Hangzhou Tower (Wulin Square)

Hangzhou Tower is a large department store anchoring Wulin Square in the heart of Hangzhou's Xihu District, functioning as one of the city's principal upscale shopping destinations rather than a market or street bazaar. The store's brand mix spans mid-range to luxury fashion, cosmetics, and accessories, with international and domestic labels occupying multiple floors, plus dedicated luxury goods sections for higher-end shoppers. As a department store, Hangzhou Tower sells authenticated, brand-sourced merchandise rather than the mixed authentic-to-trinket ratio found in street markets, so shoppers are not exposed to counterfeit risk in the way they might be at open-air stalls. Prices are fixed throughout, and bargaining is not part of the shopping culture inside; payment is accepted by cash, card, and mobile payment apps, and eligible purchases by international visitors can qualify for China's departure tax refund scheme at designated refund counters, which is not available at street markets nearby. The surrounding Wulin Square area is one of Hangzhou's busiest commercial districts, drawing heavy foot traffic especially on weekends and evenings, when the square's fountains and public space add to the crowd. Dining options are extensive, both inside the store's food floors and among the many restaurants and cafes surrounding the square. The must-visit sections are the ground-floor cosmetics and accessories halls, which carry the widest range of international beauty brands, and the upper floors dedicated to fashion labels.