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Haiyan Pavilion, located at 35 Beishan Road, features white walls, black tiles, and a typical Hangzhou-style gate. Originally owned by the Xu family, a prominent Haiyan family during the Qing Dynasty, the building remains remarkably intact. Today, it serves as a global hub for home furnishing culture exchange.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended playing time: about 10 minutes
free
All day
The Sea Salt Museum in Hangzhou celebrates the region's rich history of salt production, an essential part of Zhejiang’s cultural heritage. The museum educates visitors on the techniques and innovations used to harvest salt from the sea and its importance in the local economy, as well as its role in trade and cuisine.
The museum is located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. It can be accessed by taxi or public bus from the city center. The nearest metro station is a short distance away, so a taxi ride is recommended for convenience.
The Sea Salt Museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the early morning or on weekdays, as weekends tend to be busier with tourists.
The entrance fee is typically around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through the museum’s official website for online booking.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance for individual visits. However, for group visits or during peak tourist seasons, it is advisable to book at least a few days in advance.
A visit typically takes around 1-2 hours, depending on whether you want to participate in hands-on activities or explore the exhibits in detail.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, with English-speaking guides offered for larger groups or upon request. Audio guides are also available in multiple languages, including English.
The museum’s rooftop offers a panoramic view of the surrounding salt pans, providing an excellent opportunity for photography. Additionally, the historical exhibits and interactive salt-harvesting displays make for great photo opportunities inside.
Start with the historical exhibits to understand the evolution of salt production, followed by the interactive area where you can try salt harvesting. Conclude with a visit to the outdoor salt pans if time permits.
Currently, night visits or light shows are not available. Special tours may be offered during holidays or festivals, so it’s recommended to check the museum’s schedule in advance.
The museum can be crowded on weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit during weekdays, especially in the morning hours.
The museum provides public toilets, a small café for light refreshments, and rest areas for visitors. A gift shop offers souvenirs related to the museum and local salt production.
The museum is wheelchair accessible, and there are facilities for elderly and disabled visitors. Children will find the interactive exhibits particularly engaging, making it a family-friendly destination.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted, and credit cards are often accepted at the ticket counters and shops. Cash is still accepted, but mobile payments are more commonly used.
The museum has a small café offering snacks and drinks. For more dining options, there are several restaurants serving Zhejiang cuisine in the surrounding area, including seafood dishes and local specialties.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby restaurants, although halal food may be more limited in the area.
There are several mid-range hotels and guesthouses near the museum. For more luxury options, the city center of Hangzhou offers a wide selection of accommodations.
Yes, there are souvenir shops inside and nearby. Typical souvenirs include salt-related products, traditional Chinese crafts, and local snacks such as salted fish and pickles.
After visiting the museum, the best transportation options are taxis, ride-sharing services like Didi, or public buses to nearby attractions such as West Lake. Hangzhou's metro system is also a good option for further travel within the city.
