Qinghefang Ancient Street

Introducing Qinghefang Ancient Street
The historic Qinghefang Ancient Street, located at the foot of the scenic Wu Hill of southern Hangzhou and quite close to the famous West Lake, overflows with culture in an urban setting. As one of the best preserved urban areas of ancient Hangzhou, Qinghefang Ancient Street is a snapshot of the city’s history.

Qinghefang Ancient Street Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Qinghefang Jie 清河坊街
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Shopping, Cuisine
• Opening Hours: 24 hours
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: Hefang Street, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province

What to expect at Qinghefang Ancient Street

Hangzhou was China’s capital during the Southern Song Dynasty more than 800 years ago, and Hangzhou’s urban Qinghefang Ancient Street has many shops, restaurants and taverns that represent its place in history. Qinghefang Ancient Street has stood the test of time, surviving through the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. Today Qinghefang Ancient Street is still a prosperous marketplace. Most of the businesses and shops at Qinghefang Ancient Street are over 100 years old. Qinghefang Ancient Street wasn’t only the heart of old Hangzhou but was also the commercial center in ancient China.

Walking along Qinghefang Ancient Street, you can enjoy shopping and snacking. Known also as the Snack Street for the diverse food it serves, Qinghefang Ancient Street clearly concentrates on cuisine from all around the country, while simultaneously highlighting local flavors. This place is for street food junkies. People eagerly dart from stall to stall, buying some great snacks and treats and munching away as they seek out the next interesting flavors with which to indulge their palates.

Qinghefang Ancient Street also showcases a variety of unique Chinese crafts, such as land-blown sugar candy, paper-cutting and hand-made dough figurines. You’ll also find a large variety of local snacks, such as roasted walnuts and dragon-whisker candy. Qinghefang Ancient Street is full of art hawkers, candy sculptors, pillow shops, caricaturists, old-fashioned movie players, storytellers, bonsai shops, teahouses, and an array of small eateries, making Qinghefang Ancient Street come alive with charm and whimsy.

How to get to Qinghefang Ancient Street

By Bus
• Take Bus No. 8, 117, 127, 195, 510 or 8208 and get off at Qinghefang Station.
• Take Bus No. 8, 13, 59, 71, 87, 190, 195, 198, 301, 308, 315, 352, 404, 510, 514, 801, 808, 534 or Tourist Line 6 and get off at Gulou Station.

By Metro
• Take Metro line 1 and get off at Ding’an Road (Exit C).

Additional travel advice on Qinghefang Ancient Street
• Please take care of your belongings on the street as there are always many visitors.
• Qinghefang Ancient Street offers a better view with the red lanterns at night.