Hefang Street, also known as Qinghefang Ancient Street, is a pedestrian shopping street in Hangzhou's Shangcheng District dating back to the Southern Song dynasty, when it served as a commercial thoroughfare near the imperial palace. Today the street is lined with restored Qing-dynasty-style shopfronts housing traditional medicine shops, teahouses, silk and fan vendors, snack stalls, and small museums, including the well-known Hu Qing Yu Tang traditional Chinese medicine museum and pharmacy, still operating from its original 1874 building. Side alleys branch off the main street into quieter lanes with smaller crafts shops and local snack vendors selling items such as fried stinky tofu, sugar paintings, and hand-pulled candy. Walking the full length of the street, including a few of the side alleys and a stop at one of the small museums, takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The street is at its most atmospheric in the early evening, when red lanterns and shopfront lighting come on and the crowd shifts from daytime shoppers to evening strollers. Hefang Street draws heavy foot traffic year-round, particularly on weekends and holidays, when the main thoroughfare can become densely packed; visiting on a weekday afternoon or in the early evening before peak dinner hours gives more room to browse the shops.
| Admission | Adult Free to walk the street; individual shops and small museums charge separately · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours; most shops operate 9:00 AM-10:00 PM |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time | Early evening, when lanterns and shopfronts light up along the pedestrian street |
| Getting there | Bus 8, 25, or Y2 to Hefang Street stop; Metro Line 1 to Dingan Road Station |
| Address | Hefang Street, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310002, China |
Weather through the year in Zhejiang
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Zhejiang.
Location
Hefang Street, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310002, China
30.2412, 120.1660 View on map
Highlights
- Restored Qing-dynasty shopfronts on a street dating to the Southern Song dynasty
- Hu Qing Yu Tang traditional medicine museum and pharmacy, operating since 1874
- Local snack vendors selling stinky tofu, sugar paintings, and hand-pulled candy
- Quieter side alleys branching off the main pedestrian street
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the early evening when lanterns and shopfronts light up
- Try snacks from street vendors rather than the more touristy restaurants
- Duck into side alleys off the main street for quieter shopping
- Bargaining is common in smaller souvenir shops but not in fixed-price stores
- Weekday afternoons are less crowded than weekends and holidays
When to visit
Early evening, when lanterns and shopfront lighting create the street's most atmospheric setting.
Accessibility
The main street is paved and mostly flat, suitable for wheelchairs, though it can be crowded and some side alleys are narrower and uneven.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Hefang Street take?
Walking the street and a few side alleys, with a stop at one of the museums, takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is Hefang Street worth visiting with children?
Yes; the street food, crafts stalls, and lively atmosphere generally appeal to children, though it can get crowded.
Is photography allowed on Hefang Street?
Yes, photography is unrestricted on the public street, though individual shops and museums may have their own rules.
Is there an entrance fee for Hefang Street?
No, walking the street is free; only individual shops and small museums along it charge separately.