Do you want to know where local people in Hangzhou visit on the weekend? This article is a comprehensive Hangzhou travel guide, featuring must-visit local gem visits in Hangzhou.

Wushan Flower, Bird & Pet Market 杭州吴山花鸟鱼虫市场

About

Wushan Flower, Bird & Pet Market(吴山花鸟鱼虫市场）is one of Hangzhou’s most famous markets for plants, pets, and traditional handicrafts. Located near Wushan Square in Shangcheng District, this bustling market is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. The market offers a unique glimpse into daily life in Hangzhou, with vendors selling flowers, birds, fish, pets, traditional Chinese medicine, jade, and handmade crafts.

Market Layout

• 1st Floor – A paradise for plant lovers! 🌿💐 You’ll find a wide selection of Chinese bonsai, seasonal flowers like lotus, and affordable green plants.
• 2nd Floor – Specializes in ornamental fish, aquarium supplies, and small pets like hamsters and rabbits. 🐠🐹
• 3rd Floor – A wholesale and retail section for traditional Chinese medicinal herbs.
• 4th Floor – Features crafts, antiques, and collectible items, perfect for those interested in Chinese culture.

Parking & Transportation

🚗 Parking: Available near the market at ¥10 per hour, spaces are very limited due to high visitor traffic. Arrive early to secure a spot.
🚇 Public Transport:

• Metro: Take Line 1 to Ding’an Road Station, then walk 10 minutes.
• Bus: Get off at Wushan Square Station.

Opening Hours

🕘 Daily: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Some stalls may close earlier).

Average Cost

🌹 10 roses cost around ¥35. Highly recommended: traditional Chinese bonsai, known for exquisite designs from Hangzhou and Suzhou.

Things to Consider

❌ Crowds & Ventilation: It can get crowded on weekends and holidays. As an indoor market, it tends to be humid with limited ventilation.

For those looking to experience authentic local life in Hangzhou, Wushan Flower, Bird & Pet Market is a must-visit! Whether you’re a plant lover, pet enthusiast, or culture explorer, this market offers a fascinating insight into daily life in China.

Huqingyutang Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum & Clinic – A Journey into Ancient Healing 胡庆余堂中药铺

About

Huqingyutang is one of Hangzhou’s most renowned traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pharmacies, clinics, and cultural landmarks. Located on Hefang Street, this historical site is a must-visit for travelers interested in China’s centuries-old healing practices. The museum inside Huqingyutang provides an interactive learning experience for international visitors, offering insights into traditional remedies and treatments. Check my other blog post for TCM visit experience and cost here: Seek-Chinese-Medicine-Treatment-in-Hangzhou-at-Local-Tcm-Clinic

History

Founded in 1874 by the famous Qing Dynasty merchant Hu Xueyan, Huqingyutang is one of China’s oldest and most well-preserved TCM pharmacies. Known as the “King of Medicine in Jiangnan”, this historic institution remains a fully operational TCM clinic and pharmacy, offering high-quality herbs and treatments.

Main Attractions & Services

✔️ Traditional Chinese Pharmacy: A vast selection of herbs, tonics, and wellness products such as ginseng, lingzhi (reishi mushrooms), and ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin). 🌿💊
✔️ TCM Clinic: Offers herbal consultations, acupuncture, moxibustion, and personalized prescriptions from professional Chinese medicine doctors.
✔️ Chinese Medicine Museum: Showcases the history, culture, and craftsmanship of TCM, including ancient medicinal tools and herb specimens.

Museum & Clinic Layout

• 1st Floor: Pharmacy & treatment rooms with a display of medicinal herbs and ready-to-use TCM products.
• 2nd Floor: TCM Museum, featuring antique herbal processing tools, historic documents, and interactive exhibits.
• Back Courtyard: Traditional TCM workshop, demonstrating herbal preparation and pill-making techniques.

Parking & Transportation

🚗 Parking: Available nearby, but Hefang Street is a busy tourist area with limited parking. Using DiDi (China’s Uber) or public transport is recommended.
🚇 Public Transport:

• Metro: Take Line 1 to Ding’an Road Station, then walk 10 minutes.
• Bus: Get off at Hefang Street Station.

Opening Hours

🏥 Clinic & Pharmacy: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Daily).
🏛 Museum: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays).

Average Cost

💰 TCM Products: Prices range from CNY¥50 to ¥1000+, depending on the herb or supplement. Check my other blog post for TCM visit experience and cost here: Seek-Chinese-Medicine-Treatment-in-Hangzhou-at-Local-Tcm-Clinic
💊 Consultation & Treatment: Registration fee is ¥15-70, with additional charges for herbs and therapy.
🎟 Museum Entrance: Free admission.

Why Visit?

✔️ Rich Cultural Heritage: Experience a 150-year-old pharmacy and China’s traditional healing wisdom.
✔️ Authentic & High-Quality Herbs: Guaranteed premium-grade ingredients from a trusted TCM brand.
✔️ Unique Learning Experience: Explore the TCM museum to understand ancient healing techniques and the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine.

