Xiaohezhi Street Historical and Cultural District

I've always dreamed of finding my dream of a small bridge and flowing water. For me, peace and quiet are worse than the hustle and bustle. Today, I went to Xiaohezhi Street. It wasn't crowded, and every stranger I encountered was leisurely going about their own business: students sketching, elderly people playing cards. It's a very casual place, a place you don't want to leave. I can just find a chair and spend the day relaxing. It gives my soul a rare moment of rest!

Xiaohezhi Street, a small tourist attraction in the Jiangnan Water Village in Hangzhou

While Xiaohezhi Street might be unfamiliar to many outsiders, the Grand Canal is undoubtedly well-known. The banks of this canal have long since become a popular tourist destination, featuring historical districts, cultural parks, museums, temples, and relics. These include the Qiaoxi Historic District, the Xiaohezhi Street Historic District, and the Dadou Road Historic District. Small bridges, flowing water, whitewashed walls, black tiles, and unique shops transport visitors back to the days of urban life.

The whole street along the river is neither long nor short. Perhaps because it is a weekday, the afternoon on Xiaohezhi Street is peaceful and quiet. When you are tired of walking, you can find a teahouse to sit and enjoy the rare slow life.

Xiaohezhi Street retains the traditional "shops on the lower floor and bedrooms on the upper floor" model of old houses in terms of architectural appearance, and restores time-honored brands and old storefronts such as sauce factories, rice shops, and incubators, and integrates literary and artistic shops, specialty restaurants and exquisite teahouses. It not only retains the architectural features and street style of the block in the early Republic of China, but also incorporates the lifestyle most respected by modern people. It is a great place for an in-depth tour of Hangzhou.

Address: No. 51, Xiaohezhi Street, Gongshu District

Transportation: Changzheng Bridge Bus Station

Admission: Free

Recommended visit: 1-2 hours, come in the afternoon or dusk

Xiaohezhi Historical and Cultural Street is also located along the canal, not far from the Dadou Road Historical and Cultural District. No entrance fee is required, so you can wander freely. It seems to consist of just one or two streets, so you can explore it quickly. There are many shops and tourists, and I even saw some people coming here specifically for photography. The buildings are also quaint and have the feel of a Jiangnan town, with small bridges and flowing water, seemingly all available.

Walk south along the canal for more than 20 minutes and you will arrive at Xiaohezhi Street, another historical district in Hangzhou. Unlike the strong commercial atmosphere of Qiaoxizhi Street, this street has a stronger sense of life and more indigenous people in the streets and alleys. The cobblestone roads and wooden houses are a typical water town residential style of the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. The street is not long, but very charming. The buildings look old and should have been renovated in recent years, but generally speaking it is still good. After all, the small bridges, flowing water, alleys and lanes are the feeling of Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

The Zhong-Xiaohezhi Street Historical and Cultural District offers a refined, artistic atmosphere reminiscent of the Jiangnan region, dotted with vintage shops, cultural and creative stores, cafes, and teahouses. This area is known for its small but sophisticated offerings, each with its own distinct character. Unlike other commercial districts, this area offers a unique blend of curiosity and will not disappoint you.

Xiaohezhi Street is like Beijing's Nanluoguxiang.

Hangzhou's characteristic streets, located on the bank of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, have a long history and culture and are well worth a visit.

The neighborhood is small, divided into Phase I and Phase II, and is located along the river. There are a few unique shops here, but not many people.

A river, two streets, and shops that feel like they're all owned by hipsters. Like any so-called ancient street, a few old buildings filled with hipsters piggybacking on the name. What's the ancient charm? It's just a gathering place for lonely hipsters and merchants pretending to be hipsters. After fifteen minutes of browsing, even sitting down for tea is too small, too expensive, and the tea isn't good. Don't come.

When I came here, it hadn’t officially opened yet, and most of the stores were busy with the final renovations.

Many people shoot videos here and they like it.

I came to Xiaohezhi Street one afternoon after the rain. It was very quiet, with few tourists and not a strong commercial atmosphere. The shops on both sides were not open for business, but it felt great. This is the atmosphere that the old houses in Jiangnan should retain, and it is worth a stroll for those who love to relax and enjoy themselves.

There are few people and it is still in the investment stage. I hope this quietness can be maintained for a while. It is a very old-fashioned riverside house and worth a lingering visit.

This place is under construction. I don't know how much benefit they gave to those writers to promote this place. Don't come here again. I was fooled by the writers! Don't be fooled!

