Wangfujing snack street is overpriced Instagram food. Scorpion skewers for 50 yuan that taste like rubber. Complete tourist scam.

Walk through Nanluoguxiang hutong and surrounding alleys for authentic Beijing street food. Jianbing from sidewalk vendors ranges 10-30 yuan depending on toppings, proper xiaolongbao 15 yuan, amazing noodle soups 20-25 yuan. These vendors serve locals, not tourists.

Best time is early evening 6-7pm when stalls set up. Use Pleco app for menu translation. Point at what looks good and trust the process.