Hefang Street (河坊街), Qinghefang Historical Block (清河坊历史街区) and Southern Song Imperial Street (南宋御街) once used to be the city core of the ancient Hangzhou. They are lined with traditional buildings, centuries-old shops, time honored brands and local restaurants. Here you will find: Traditional Chinese Medicine clinics, silk shops, fan and scissors makers as well as rows of street food stalls.
You can start your stroll in a following order:
1. Southern Song Imperial Street is a nicely paved, not too crowded street, lined with a beautiful mix of traditional and modern buildings, international hotels and exclusive shops. Some 800 years ago, it used to be a part of the emperor’s path to the place of worship. One of the most beautiful sights in this street is Phoenix Mosque (凤凰寺), first built during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907). It is one of the earliest mosques built in China and one of "the four great mosques of China".
2. Hefang Street and Qinghefang Historical Block are the vibrant pulsing heart of this area. You don't really need tips on what to visit here, because everything is interesting. Just go where the day takes you and enjoy.
3. One of the coziest, cutest alleys is Nanshouyu Street (南寿玉街), continuation of Southern Song Imperial Street. This pretty street shaded by trees is home to Huqing Yutang No. 2 TCM Clinic (胡庆余堂名医馆). This fully functional clinic with a range of mushrooms, plants, and small animals on display is a truly magical place, an alchemist laboratory. You can read about our experience with TCM and this particular clinic here.
4. Opposite the main entrance is Costa Coffee (usually surprisingly empty) and 5. Honeymoon Desert. I really recommend trying some of their deserts, especially if you haven't visited Southeastern Asia before. You will be amazed by the assortment of sweets they offer. At least half of them you've never even heard of.
6. If you continue towards south, you will reach Wangxian Pavilion (望仙阁), 7. Gulou Church (鼓楼堂) and 8. the Drum Tower (鼓楼). 9. On the right side is the busy road, Zhongshan South Road (中山南路). On the left side is Shiwukui Alley (十五奎巷), a traditional, narrow, back street which feels like frozen in time.
If you take Zhongshan South Road (中山南路) and head from Hefang street towards Taimiao Square (太庙广场), you will pass numerous hidden treasures. Some of them are: 10. Grandma Sun’s (孙奶奶) famous pan-fried scallion wraps (葱包桧), a local specialty sold on streets of Hangzhou; 11. “Weary of Work Coffee” (倦勤咖啡) and their delicious espresso; 12. Dama Lane (大马弄); 13. Baimamiao Lane (白马庙巷) and further down the south 14. Exhibition Hall of Southern Song Dynasty Relic Site (南宋遗址陈列馆).
These alleys and its local shops are my favorite part of Hangzhou. Seniors sitting in the middle of the street on the chairs brought from homes, shop owners trying to keep their kids entertained and serve customers at the same time, old ladies dancing in groups, fisherman sorting crabs at the wet market. You name it, it is there. Read more about this modest, yet fascinating part of Hangzhou here.
Explanation:
Dark blue stars mark places to visit around Hefang Street.
I also added places where you can try local Hangzhou food and snacks to the map, in case you get hungry. This way you have it all in one place.
Purple circle with bowl and chopsticks marks restaurants specialized in Hangzhou flavors.
Pink circle with snack and a drink marks places where you can find local snacks.
In case you find this confusing, open the drop-down by clicking the symbol in the top left corner and uncheck what you do not want to see.
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