Discovering Qinghefang Ancient Street: Step Back to the Past
Nestled at the northern foot of Wu Hill, Qinghefang Ancient Street offers you a captivating portal into Hangzhou’s past. It’s the city’s oldest and best-preserved historic pedestrian street, and this 460-meter-long lane buzzes with the energy of Chinese traditional architecture and authentic local culture.
Your visit here is more than just shopping. It’s a tour through those layers of Hangzhou’s history, from its days as the Southern Song Dynasty capital to its present status as a vivid textbook of Hangzhou culture. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of an ancient Chinese street, Qinghefang Street is an essential stop on any Hangzhou tour.
Quick Hangzhou Qinghefang Ancient Street Facts
A Stroll Through History: The Story of Qinghefang Street
Being one of the oldest streets and the only well-persevered antique historic street in Hangzhou City, Qinghefang Ancient Street got its name in the Southern Song Dynasty and became prosperous in the Qing Dynasty.
After Hangzhou had been chosen as the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty, Qinghefang became a traditional Chinese medicine street in Hangzhou and witnessed many luxurious residences and prosperous restaurants, teahouses, and stores, such as Hu Qing Yu Tang Pharmacy (胡庆余堂).
Its name, which has endured for centuries, reflects this rich heritage. While it thrived in subsequent dynasties, the Qinghefang old street you see today is primarily a careful restoration of the Ming and Qing dynasty buildings that once stood here, preserving the area’s unique street culture and architectural legacy. This makes Qinghefang Street become a living museum and the only well-preserved antique historic street in downtown Hangzhou.
What to See: Highlights of Qinghefang Pedestrian Street
Is Qinghefang Ancient Street touristy? The answer is yes. The charm of Qinghefang Street lies in its authentic details and historic establishments.
Historic Architecture & Wooden Shopfronts
Is Qinghefang Ancient Street worth visiting? You should look around the well-preserved wooden shopfronts, upturned eaves, and intricate carvings transport you to another era.
Around the Qinghefang Street, you should not miss the Deshou Palace (德寿宫). It served as the residence of Emperor Gaozong of Song, the first emperor of the Southern Song Dynasty. As an early Southern Song garden, it holds transitional significance, making it the most crucial case study for understanding Southern Song imperial gardens in ancient Chinese garden history.
In winter, the plum blossoms at Deshou Palace offer a uniquely breathtaking sight in Hangzhou. Additionally, visitors planning to tour Deshou Palace on weekends or holidays must make reservations one day in advance via the official mini-program.
Time-Honored Brands
These old brands are the soul of the street. During your Hangzhou tour, don’t miss legendary old shops in Qinghefang Street.
Among the street, the Hu Qing Yu Tang Pharmacy is this majestic traditional Chinese medicine street landmark. This pharmacy, founded by Qing Dynasty merchant Hu Xueyan, stands as Hangzhou’s largest and China’s best-preserved late Qing Dynasty industrial complex. It serves not only as a pharmacy but also as a museum of traditional Chinese medicine.
The characters “Jie Qi” (Avoid Deception) above its entrance serve as its signature. Upon entering, you can sample a free cup of herbal tea: a traditional Chinese medicinal beverage to experience the wisdom of Chinese wellness practices.
>> Recommend you 2 Days Hangzhou Culture Tour
Cultural Museums on Qinghefang Street
Step off the main drag, and you will discover a small museum named the Zhu Bingren Bronze Sculpture Art Museum (also called “Jiangnan Copper House”).
This museum offers free admission. As China’s sole museum dedicated to bronze sculptures, its entire building, from doors and windows to furniture, is crafted from bronze, creating a truly awe-inspiring experience.
The museum is divided into two sections. On the first floor, you can pay 50 yuan to try your hand at creating a copper rubbing print or collect limited-edition postmarks from the museum’s art post office at no cost.
On the second floor and above, you’ll admire countless bronze sculptures and appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient techniques.
Things to Do on Qinghefang Ancient Street
What to buy on Qinghefang Ancient Street?
Qinghefang Street is the perfect place to find a meaningful gift. Here, you cannot miss these gems from the old shops, such as Wang Xing Ji Fan Store, a traditional fan-making handicraft shop famous for its sandalwood and black paper fans.
And Zhang Xiao Quan Scissors, founded in 1633, is renowned across China for the outstanding quality of its scissors and knives.
Savoring Local Food
On the street, just follow your nose to taste iconic Hangzhou snacks. Especially, you shouldn’t miss Dingsheng cakes, a cake specially crafted during the Southern Song Dynasty to inspire soldiers before battle in Jiangshunfang Bakery.
For staple food, you can try Panfangchun’s pan-fried dumplings and small wontons to savor authentic Hangzhou flavors.
>> Learn more about Hangzhou Food: Must-eat Dishes and Best Restaurants
Experiencing the Night Market
After 6:30 PM is the prime time to explore Qinghefang Street. As dusk falls, the Qinghefang pedestrian street takes on a magical glow.
The night market comes alive with illuminated historic buildings like the Drum Tower, food stalls, and a lively atmosphere that showcases “Southern Song Dynasty charm” with a modern twist.
How to Get to Qinghefang Ancient Street
Qinghefang Street is very accessible. The easiest way is to take Hangzhou Metro Line 1 to Ding’an Road Station, leave from Exit C, and walk south for about 10 minutes. Numerous public buses (e.g., routes 8, 60, and 127) also stop at “Qinghefang” or the nearby “Gulou” (Drum Tower) Station.
Explore More of Hangzhou with Easy Tour China
Qinghefang Ancient Street is just the beginning of your Hangzhou tour. To fully experience this region, just let Easy Tour China help you design the perfect itinerary, combining the history of Qinghefang Old Street Hangzhou with West Lake or a visit to the spiritual Lingyin Temple. Here are some recommended Hangzhou itineraries.
