The old streets and alleys of Jiangnan, which are characterized by white walls, gray tiles, exquisite pavilions, courtyards and canals, are hidden in the corners of the city, exuding the most authentic local lifestyle. Despite the hustle and bustle and towering skyscrapers outside, this place remains quaint, peaceful, pure, and simple. And Wuliu Lane is such a typical yet special place.
01 The Remaining Ancient Charm of the Southern Song Dynasty
Wuliu Lane, named after the "Wuliu Garden," a royal mini garden built during the Southern Song Dynasty. According to the "Hangzhou City Annals," Wuliu Lane was once the residence of Emperor Zhao Shen of the Song Dynasty before he came to the throne and also the birthplace of Emperor Guangzong and Emperor Ningzong.
In the Southern Song Dynasty, many relatives of the royal family and high-ranking officials frequented Wuliu Lane, making it a bustling commercial area. Although its prosperity has faded over time, the ancient charm still remains.
The entrance of Chengtou Lane on the west side of the block was originally the site of Chongxin Gate, the eastern gate of Hangzhou Ancient City in the Song Dynasty. During the Wuyue and the Five Dynasties period before the Song Dynasty, Chongxin Gate was known as Nantu Gate and was said to be the place where ancient sea salt was boiled.
The old lane is home to many historical relics, including Linong buildings preserved from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, as well as old houses from the 1970s and 1980s, making it one of the most authentic cultural heritage in Hangzhou.
Walk along the ancient lane and explore Donghe River. Wuliu Lane has become an important historical landmark that reflects the lives of ordinary people in Hangzhou during the late Qing Dynasty and early Ming Dynasty.
Here, you can experience the ancient charm of the Southern Song Dynasty, the historical accumulation of the Republic of China, and the lively modern life of the city.
Along the street, you will often see elderly people sitting and resting in front of their homes, as well as young people leisurely enjoying afternoon tea in front of cafes.
The old residential buildings and the peaceful residents there seem to have frozen the time in the past. Despite the long history, they still retain their original authenticity. Despite the passage of time, they remain unchanged. Having experienced the vicissitudes of life, they yet still preserve their original flavor.
02 Water Bus Line 7
Above the Donghe River in Wuliu Lane, there is a dock called Donghe Meihuabei Station, which is a stop on the Hangzhou Water Bus Line 7. The Water Bus Line 7 has a boat design that is full of ancient charm and is known as the "most beautiful water bus."
The boat’s shuttle route passes through many significant stone bridges, such as Baoshan Bridge, Caishi Bridge, and Doufu Bridge... The black water marks and moss on the stone bridges are like a watercolor painting that has gone through the years, and the composition is extremely beautiful under the shade of trees on the shore!
The boat drivers all have many years of experience and the boat moves very smoothly. This is exactly a slow-paced lifestyle that people aspire to.
Sometimes the boat sails in the river, and sometimes it is moored. When sailing, it is light and fast, and when moored, it is leisurely and elegant. Sometimes there is only one boat, and sometimes there are many boats together swaying gently. Sitting on the boat, you feel very interesting, as if traveling back to the good old days of the Jiangnan in the Southern Song Dynasty in an instant.
There is still a strong flavor of life on both sides of the river, with people angling, walking, or just leisurely sunbathing.
If you want to avoid popular tourist attractions and enjoy quiet and niche scenery, you can come here by water bus. You can chat casually, and enjoy the scenery slowly. It is so pleasant.