One of Tianjin'€˜s most iconic shopping streets is set to move, the local government has announced. Da Hutong, which is famous for its haggling and bargain buys is set relocate at the end of August marking the end of an era for the inner city flea market. Up to 5000 small businesses will be moved once the closure takes place, one of the largest small business relocation projects in the city's history. Major fire hazards have been cited as the main concern, as well as other issues of squalor and general appearance. The flea market operations will be moved to Wang Ding Di in Xiqing District, which already has a sizable flea market itself.
As Tianjin entered the international economic stage over the past two decades, Da Hutong personified a clash between the old and the new shopping trends. Eventually, Da Hutong became pivotal in local Tianjin custom when seeking "cheapness over quality". What is for certain is that Wang Ding Di certainly has some big shoes to fill, not to mention the need for it to outshine it's soon to be predecessor.