Xiahe Straight Street, located in Gongshu District of Hangzhou, sits at the confluence of the Grand Canal, the Xiahe River, and the Yuhangtang River. It's a historical street that authentically preserves the lifestyle of residents along the canal during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, earning it the reputation of "the last canal dwellers."Unlike the bustling Hefang Street, Xiahe Straight Street is characterized by its tranquility, pristine environment, and artistic flair. Here, you can experience the everyday life of old Hangzhou and the peaceful, slow-paced lifestyle along the Grand Canal.
A Pictorial Picture of Canal Life
The greatest charm of Xiahe Straight Street lies in its authenticity. It's not just a tourist attraction, but also a residential area. Most of the houses lining the street retain their late Qing Dynasty and early Republican era architectural styles, with rows of small wooden buildings built along the water.
Strolling along the streets and alleys, you can see clothes drying in the sun, flowers and plants by doorways, and leisurely cats and dogs, as if stepping into the homes of ordinary people in old Hangzhou. This unspoiled, un-commercialized "everyday life" is its most attractive feature.
Historical Buildings and Sites
The Central Jishi Tea and Building Materials Guild Hall: This is an important historical building in the area, a meeting place for merchants in the tea and building materials industries during the Republican era, reflecting the prosperous commercial culture along the canal at that time.
Riverside Houses: The most classic sight. Rows of stilted houses stand along the river, reflected in the water, making for a perfect backdrop for photos.
Various Wharf Ruins: Several ancient wharves are preserved near the area, allowing one to imagine the bustling scene of boats coming and going in the past.
Artsy Shops and Cafes
Thanks to its tranquil and artistic atmosphere, Xiaohezhijie Street has attracted many artistic youths and artists. Numerous unique independent cafes, teahouses, handicraft shops, designer studios, and photography studios have sprung up along the street.
These shops are stylishly decorated and often have their own small courtyards. You can choose a riverside cafe, order a coffee, and watch the river flow quietly by outside the window, while away a leisurely afternoon.
Traditional Brands and Local Delicacies
While the area is dominated by artsy shops, it also hides some authentic Hangzhou flavors.
Laoqiaotou Noodle Shop: A very famous noodle shop in the area, its signature dish is "Big Pork Rib Noodles," which are generous in portion and flavorful, full of the taste of old Hangzhou.
Xiaohezhijie Sauce Shop: You can buy traditional Hangzhou soy sauce, pickles, and other products here.
In addition, there are some private restaurants and snack shops worth exploring at your own pace.
A Unique Archway Landscape
At the entrance to Xiaohe Straight Street, there is a very unique sight: an ancient archway framed alongside the modern skyscraper—the "Golden Chimney" of Ocean Park. This striking contrast between tradition and modernity creates a unique visual impact, making it a favorite among photography enthusiasts.
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Voltage and socket
The standard voltage in China is 220V. The commonly used socket shape is as shown in the picture. Most luxury hotel rooms are equipped with universal sockets, and tourists can also rent socket adapters at the hotel front desk.
Make a phone call
When a foreign mobile phone dials a Chinese fixed-line phone in China, it is necessary to dial the China area code (+86) and the city area code (e.g. Beijing +10) before the fixed-line phone number to be dialed.
When a foreign mobile phone dials a Chinese mobile number, it is necessary to dial the Chinese area code (+86) before the mobile number of the person being called.
Emergency call:
Call the police: 110
Fire emergency: 119
Traffic police: 122
Emergency: 120
Purchase a SIM card for a Chinese mobile phone
At major airports serving as ports of entry in China, there are designated counters for communication service providers, such as China Mobile and China Unicom. Foreign tourists can purchase SIM cards for Chinese mobile phones simply by presenting their passports.
Traffic safety tips
In China, all vehicles drive on the right side of the road, and both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts.
Health and medical tips
It is recommended to bring along commonly used medications (such as painkillers or gastrointestinal medications). If you need to take prescribed medication for an extended period, it is advisable to prepare sufficient quantities before departure and carry along doctor's certification documents, medical records, etc.
It is recommended to visit the international medical department of a general hospital or a foreign-funded hospital for treatment, as they generally provide medical services in English.
It is recommended to purchase relevant insurance before departure, and properly keep diagnosis certificates, outpatient medical records, fee lists, prescriptions, invoices, etc.
Cultural taboo
China is a multi-ethnic country, and there are significant differences in customs and habits among various ethnic groups. Especially when traveling in ethnic minority areas, it is important to pay attention to cultural taboos, such as taking off shoes when entering a Dai bamboo house, avoiding pork in Hui restaurants, and treating Buddhist statues, scriptures, and beads as sacred objects that must not be touched. It is recommended to listen carefully to the pre-trip introduction provided by the accompanying personnel and respect local culture and customs.
