Tucked along the east bank of the Puyiang River, Yiqiao Old Street is a captivating lane stretching north to south, with narrow alleys branching off on both sides, resembling the pattern of a turtle shell.
In its heyday, the street pulsed with activity, its shops overflowing with essentials—groceries, bedding, clothing, straw mats, sandals, cookware, and sewing supplies. Barbers, herbalists, shoe cobblers, and locksmiths plied their trades, catering to every need.
During festivals, Yiqiao Old Street became a lively bazaar, thronged with visitors. Its bookstores, barber shops, and photo studios linger as cherished memories for locals who grew up here.
From the Ming Dynasty, Yiqiao was celebrated for its unique “guotang” trade, a system of over-pond transport akin to modern logistics. Goods from Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Fuyang were hauled ashore by porters and sent to Ningbo, Shaoxing, and Shangyu. The street thrived as a bustling dock, alive with commerce.
The rise of the Zhejiang-Jiangxi Railway diminished water transport, and Yiqiao’s guotang trade faded. Today, the Hangzhou-Ningbo Grand Canal has breathed new life into the street’s upper section near the new dam gate, where activity hums once again.
Wander Yiqiao Old Street to uncover Hangzhou’s timeless heritage—a vibrant slice of history awaiting curious travelers.