
The Tangqi Guangji Bridge Canal Heritage Exhibition Hall, located on Shuinan Street, focuses on displaying the overview of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and telling the historical changes of Tangqi, which was born and prospered because of the canal.
The exhibition hall also provides a detailed introduction to the only seven-arch stone arch bridge on the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal from the aspects of its basic situation, historical evolution and renovation, cultural value, scientific structure, and technical principles.
Suitable for all seasons
Suggested playing time: about half an hour
free
9:00-16:00, closed on Mondays
The Tangqi Guangji Bridge Canal Heritage Exhibition Hall showcases the history and significance of the Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The exhibition focuses on the cultural and historical impact of the canal, including its influence on trade, transportation, and local life. The Guangji Bridge, built during the Southern Song Dynasty, is an iconic structure over the canal and plays a significant role in the region's history.
The Tangqi Guangji Bridge Canal Heritage Exhibition Hall is located in Tangqi Town, Hangzhou, Zhejiang. You can take a bus or taxi from Hangzhou city center to Tangqi, or you can drive if you prefer. The exhibition hall is easily accessible by local transportation options.
The exhibition hall is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day. The best time to visit is in the morning when it's less crowded, especially on weekdays.
Entrance to the exhibition hall is free, but there may be small fees for special exhibitions or events. Tickets can be obtained at the entrance, and no online reservations are typically required.
No advance booking is necessary, as the exhibition hall generally allows visitors to walk in and purchase tickets at the entrance.
You can explore the exhibition hall in about 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the displays and the information provided.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some may offer English-speaking guides upon request. Audio guides in multiple languages may also be available.
Start with the introduction to the Grand Canal's history, then explore the sections dedicated to the canal's influence on local culture, followed by the exhibitions on Guangji Bridge. End your visit by walking around the surrounding area to admire the canal views.
There are no special light shows or night tours, as the exhibition hall generally operates during the day. However, the area around Guangji Bridge is beautifully lit at night, making it a lovely spot for an evening walk.
The exhibition hall can get crowded on weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are during weekdays, especially in the mornings.
There are restrooms available inside the exhibition hall. Food and drink are not typically sold on-site, but there are local shops and eateries near the canal where visitors can purchase refreshments.
The exhibition hall and surrounding areas are generally accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with ramps and flat pathways. However, some areas may have limited access due to the historical nature of the site.
Cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted at the exhibition hall, but it's advisable to carry some cash in case card payments are not available at certain shops or stalls.
There are several local restaurants and tea houses near the canal, where you can enjoy traditional Zhejiang cuisine, including Hangzhou-style dishes like West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy.
Vegetarian options are available at some local restaurants. Halal food may be more limited, but there are a few restaurants catering to Muslim visitors in Hangzhou.
Nearby accommodations include hotels such as the West Lake State Guesthouse and Hangzhou Tangqi Ancient Town Hotel, offering comfortable options close to the exhibition hall.
Other nearby attractions include West Lake, the Zhejiang Provincial Museum, and Lingyin Temple. These can all be easily combined for a day trip in Hangzhou.
There are souvenir shops near the exhibition hall where you can purchase items like local tea, silk products, and small canal-themed trinkets.
After visiting the exhibition hall, taxis and buses are available to continue your trip. The Hangzhou Metro system also connects to other major attractions in the city.