The historic Hefang Old Street, located at the foot of the scenic Wu Hill in 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, it’s a snapshot of the city s history.

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

Walking along Hefang Street, you can enjoy shopping and snacking. Known also as the Snack Street for the diverse food it served, Hefang 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.

Hefang Old Street also displays 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. The 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 Hefang Street come alive with charm and whimsy.