HEFANG STREET
Continuing our tour of Hangzhou’s attractions, we’ll visit Hefang Street and the Qinghefang area. During the Southern Song Dynasty, Hangzhou was the center of China, and Hefang was already the heart of commerce back then. According to legend, after General Zhang Jun was granted the title of “County King,” he began construction of Taiping Street, now known as Hefang Street, as a testament to the importance of his rank. In order to recognize the area’s commercial and cultural significance, Zhang Jun even managed to persuade Emperor Gaozhong to visit the city. Today, Hefang is the only ancient street still standing in Hangzhou, thanks to renovations that began in 2000. Several shops having survived the Yuan, Qing, and Ming dynasties, are still in operation today. One of these is the Pan Yong Tai wool shop, founded in 1898.
Pan Yong Tai wool store
Hefang Street is home to pharmacies specializing in traditional Chinese medicine, many of which have a history dating back centuries.
- Huqingyutang was built in 1874; its 3,000-square-meter building is a nationally protected site.
- Emperor Shunzhi founded Fanghuichuntang in 1649; it is ranked among China’s top six pharmacies.
- Yezhongdetang has been in operation since 1808; in addition to traditional Chinese medicines, it sells Western medicines and provides TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) services.
Pharmacy
Chinese porcelain is famous worldwide, and of course, you can also buy both classic and modern pieces on Hefang Street. The Longquan Royal Kiln Porcelain Factory combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques in its products. Celadon, or green-glazed ceramics, has been known since 905, primarily in the southwestern part of Zhejiang Province and the northern part of Fujian Province, and the porcelain produced by the 500 kilns has become one of China’s most important export items.
Chinese porcelain
Hefang street is famous not only for its porcelain but also for its swords shops. The prestige of the Longquan swords is evidenced by the fact that, to this day, they remain a popular gift among China’s high-ranking and wealthy citizens.
Longquan swords
There are countless tea shops, silk shops, and stores selling handmade products along the street. As we walk along, we can watch as artisans create their unique works right before our eyes.
Artisans at work
One of the street’s main attractions is the large, copper-covered Buddha. His belly has been polished to a shine because many people believe that touching his belly brings good luck, while others say that those who want to have a child should touch it.
Buddha and Nirvana
If you’re hungry, you don’t have to go far. Hefang offers a wide variety of street food. You can choose to continue your walk with your favorite snack, sit down on a bench along one of the food streets, or enjoy culinary delights at a traditional little restaurant.
Street foods
Walking along Hefang Street and the smaller side streets, we arrive at the Drum Tower. The tower was built during the reign of Qian Liu and served as the southern gate of the imperial city. Its Chinese name (chao tian men) means “Gate of Heaven,” though it was renamed Gongbei during the Yuan Dynasty. Along the road leading to the gate, you can see “street sculptures” that remind you of the old cityscape. Continuing past the Drum Tower, you’ll reach a food street bustling with restaurants and snack bars during lunch and dinner hours.
Gate of the Drum tower and a Food street
If you’re planning a sightseeing tour to Hefang, don’t forget that there are other attractions in the area:
- City God Pavilion at the top of Wu Hill
- Flower and Animal Market next to Gefang Street
- West Lake
May, 2018
