Hangzhou, one of China's most dynamic cities, is a pearl in the Yangtze River Delta. Shopping in Hangzhou
is no longer limited to local specialties such as China silk, tea, and lotus root starch. Today modern offerings
abound in various shops, stores, supermarkets, and plazas that crowd the commercial center.
First of all, do you know the specialties of Hangzhou?
Silk
Hangzhou is well known for producing excellent silks, including satins. Throughout its long history, a variety
of Hangzhou silks and satins have been sold throughout the world. The best place for purchasing silk in
Hangzhou is at Hangzhou Silk City, the biggest silk wholesale and retail market in China with more than
600 silk enterprises dealing in a wide variety of pure silk fabrics, garments, handicraft articles, scarves, and
ties. The shoppers there not only do business on the mainland, but also export their silk products to Europe,
America, Australia, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. The market is distinguished as offering standardized
management, reliable quality, and reasonable prices. It is located at No.253 Xinhua Road (at the intersection
of Fengqi Road, Tiyuchang Road, and Xinhua Road). You can get to the site by bus No.11 and 28.
People are picking up Longjing tea.
Stir-drying Tea
Hangzhou Longjing Tea (Dragon Well Tea) is considered China's best. It is not only famous for its unique
green color, fragrant aroma, sweet taste, and flat appearance, but is also regarded as a health elixir. The
tea falls into different grades; the best is the first pick of a year, normally in late March or early April.
Besides its good quality, Longjing Tea also enjoys a famous long history. If you are interested in tea culture
and history, Meijiawu Village in West Lake District is the ideal spot where you can have a cup of tea,
watch a tea ceremony, and select tea under professional guidance.
In addition to specialties, you ought to visit some famous shopping streets in Hangzhou. I'm sure Hangzhou
has the capacity to satisfy what you need and want.
Qinghefang Street, one of the most famous historic streets in Hangzhou, reflects features of the Southern Song
Dynasty (1127-1279). Most preserved buildings are from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Strolling on this street,
you will be attracted by the antique buildings and local crafts, such as silk parasols, brocades, noted Zhang
Xiaoquan scissors and Hangzhou fans.
Yanan Road is considered the Number One Street in Hangzhou. Three-thousand-meter-long Yanan Road
running between the north and south sections of Hangzhou has become the city's commercial center.
Along the road include the grand buildings of the Zhejiang Provincial Great Hall of the People, Hangzhou
Culture Center, Victory Theatre, International Mansion, Hangzhou Department Store, Hangzhou Grand
Hotel, and Haifeng Western Restaurant. Bordering the north end of Yanan Road is Wulin Square, the new
center of culture and commerce where towers and skyscrapers are springing up, including Hangzhou
Telecom Building, Zhejiang Provincial Exhibition Hall, Hangzhou Shopping Center, Hangzhou Theatre, and
Zhejiang Provincial Science and Technology Museum.
