Qinghefang Ancient Street

Qinghefang (Hefang Street) is Hangzhou's best-preserved historic commercial street, dating back to the Southern Song Dynasty. The pedestrian-only lane is lined with traditional Chinese architecture housing pharmacies (Hu Qing Yu Tang, established 1874, is the most famous), tea houses, silk shops, calligraphy studios, and street food stalls. It's touristy but genuinely atmospheric — especially in the evening when lanterns light up and the crowds thin. Try the local snacks: Dingsheng cake, scallion pancakes, and West Lake lotus root starch.