Hefang Street & Southern Song Imperial Street

河坊街

The commercial centre of the Southern Song capital of Lin'an, with century-old shops such as Hu Qingyutang and Wang Xingji fans, plus snacks like Dingsheng cake and scallion-stuffed Congbao Gui. It holds Hangzhou's old-town memories.

Hefang Street lies at the foot of Wu Hill. It was the commercial street of the “imperial city” of Lin'an, the Southern Song capital, and century-old shops clustered here in the late Qing and early Republican periods. After a renovation in 2000, it became Hangzhou's best-known pedestrian street. It forms a cross-shaped old town with the Southern Song Imperial Street, which runs perpendicular to it. The Imperial Street, now Zhongshan Central Road, was the ceremonial road on which Southern Song emperors performed sacrifices to heaven, and the Imperial Street Ruins Exhibition Hall is located along it. Highlights among the old shops include Hu Qingyutang, a traditional medicine house founded by Hu Xuyan, a Qing-dynasty “red-button” merchant. It has historic buildings and a traditional medicine museum; entry is free, and the pharmacy museum costs RMB 10. Other shops are Fanghuichun Hall, the Zhang Xiaoquan scissors shop, the Wang Xingji Fan Shop, the Zhu Bingren Bronze Sculpture Art Museum (free), and Wanlong Ham Shop. You will also find the Jiangnan Bronze House and the Wu Hill Night Market at the end of Hefang Street near Wu Hill Square, selling small accessories. Snacks include Dingsheng cake, scallion-stuffed Congbao Gui, Wu Hill crispy oil cakes, dragon-beard candy, sweet fermented rice balls, and Zhiweiguan, known for its pastries and Pianer noodles. Nearby, Hu Xueyan's former residence is a 5-minute walk away. It costs RMB 20 to enter and is one of the most lavish private homes of the late Qing dynasty, a must-see. Wu Hill is free to visit. Climbing to the Chenghuang Pavilion costs RMB 30 and offers views over West Lake and the old town. You can also visit the Drum Tower or Dajing Lane. Alternatively, follow the Southern Song Imperial Street to West Lake Avenue and continue to Hubin. The street is open all day and free to enter, and shops generally run from about 9:00 to 22:00. The best time to visit is in the evening. After shopping, head up Wu Hill for night views, then have dinner nearby at Huangfan'er or a Hangzhou-style restaurant on Gaoyin Street. Getting there: Metro Line 1 Dingan Road station is an 8-minute walk away, or take a bus to the Wu Hill Square stop. Weekends are crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings. Souvenir shops are very similar to each other, so focus on the old shops.

Hefang Street & Southern Song Imperial Street

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