Abstract

In special times, in order to improve urban vitality and economic development, some countries have changed their strict management strategies for street vendors in terms of policies，but vendors still need to fight for their rights by constantly changing their position in the urban space. This study focused on the vendors in two street markets in Liangxiang, a suburb of Beijing, as the research object, and explores the spatial use tactics and spatial experience of street vendor. Through semi-structured interviews (n=64) and based on Cresswell's mobility theory framework (including motive force, speed, rhythm, route, experience and friction), this paper investigates the relationship of vendor mobility to time, socio-spatial environment and other actors. The study found that street vendors actively reduced their ability to adapt to their environment in order to increase their flexibility and mobility. The study also describes how vendors vary prices and where they sell items, depending on the time of day and type of item. This research provides a new understanding of the gathering and emergence of street vendors by considering how street vendors can better carry out sales activities in a specific way to meet the needs of vendors' daily life, and helps urban designers better plan the space of street public.