Oyster Opening: The Most Surprising Ten Minutes at the Market (3)

Pick a live oyster, open it yourself, and there’s a chance a pearl is waiting inside — the “oyster opening” experience has become Hongqiao’s signature activity for visitors.

Sessions run daily near the 4F pearl gallery. Your pearl can be set into a pendant or ring by on-site artisans, usually within a week. Book through the Events page; groups of five or more get a private session.

Hongqiao Living Hall — online first, then in person at the market. For services mentioned in this article, see the Services section; for pearls and cultural goods, visit the retail section or the 4F gallery at the market.