Hefang Street, Hangzhou (must see)

This traditional shopping street began taking shape during the Southern Song period, when it grew into a busy trading area near the former imperial zone. It was a place where merchants, craftsmen, and local residents met daily to buy goods and share news. Although many buildings have been repaired over time, the street still follows its old layout, with narrow shopfronts opening directly onto the walkway, showing how business and daily life once mixed closely together.

Most buildings follow traditional Chinese design, with white walls, dark wooden beams, and tiled roofs. Many shops have wooden signboards with vertical writing. Long-established businesses sell herbal medicine, silk, tea, and handmade goods. Traditional pharmacies stand out, with wooden drawers, metal scales, and remedies prepared by hand, showing how traditional medicine is still practiced today.

Food is a big part of the experience. Small stalls and simple restaurants sell local snacks such as sesame cakes, dumplings, candied fruit, and herbal drinks. Many foods are linked to regional habits and seasonal celebrations. Cooking often happens in open spaces, so visitors can watch how dishes are made, making the street feel active and lived-in rather than carefully staged.

As evening approaches, lanterns and shop lights create a warmer atmosphere. The street stays busy but remains easy to walk through. Locals and visitors browse shops, eat snacks, and sit in teahouses. Even though tourism plays a role today, the street still reflects how traditional commercial areas worked as shared spaces for shopping, eating, and everyday social life.