Silk, Souvenirs and Shirt Shopping in Hangzhou, China - 24-Hour Travel Guide
Traditional calligraphy prints on display on Hefang Street
Evening lights on busy Yan'an Road, Hangzhou's modern shopping district
The spectacular views of Hangzhou from 360º Revolving Restaurant at the Friendship Hotel
Thousands of silk products await you at Hangzhou Silk Market
Overview - As the capital city of one of China’s richest provinces, Hangzhou is a shopping paradise. From traditional silk garments to ancient Chinese gifts to modern name-brands, Hangzhou has it all!
Breakfast - Just across from your hotel, the Vienna Coffeehouse is a lovely place to start the day. Have a cup of strong Viennese coffee and a piece of coffeecake before you head out for your long day of shopping.
Morning - You’ll spend the first part of the morning at Hefang Street, a Qing Dynasty-themed street. It’s best to get there early before the crowds pick up. You find an antique-style calligraphy print and a traditional jade bracelet. As the morning wears on, you make your way up Yan’an Road, the main drag through downtown. The street is lined with shoe shops, department stores and designers like Gucci and Prada.
Lunch - After making your way up Yan’an Road, you’ll stop into the Old Deity Noodle Restaurant on Fengqi Road for a piping hot bowl of traditional Chinese noodle soup. The thick noodles and salty broth mixed with large chunks of wild vegetables revive you for another round of shopping in the afternoon.
Afternoon - Hangzhou Silk City is the place to go for a wonderful afternoon of shopping and general meandering. This market street is full of wholesale silk vendors, small shops and upmarket silkeries. A Hangzhou staple, you’ll find silk fabrics, scarves and other goods like wine bottle covers, shoes and purses in the many shops available here. You might even have your own suit or dress tailored for you in the fabric of your choice while you wait!
Dinner - All shopped-out, your evening begins with a dinner splurge at the 360º Revolving Restaurant. Situated on the 20th floor of the Hangzhou Friendship Hotel. During your leisurely 2-hour meal, you see the entire city from above and enjoy steak, traditional Chinese roast duck and many other tasty treats.
After Dark - Put on your fanciest outfit for an evening of Chinese performance at the Hangzhou Grand Theatre. This multi-purpose concert hall shows all types of performances, from classical music to musical drama and art. Your ticket tonight is for a traditional Peking opera staging of a poem, complete with enthralling period costumes and live symphony music!
Sleep - Tonight, you’re staying at the Lily Hotel, a sweet and comfortable inn with all the usual modern conveniences. Your booking includes a free buffet breakfast of both Chinese and western foods. The best thing about this hotel, though, is its central location on Shuguang Lu. Situated just 5 minutes walking from the scenic West Lake and only 10 minutes from all of your shopping destinations, the Lily Hotel provides a nearby spot to drop off your many bags of new purchases!
Tags: Shopping, opera, silk, revolving restaurant