Introducing Hefang Street
Hefang Street, located at the foot of Wushan Mountain, is part of Qinghefang, part of Hangzhou's old city district. It offers a glimpse of the old city. Among the street's most notable attractions are Hu Xueyan's Former Residence and the Zhu Bingren Bronze Sculpture Art Museum, making it a great place for out-of-towners to buy local specialties.
Hefang Street is one of the streets that best embodies Hangzhou's historical and cultural landscape. Its restoration and renovation have recreated the city's historical context and left a valuable legacy for the city.
Hangzhou's famous "Five Hangs" (Hang scissors, Hangzhou fans, Hangzhou noodles, Hangzhou cigarettes, and Hangzhou thread) originate here. This area is home to a vibrant selection of local snacks, antiques, calligraphy and paintings, and shops, including over a hundred time-honored and Hangzhou-style shops. The renovated Hefang Street showcases the style of the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, preserving its historical authenticity, cultural continuity, and integrated character.
Climate and best time to travel
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
Tickets
free
Attraction opening hours
All day
Most Popular FAQs for Hefang Street
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Hefang Street, dating back to the Tang and Song Dynasties, is one of Hangzhou’s oldest commercial streets. It represents the city’s cultural heritage, blending traditional architecture, commerce, and local customs, making it a major tourist and cultural hub.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Located in Hangzhou’s Shangcheng District near West Lake.
- Accessible by Metro Line 1 (get off at Wulin Square or Hefang Street Station).
- Public buses and taxis serve nearby stops.
- Walking from West Lake or nearby attractions is convenient.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Open daily, generally from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Evenings are lively with lights, street performances, and food stalls.
- Weekdays are less crowded than weekends and holidays.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
Hefang Street is a public street, free to enter. Some museums or teahouses along the street may charge a small fee, payable on-site or via online booking platforms.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
No advance booking is needed for the street itself. For museums or special cultural shows, 1–3 days in advance is recommended.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
- 2–4 hours to stroll, shop, eat, and visit minor attractions along the street.
- Longer if visiting multiple museums or cultural performances.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Hu Qing Yu Tang Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum.
- Historic buildings and ornate traditional shops.
- Food stalls offering Hangzhou specialties.
- Lanterns, decorative facades, and cultural displays.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
- Guided walking tours are available in Mandarin and sometimes English through travel agencies.
- Audio guides may be provided in Chinese for specific museums along the street.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- Street entrances and intersections with traditional archways.
- Lanterns and shop facades at night for colorful photography.
- Cultural performance areas for dynamic shots.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Start from one end of Hefang Street, walk along the street, stop at key shops, food stalls, and museums, then end near West Lake or the main plaza for photos.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
- Hefang Street is beautifully lit at night with lanterns and shop lights.
- Occasional cultural shows and folk performances occur in the evening.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Often crowded on weekends and public holidays.
- Weekday mornings and early afternoons are least crowded.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Public toilets are available at several points along the street.
- Numerous food stalls, restaurants, teahouses, and souvenir shops.
- Benches and rest areas are scattered along the street.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
- The street is pedestrian-friendly and mostly flat, suitable for children and elderly.
- Some shops and teahouses may have steps; accessibility for wheelchairs may be limited in older buildings.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
- Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) and cards are widely accepted; some small stalls may prefer cash.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Local Hangzhou cuisine restaurants along the street.
- Traditional teahouses offering Longjing tea and snacks.
- Cafes serving both Chinese and Western refreshments.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
- Vegetarian options available at some teahouses and local restaurants.
- Halal food is available at select eateries, but may require prior checking.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Several mid-range and boutique hotels in downtown Hangzhou.
- High-end hotels near West Lake within walking distance.
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- West Lake and its scenic spots.
- Lingyin Temple and Feilai Feng.
- Hangzhou Museum and historic bridges nearby.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Souvenir shops selling tea, silk, traditional handicrafts, and Hangzhou specialty snacks.
- Miniature traditional architecture models and postcards.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Walking to nearby West Lake attractions.
- Taxi, rideshare, or public bus to other parts of Hangzhou.
- Metro Line 1 for longer distances within the city.
