
Ye Zhongdetang, located at No. 49 Zhongshan Middle Road, Hangzhou, was founded in the 13th year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty. It was the earliest and largest traditional Chinese medicine store in Hangzhou, producing homemade pills, powders, ointments, and pills. It was renowned throughout Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Fujian, and Anhui provinces. Known for its genuine products at reasonable prices and its commitment to small profits and quick turnover, it was once considered one of the " Six Great Masters " or " Three Gates " of Hangzhou's pharmaceutical industry, along with Hu Qingyu Tang .
Ye Zhongdetang was merged into Hu Qingyu Tang in 1958. Its most renowned medicinal wines, especially its tiger bone and papaya wine, are a unique craft, renowned for their efficacy both domestically and internationally. Ye Zhongdetang's traditional Chinese medicine culture was included in the third batch of Zhejiang Province's intangible cultural heritage list by the Zhejiang Provincial People's Government.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended playing time: less than half an hour
free
All day
Ye Zhongde Hall is dedicated to Ye Zhongde, a prominent scholar during the Qing Dynasty. The hall serves as a tribute to his academic achievements and contributions to Chinese education and culture. The site is an important historical landmark in Hangzhou, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage and its long-standing tradition of scholarship.
Ye Zhongde Hall is located in the central area of Hangzhou. It can be easily reached by taxi or public transportation, with bus routes running nearby. For visitors staying near West Lake, it’s within walking distance, making it a convenient spot to visit during a tour of Hangzhou’s cultural attractions.
Ye Zhongde Hall is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings or weekdays to avoid the crowds. Visiting during the cooler months can also provide a more comfortable experience.
Entrance to Ye Zhongde Hall is typically free, but there may be a small fee for special exhibitions or events. Tickets can be purchased onsite, but it’s advisable to check online for any updates on special events that might require prior booking.
Booking tickets in advance is not usually necessary, except for special events or exhibitions. For these occasions, it is recommended to book at least a week in advance through the official website or at the venue.
A visit to Ye Zhongde Hall typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, including time to explore the hall, the surrounding gardens, and any temporary exhibitions.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and English audio guides may be offered for international visitors. It’s best to inquire at the entrance for availability and language options.
The main hall itself provides excellent photo opportunities, particularly with its traditional architecture and surrounding natural beauty. The gardens also offer tranquil spots perfect for capturing scenic views of the hall and nearby landscape.
Start by exploring the main hall where Ye Zhongde’s history is displayed, then take a stroll through the surrounding gardens. If time allows, visit any temporary exhibitions for further insight into the region’s history.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at Ye Zhongde Hall, as it is a cultural and educational site. However, special tours may be arranged for larger groups, depending on the season or occasion.
Ye Zhongde Hall can be crowded on weekends and during public holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays, particularly outside of peak tourist seasons.
Basic amenities such as toilets and rest areas are available at the site. There are no large food outlets, but small shops nearby offer refreshments. It’s advisable to bring your own water and snacks for a more comfortable visit.
The attraction is mostly accessible for elderly visitors and children, though some areas may have uneven terrain. Wheelchair access may be limited in certain parts of the hall, so it's recommended to contact the venue in advance for detailed accessibility information.
While cash is accepted, mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are more commonly used in Hangzhou. It’s recommended to use digital payment methods for convenience.
There are vegetarian and vegan options in many restaurants near West Lake. Halal food can also be found in select restaurants catering to Muslim visitors.
Souvenir shops near Ye Zhongde Hall sell traditional Chinese crafts, such as tea sets, silk products, and small replicas of local landmarks like the hall itself.
After visiting Ye Zhongde Hall, you can take a taxi or public bus to explore other nearby attractions such as West Lake. Bicycle rentals are also available for a scenic ride around the area.