Things to Consider

❌ Language Barrier: Doctors and staff speak only Chinese. If you require medical consultation, bring a translator or a Chinese-speaking friend.
❌ Long-Term Treatment: Herbal medicine typically requires at least 7 days of use, and some treatments (e.g., acupuncture) may need multiple sessions. Discuss with the doctor for a suitable treatment plan.
❌ Carrying Medicine Abroad: Prescription herbs are not easy to transport internationally. Huqingyutang offers a grinding service for powdered herbs, but you may need customs clearance and an ingredient declaration when traveling abroad.

Huqingyutang is the best place in Hangzhou to explore traditional Chinese medicine. Whether you’re interested in natural remedies, herbal treatments, or cultural history, this historic pharmacy and museum offers a one-of-a-kind experience for international travelers.

Dama Nong Farmers’ Market – A Taste of Local Life in Hangzhou大马弄农贸市场

About

Dama Nong Farmers’ Market is a traditional local market in Hangzhou, located in Shangcheng District. It is a vibrant spot filled with the authentic atmosphere of local life, making it a great place to experience real Hangzhou culture.

What to Expect

This market specializes in fresh ingredients, including vegetables, fruits, seafood, meat, and ready-to-eat local delicacies. You’ll also find famous Hangzhou street snacks such as Cong Bao Hui (scallion pancake with crispy fried dough) and Ding Sheng Gao (sweet rice cake). If visiting in the right season, don’t miss fresh bamboo shoots, spring vegetables, and handcrafted rice wine.

Parking & Transportation

🚗 Parking: Limited spaces available near the market. Public transportation is recommended.
🚇 Metro: Take Line 5 to Houchao Gate Station (Exit C), then walk 5 minutes.

Opening Hours

🕕 Daily: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (The market is busiest in the morning. Some vendors close after 2:00 PM).

Average Cost

💰 Flexible budget: Fresh produce is affordable, and street food costs around ¥10-20 per portion.

Visiting Tips

✔️ Morning Market Experience: Visit between 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM for the liveliest atmosphere and the freshest produce.
✔️ Try Local Snacks: Taste Hangzhou’s signature street food, such as Cong Bao Hui and braised delicacies.
✔️ Be Prepared: The market can get muddy on rainy days, so wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
✔️ Follow the Locals: Elderly Hangzhou residents know the best deals – watch and learn from them!

Qianjiang Clothing & Fabric Market – The Best Place for Custom Qipaos Dress in Hangzhou钱江服装小商品城

About

Qianjiang Clothing & Fabric Market is a hidden gem for fashion lovers, offering affordable fabrics, stylish women’s clothing, and custom-tailored qipaos (cheongsams). Located at 456 Shangtang Road, Gongshu District, this market is a must-visit for those looking to buy unique clothing or get a tailored outfit in Hangzhou.

Transportation

🚇 Metro: Take Line 3 to Daguan Station (Exit D), then walk 800 meters.
🚗 Parking: Available on the rooftop parking lot with ample spaces, suitable for self-driving visitors.

Market Layout

• 1st Floor: Men’s & women’s clothing, children’s wear, underwear, accessories, home goods, wedding supplies, toys, plush dolls, small appliances, stationery, home textiles, carpets, and nail art.
• 2nd Floor: Shoes, Korean-style fashion, outdoor & sportswear, home essentials, specialty foods, and potted plants.
• 3rd Floor: Trendy fashion, vintage & unique clothing, luggage, fresh-cut flowers, and pet stores (cats, dogs, birds, fish, rabbits).
• Fabric & Tailoring Area: Located in Section 1 on the 3rd Floor, offering fabric retail and custom tailoring services.

Shopping Tips

✔️ Affordable Fashion: Clothes on the 1st floor are budget-friendly (¥60-200 per item). Most vendors expect bargaining—start at half the asking price!
✔️ Outdoor & Sportswear: The 2nd floor has affordable outdoor gear and hiking outfits.
✔️ Must-Visit Store: Xidong General Store (Open until 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays) – Sells vintage tableware, retro dolls, decorative items, and fridge magnets at ¥10 for 3 small items, ¥20-40 for larger pieces.
✔️ Trendy & Vintage Clothing: The 3rd floor offers everything from classic styles to bold fashion trends, with clothing priced between ¥25-300, and some great finds for just ¥10!

Average Cost

💰 Prices range from a few yuan to several hundred yuan, making it suitable for travelers on any budget.

Visiting Tips

✔️ Bargaining Strategy: Most vendors allow bargaining—start at 50%-70% of the quoted price.
✔️ Best Shopping Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM is the busiest time, with the widest variety of products.
✔️ Crowd Awareness: The market can get crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings.
✔️ Tailoring Timeline: Custom qipaos and other garments take 5-10 days to complete. If you’re on a short trip, buy fabric instead and take it to a tailor in your home country.

Hope this Hangzhou travel guide help you find the most unique and local places in Hangzhou. Dive into unique cultural experiences in China, learn about traditional Chinese medicine in China at renowned shops like Hu Qing Yu Tang. For shoppers, uncover the best markets in Hangzhou and find out where to shop in Hangzhou for everything from local handicrafts to modern fashion. Happy visiting!