (approx. USD 4.50-15) |
|---|---|
| Cover | No cover |
| Hours | Evenings, about 6PM-midnight |
| Address | Xi Market area, Yanji, Jilin (延吉西市场, 延吉市) |
Good to know
- Signature
- Korean-Chinese night food
Location
Xi Market area, Yanji, Jilin (延吉西市场, 延吉市)
42.9035, 129.4905 View on map
Highlights
- Evening street stalls near Yanji's Xi Market
- Lamb skewers, cold noodles and rice cakes
- Makgeolli rice wine with Korean-Chinese flavours
- Low cost at CNY 30-100 per person
Tips for visiting
- Arrive between 7PM and 10PM when most stalls are open and lively.
- Try makgeolli alongside grilled skewers.
- Carry some cash, as mobile payment may not work for visitors.
- Use a translation app or point at items when ordering.
- Dress warmly from November to March.
Frequently asked questions
What food is sold at the Xi Market night stalls?
Typical offerings include lamb skewers, cold noodles and rice cakes, reflecting Yanji's Korean-Chinese food culture.
How much does it cost to eat and drink there?
Most visitors spend about CNY 30-100 per person, depending on the amount of food and drink.
Is there entertainment at the market?
There is no scheduled live music. The attraction is the food and the casual street atmosphere.