A peep inside Dongdan market in 1964. It opened in 1902 and closed in 1997 as Beijing began re-planning the city. [Photo/Chinanews]

According to Liu, reopening the market means a lot to locals, as it is a way to relive the traditional lifestyle they were used to.

The market, at 69 Hepingli Xijie, covers an area of 10,000 square meters. Scheduled to reopen in late September, it will sell all kinds of foods and daily necessities.

Different from the original market that closed in 1997, Liu said the new one would also add an experience area where customers can taste snacks from around the nation and an area for upscale bakery and imported goods.