After China has been transformed from a planned economy to a socialist market economy since 1978, the Chinese farmers’ market has supported people’s daily life as an essential facility for providing agricultural products. However, the number of farmers’ markets was decreasing from the late 2000s because of the penetration of supermarkets. Although nowadays the option of shopping becomes more diverse, it is still playing distinctive roles in local society. Therefore, the sustainability of the farmers’ market merits discussion through the investigation of its characteristics. This paper explores the originality of the farmers’ market by investigating the pattern of its spatial features and observing people’s various activities and relations there. The included case study utilizes the example of Shahekou District, Dalian, which features distinctive farmers’ markets. Through classifying the spatial patterns quantitatively and describing people’s activities, the results obtained are as follows.

1) The spatial features of the farmers’ market

The building of recent farmers’ markets constructed after the 2000s is similar to typical large scale grocery stores seen in China and mostly located in the high-density building area under development. On the other hand, the building of most farmers’ markets constructed from the 1980s to the 1990s is composed of stall-type buildings and surrounded by mid-rise residential buildings or schools. These old type markets are mostly locating in the undeveloped area with good access to public transportation where the plot pattern is relatively complicated. The scale is a middle or large class comparing with the recent farmers’ market. From the results above, the old type farmers’ market composed of stall type buildings is more familiar to local users and residents and tends to generate extra changeable space flexibly. These spatial features seem to facilitate informal communication and foster a sense of community.

2) People’s activities and relations in the farmers’ market

The factors that affect customers to choose the farmers’ market or supermarket are related to their shopping styles and age. While the young generation trusts the product of supermarkets, they are worried about the quality of food in farmer’s markets and demand to improve the shopping environment and food security. Especially in the old farmers’ market such as the subject of this survey (Shalong Market), however, various social-economic activities could be found because of the closer social relationship between customers and sellers there. From the results of the questionnaire and observation, people’s activities in the farmers’ market could be defined as “Exchange of Economic Information”, “Improvement of Life Quality”, “Medical and Educational Support”, “Cultural Activities”, “Support for Old Customers”, and “Health Maintenance”.

After 30 years from the introduction of a socialist market economy, the farmers’ markets present potential of become a mature social interactive platform. The function is not just shopping but also includes "Support of Urban Life", "Build Mutual Support in Local", and "Create Community of Residents". Although these aspects of the farmers’ market are usually ignored, it is essential for its sustainable development in the future to remain the function as a "Commercial + α Facility ".