In China, some major cities have nice car-free shopping streets teemed with exciting lights, shopping and entertainment such as Beijing Wangfujing Pedestrian Stree, Shanghai Nanjing Road, Chengdu Kuan zhai Xiang Zi, Chongqing Ciqi Kou , and Lanzhou Zhangye Street, etc.
Hangzhou is no exception. Hangzhou has several walking only streets including Hefang Street (also named Qinghefang Street) and Zhongshan Road ( also named “the Royal Street of the Southern Song Dynasty” and Zhongshan Road History Culture Commercial Street as well).
The two main traditional and cultural streets form a pedestrian block reconstructing the former prime time of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279) when Hangzhou served as its capital about 800 years ago.
If you are planning your Hangzhou tour, you are highly recommended to take a stroll along the Hefang Sreet and Zhongshan Road Block. You will shop, dine and entertain in a healthy, pleasant car free outdoor enviornment.
The Hefang Street, also known as Qinghe Lane (from east to west) and Zhongshan Road ( from north to south) feed your eyes on the traditional Song Dynasty architecture s as well as the Western style buildings constructed in the years between 1912 and 1945 when China was governed by Kuomintang, the Chinese Nationalist Party.
The northern tip of Pedestrian Zhongshan Road, also named “the Royal Street of the Southern Song Dynasty”.
The Phoenix Mosque Zhongshan Road. If you are a Muslim, don’t miss the opportunity to go in and have a look.
The cobblestone road flanked by historical buildings, and Song Dynasty lamps, a feel of the ancient downtown in Hangzhou history.
The typical Southern Song Dynasty buildings – two storeys wooden structures.
All these western buildings were built during the time (1911 – 1945) when China was governed by Kuomintang, the Chinese Nationalist Party.
At the southern end of Zhongshan Road, you see a Christian Church, named Gulou Church ( or Drum Tower Church ).
Zhongshan Road is a north-south street. After walking along Zhongshan Pedestrian Road to its south end, you may retrace and turn to west at the cross road and walk along Qinghefang treet.
Typical Two-storey Buildings in Old Hangzhou seen on Hefang Street.
The famous Huqingyutang Pharmacy is also located on the pedestrian street. Huqingyutang in Hangzhou is one of the two extremely famous traditional Chinese medicine stores in China, the other being Tongrentang in Beijing.
Foreign visitors are all smiles for the photos taken a Hefang Strree.
Add-on
Pedestrian Streets in Hangzhou
Wushan Night Market in Hangzhou
Bar and Clubs at Nanshan Road
Tip: Hassle-free Hangzhou Guided Tours
If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for Hangzhou Guided Tours:
Hangzhou Tour
Hangzhou 4-Day Tour Package
Hangzhou 3-Day Tour Package
Hangzhou Private Tour
Hangzhou Theme Tour
Hangzhou Side Trips
Hangzhou Car Rental with Driver
Further Readings
Top 10 Attractions in Hangzhou
Top 10 Photography Spots in Hangzhou
Night View of West Lake in Hangzhou
The Best hiking trail in Hangzhou
The best time to visit Hangzhou
Hangzhou East Railway Station
Hangzhou Airport Arrival Hall
How to Visit Feilai Peak Grottoes in Hangzhou
Where to stay in Hangzhou
Hangzhou Bicycle Hire
Wushan Night Market in Hangzhou
Pedestrian Streets in Hangzhou
Hangzhou’s Best Bars & Nightclubs
Best Way to Visit Hangzhou from Shanghai
How to Visit Grand Canal Hangzhou
How to Visit Xiling Seal Engravers’ Society
How to Visit Liuhe Pagoda
Hangzhou Tea Plantation
How to Visit Leifeng Pagoda
How to visit Hupao Spring (Tiger Spring) Hangzhou
How to Visit Yellow Dragon Cave in Hangzhou
The Best Place to View Sunrise over West Lake Hangzhou
Any question, just drop a line.