Timeless Qinghefang Street Travel Guide

Introduction

Located at the northern foot of Wushan in Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Qinghefang Street is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and a national-level cultural and tourism consumption cluster. Spanning 136,600 square meters, it boasts 39 intangible cultural heritage enterprises, 36 time-honored brands, and 12 cultural venues, making it the epitome of Hangzhou’s traditional culture and modern vitality.

As the former imperial street of the Southern Song Dynasty, it has been the commercial and cultural heart of Hangzhou for over 800 years. Here, you’ll wander along bluestone roads, pass by white-walled and black-tiled buildings, and smell the aroma of local snacks and traditional Chinese medicine. It’s a place where history breathes and daily life unfolds—perfect for travelers seeking culture, tranquility, and authentic Hangzhou vibes.

Tickets & Opening Hours

Core Attraction Ticket:

• Free Entry: Main street, most time-honored brand stores, and most cultural venues.
• Paid Attractions:
  • Hu Qing Yu Tang Chinese Medicine Museum: $1.40 per adult; half-price $0.70 for students/seniors; free for children/soldiers.
  • Chenghuang Pavilion: $4.20 per adult; discounted $2.10 for children/students/seniors.
  • Zhu Bingren Copper Art Museum: $2.80 per adult.
  • Hu Xueyan Former Residence + Hu Qing Yu Tang Combo Ticket: $27.60 (includes guided tour), saving $4.20 compared to individual purchase.

Opening Hours:

• Main Street & Shops: 9:00–22:00 (open all day).
• Paid Venues: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30); some close on Mondays.
• Special Reminder: Book Hu Xueyan Former Residence one day in advance during peak seasons to avoid waiting.

Payment Methods: Cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay (for paid attractions and souvenirs).

Must-Visit Attractions & Highlights

Hu Qing Yu Tang Chinese Medicine Museum

Founded by “Red-top Merchant” Hu Xueyan, this national cultural relic unit is a must-visit for Chinese medicine lovers. Don’t miss the “Jie Qi” (No Deception) plaque written by Hu Xueyan himself, embodying the brand’s integrity. The backyard houses a traditional Chinese medicine museum where you can watch ancient medicine processing and learn about herbal remedies.

Tickets & Payment:$1.40/adult

Tips: Try the unique “ginseng coffee” or “tangerine peel latte” at Hu Qing Yu Tang Coffee— a blend of traditional Chinese medicine and modern trends.

Zhu Bingren Copper Art Museum (Jiangnan Copper House)

The entire building is crafted from copper, a visual feast of copper art. Admire the 雷峰塔 original copper plaque and exquisite copper carvings. The interactive area allows you to try simple copper craft-making.

Tickets & Payment:$2.80/adult

Tips: Visit in the afternoon for soft lighting, perfect for taking artistic photos.

Chenghuang Pavilion

Perched on Wushan Mountain, it’s the highest point in the area. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Hangzhou’s skyline— the red-walled buildings and West Lake scenery are breathtaking at sunset.

Tickets & Payment:$4.20/adult

Tips: Go early to avoid crowds; the evening lights are also stunning.

Southern Song Imperial Street Exhibition Hall

Located in the core area of the former imperial street, it displays archaeological remains and Song Dynasty life scenes. Walk through the underground exhibition hall to feel the grandeur of the Southern Song Dynasty.

Tickets & Payment: Free (ID required)

Tips: Combine with a visit to the nearby Southern Song Book House for a cultural immersion.

Drum Tower & Wangxian Pavilion

The Drum Tower is a symbol of Hangzhou’s ancient city wall. Wangxian Pavilion, a modern landmark, offers a bird’s-eye view of the entire Qinghefang block. The night view, with lanterns hanging high, is especially charming.

Tickets & Payment: Free

Tips: Take photos at night for a classic ancient-style shot.

Transportation – How to Get There & Around

From Hangzhou City Center

• Metro: Line 7 to Wushan Square Station (Exit D, 3-minute walk to the main entrance); Line 1 to Ding’an Road Station (Exit C, 5-minute walk).
• Bus: Take Bus 8/127/195 to Qinghefang Station; Bus 35/40 to Wushan Square Station.
• Car: Navigate to Gaoyin Street Underground Parking Lot; $1.40/hour (free for first 60 minutes). Arrive before 10:00 on weekends to secure a spot.

Getting Around the Area

• Walk: The best way to explore the winding alleys and hidden gems (1–3 km route).
• Shared Bikes: Available near Wushan Square; ideal for short trips around the block.
• Guided Tour: Free daily tours are available at the 1F information desk of the main street— follow the guide to learn more about the history and stories.

Experience & Activities

• Time-Honored Brand Tour: Visit Wang Xing Ji Fan Shop (traditional fans), Zhang Xiao Quan Scissors Store (famous scissors), and Wan Long Ham Shop (century-old ham) for authentic Hangzhou souvenirs.
• Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience: Try paper-cutting, fan-making, or copper craft carving at the intangible cultural heritage experience centers.
• Night Stroll: Wander the street after 18:00— the lanterns are lit, and local snacks are in full swing. Don’t miss the night market at Wushan Square.
• Tea Time: Sit at a teahouse in Da Jing Alley, sip Longjing tea, and watch the world go by— a relaxing way to escape the hustle and bustle.
• Stamp Collecting: Join the “National Tide Stamp” activity (20 checkpoints, 5 limited edition stamps) for exclusive postcards (check the official WeChat account for details).

Practical Tips & Etiquette

• Best Time to Visit: Weekdays 9:30–12:00 to avoid crowds; weekends arrive before 10:00.
• Comfortable Shoes: The streets are paved with bluestones, so sturdy footwear is a must.
• Photography: No flash in cultural venues; follow the “No Photography” signs.
• Silence: Keep your voice down in exhibition halls and quiet alleys to respect local residents.
• Bargaining: Bargain is acceptable for small handicrafts and souvenirs, but not for time-honored brand products.

Accommodation

Mid-Range Hotels (10-Minute Walk)

• Wushan Hotel: $55–$83/night; modern design, close to Wushan Square.
• Hampton by Hilton Hangzhou Wushan: $42–$70/night; clean and convenient, free breakfast.

Budget-Friendly Stays

• 7 Days Inn (Qinghefang Branch): $21–$35/night; basic but clean, 15-minute walk to the main street.
• Qinghefang Youth Hostel: $8–$14/bed; dormitory-style, social atmosphere, near the subway.

High-End Options (15-Minute Drive)

• InterContinental Hangzhou: $112–$208/night; luxury river view, complete amenities.

Food Around Qinghefang

Local Snacks (Street Stalls & Small Stores)

• Ding Sheng Cake: Soft glutinous rice cake with red bean paste; $0.70/piece (look for freshly steamed ones).
• Cong Bao Jian: Scallion pancake roll with sweet bean sauce; $1.10/piece.
• Wu Shan Fried Dough Cakes: Crispy, layered pastry; $1.40/piece.
• Jia Ou Tian Cheng (Lotus Root Starch): West Lake Longjing lotus root starch; $2.10/bowl.

Local Restaurants (10-Minute Walk)

• Fu Yuan Ju (Da Jing Alley): Local favorite serving crispy large intestines and shrimp oil chicken; $11/meal (queue during peak hours).
• Xin Bai Lu: Affordable Hangzhou cuisine with braised pork and West Lake vinegar fish; $7–$11/person.
• Yang Tang Fan Dian (1798 Founding): Traditional mutton soup and steamed buns; $2.80/set.