Hidden Hangzhou: West Lake, Silk Culture & Artisan Alleyways

Southern Song Imperial Street & Hefang Street: Wander through the old commercial heart of Hangzhou. This lively pedestrian street still echoes with the spirit of the Southern Song Dynasty—lined with time-honored shops, traditional pharmacies, teahouses, and handicraft stores. A glimpse into the city’s thousand-year-old trading culture.

China National Silk Museum: Visit the largest silk museum in the world and discover how Hangzhou became known as the “Silk Capital.” Exhibitions span from ancient looms and imperial robes to contemporary fashion, offering a vivid journey through Chinese textile arts, aesthetics, and cultural symbolism.

Mantoushan Creative Community: In this quiet, artsy neighborhood, abandoned factories and old homes have been transformed by young creatives into cafés, studios, and galleries. Tucked away from the crowds, Mantoushan offers a refreshing encounter with Hangzhou’s modern lifestyle shaped by tradition and imagination.

Cloisonné Enamel Keychain Workshop: Dive into a hands-on cultural experience by creating your own cloisonné enamel keychain. Guided by a professional artisan, you'll design, wire, and color your piece using a centuries-old metalworking technique. A beautiful memory—and a unique souvenir—you make yourself.

Xiaohezhijie Historic Street: A Canal-Side Farewell: End the day strolling down one of the best-preserved old streets by the Grand Canal. With stone pavements, arching bridges, artisan boutiques, and local teahouses, Xiaohezhijie blends history and daily life into one charming riverside escape—perfect for a slow, soulful goodbye to Hangzhou.