The beauty of a city not only lies in the unparalleled scenery but also in its unique culture and history.
Those century-old stores have witnessed the changes of the city; those ancient buildings in memories have survived many seasons, and the best things of the city often gather in one single street.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China recently released the list of the first 55 national tourism and leisure blocks, and Qinghefang Historical and Cultural Block in Shangcheng District of Hangzhou appeared on the list.
Qinghefang Historical and Cultural Block
Maybe it is hard for you to imagine why a single street has such a magic power that not only brings together all the great food of Hangzhou, but also restores the historical and cultural landscapes of the city.
To visitors to Hangzhou, Hefang Street is just an ancient street, but to local people, it is filled with their childhood memories. The “Five Famous Hangzhou Specialties,” namely Hangzhou scissors, Hangzhou fans, Hangzhou face powder, Hangzhou tobacco and Hangzhou silk threads, are all from this street.
After the Southern Song Dynasty established Hangzhou as its capital, a nine-mile-long imperial city and a ten-mile-long “heavenly street” were built based on Fenghuang Mountain, creating a special layout of Hangzhou with the imperial city in the front connected with the marketplace in the back. And Qinghefang was where the “back market” was situated.
Hefang Street is always buzzing with activities. Many local people and tourists come here to see folk artists show off their skills as the place has the most approachable folk culture in the city and is a microcosm of Hangzhou's long history and culture.
Whenever you go, you will see flocks of visitors, very bustling and lively. But still, there are new things to be discovered.
At night, Hefang Street always shows the hustle and bustle of the old days, being at the foot of the imperial city. The outlines of the yellow tiles, bluish white horse-head walls and shiny archways are blurred. They look even more charming under the bright lights.
Explore the Century-Old Brands
The old stone-paved street is always crowded with visitors. And there are many old stores, teahouses and restaurants on both sides.
Hu Qing Yu Tang Chinese Pharmacy 胡庆余堂
Hu Qing Yu Tang is one of the must-visit spots for tourists. When you walk into the lobby, you will see a constant stream of customers. A plaque with four Chinese characters "真不二价" which means "Fair Prices and No Fakes" hangs above the lobby, while another plaque with two Chinese characters "戒欺" which means "No Cheat" hangs facing the inner hall. This is the iron rule of Hu Qing Yu Tang's pharmaceutical industry and the reason why it has become a time-honored Chinese brand.
Wang Xingji Fans 王星记扇庄
Hangzhou is a city famous for making fans. Many fan makers have gathered here since the Southern Song Dynasty. It has been 145 years since Wang Xingzhai established Wang Xingji Fans in Qinghefang in 1875. Wang Xingji's fan-making techniques are included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage projects and the first batch of traditional handicraft industry revitalization projects.
Zhang Xiaoquan Scissors 张小泉剪刀
It is said that Zhang Xiaoquan scissors became a tribute to the imperial court in the reign of Emperor Qianlong. "As fast as the wind and as smooth as oil, cut the territory into beautiful scenery," the famous playwright Tian Han once wrote a hymn when he visited Zhang Xiaoquan Scissors Factory.
Wanlong Hams 万隆火腿庄
In Hangzhou, there is a saying which goes that the best pickled product comes from Wanlong. Wanlong is famous for its hams and pickled products, especially Jinhua hams using two-end-black pigs. It is said that Lu Xun visited Wanlong many times when he was teaching at the Two-Level Normal School Established by Zhejiang Government, now Hangzhou Normal University.
Walk through the Old Lanes
Most of the existing ancient buildings in Qinghefang were built in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. The brick pavement, the antique buildings on both sides of the street, the flying eaves and the windows with open carvings make it look like an ancient town.
Southern Song Dynasty Imperial Street 南宋御街
As a main street in then Lin'an, the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty, it was also a special road used by the emperor when he went to worship his ancestors at Jingling Palace. There are still cultural relics unearthed displayed on the street. Shiwukui Lane and Dama Lane behind the street are full of the liveliness of secular life that belongs exclusively to Hangzhou of the old days.
City God Pavilion 城隍阁
When you are in Qinghefang, you should go up to the top of Wushan Hill. Standing at the top, you can enjoy a great panoramic view of the city including Qiantang River, the West Lake and the surrounding mountains. Su Dongpo once said, "When a visitor from Sichuan Province comes to Jiangnan, he will always remember how great Wushan Hill is." Endorsed by Su Dongpo, it is truly worth visiting. In addition, you can also drink tea in the City God Pavilion on the hill.
Eat Yummy Food
An ancient street is never short of yummy food. So is Qinghefang. There are countless traditional cuisines such as Dingsheng Cake, Congbaohui, Pickled Pork Streamed with River Prawns, Lake Crabs Cooked with Herbal Medicine and Beggar's Chicken which emits a strong aroma when only a small piece is torn off.
Congbaohui 葱包桧
“If you do not eat Congbaohui when you come to Hangzhou, it is a waste of time even if you explore the West Lake fully.” Roasted green onions and a half of Chinese fried dough are wrapped in thin dough and flattened. It is often eaten in pairs and sweet and spicy sauces will be prepared by the stalls. Take a big bite. The sweet taste is mixed with a hint of spiciness, and a sense of satisfaction is felt immediately!
Wushan Roast Chicken 吴山烤鸡
Wushan Roast Chicken is an iconic dish of Hangzhou. Everyone in Hangzhou knows it. It should be eaten when it is still hot. Only then, the crispness of the skin and the unique tenderness of the chicken are shown perfectly.
Hangzhou Marinated Duck 杭州酱鸭
As a classic marinated product of Hangzhou, Marinated Duck is a famous traditional dish in Hangzhou. Every year, local people have the tradition of making marinated duck. They often marinate 3 to 4 ducks, 1 to 1.5 kg pork and a few quails and crucian carps and use them as side dishes. All have a very pleasant taste.
Apart from these, there are varieties of celebrity residences, bookstores, museums and collections in Qinghefang that will not only broaden your horizon, but also give you a better understanding of Hangzhou's history!