Xiaohezhi Street is not long, only about 200 to 300 meters, but it has basically preserved the style of the old Hangzhou waterside houses. What's most rare is that although it is in the city, it is sparsely populated by tourists, which is perfect for people like me who like quietness.

As early as the Southern Song Dynasty, the Xiaohe area served as a distribution center for supplies, a place for river and land transportation, and a place for material storage. Especially after its prosperity during the Republic of China period, the area has left behind a wide variety of historical relics with rich and diverse historical and cultural connotations.

Xiaohezhi Street is a typical waterside residential area, embodying the canal commercial port culture. Its layout is characterized by a riverside, two streets, with shops on the first floor facing the street and residences on the second floor, a typical example of a "shop below, residence above." These dwellings, nestled on both sides of Xiaohezhi Street and interspersed with narrow streets and alleys, authentically reflect the residential life, production, and canal shipping culture of Hangzhou's civilian population during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China.

This place does a particularly good job in revitalizing the past history.

Xiaohezhi Street is a very artistic street. It is not long, not crowded, and quite quiet. You can go and have a look.

Lanterns are hung everywhere on Xiaohezhi Street. There are some exquisite restaurants nearby, but other small shops are closed. It is much quieter than Hefang Street, even a little desolate. After a walk around, I found that the Grand Canal is outside these streets.

The scenery was good, but it rained heavily and I didn't finish the tour.

Nearly every tourist city boasts a few charming little streets steeped in artistic charm. I've been to Zengcuo'an in Xiamen, walked along University Road in Qingdao, wandered through the vibrant alleyways near Wuhan University, and explored the ever-visiting Tianzifang in Shanghai. But Hangzhou's Xiaohezhi Street truly stood out. This artistic street, nestled beside the water, feels like a tranquil Jiangnan waterside village nestled amidst the bustling city. Perhaps it was the Lunar New Year holiday, or perhaps it was the weather, but Xiaohezhi Street was sparsely populated, and many shops were closed. Yet, this sense of tranquility is all the more captivating. Each house on the street, lined up on either side of the Grand Canal, stands in stark contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers. Walking along the street, one can almost sense the tranquil life of the people of centuries past, working from sunrise to sunset. It's as if one could see groups of long-haired women pounding clothes by the canal, their chirping echoing the soft, elegant Wu dialect.

Many of Hangzhou's older residents live here, reminiscent of the authentic "canal homes" of Hangzhou. With white walls, black tiles, wooden doors and windows, the atmosphere is rich and full of life. Xiaohezhi Street is to Hangzhou what the hutongs are to Beijing. If you want to experience the old Hangzhou, this is definitely the best place.

Tightly packed houses and shops, small, beautiful, and well-arranged! Like

Xiaohezhi Street, a forgotten corner, has escaped overdevelopment. It's the most beautiful street, Xiaohezhi Street, and it truly is. Strolling here, even the air becomes languid and relaxed. The bluestone pavement, the indigo-white walls, and the large red lanterns dotting the landscape create a picturesque scene reminiscent of the Jiangnan region. It offers a moment of relaxation for those of us who live fast-paced, everyday lives huddled in cubicles in the city.

It's a very quiet street with few tourists and has not been commercialized yet. Xiaohe Street is not very big and you can finish it in a short time.

The pace of life on this street is so different from the bustling city of Hangzhou that one might mistake it for a trip back to Hangzhou. The area boasts charming shops, quiet alleyways, and a riverbank quietly illuminated by red lanterns at night, creating a truly beautiful scene. Locals live a simple life, singing opera, basking in the sun, or washing clothes by the river. Some couples, so captivated by the lively atmosphere of this place, even hire wedding photographers to capture the most beautiful moments.

Once a bustling water and land port, bustling with ships sailing north and south, this place now lives in tranquility. Old buildings from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China still stand by the water, and the bluestone pavement has become increasingly warm and inviting with age.

The older generation of indigenous residents also owns many interesting cultural and creative shops. The architecture still retains the traditional "shop below, bedroom above" layout of the old houses. Last time I was here, I discovered a truly adorable cat house, and my first thought was to rush over and find some cats. Sadly, the cat house has been replaced by an essential oil shop. I can only cherish those plump cats in photos.

Fortunately, there haven't been many changes. The ancient houses built along the river are well preserved. I don't know if it's because of the hot weather, many cultural and creative shops are closed, and there are not many tourists, but it is quite quiet.

Every household grows some flowers and plants, all flourishing beautifully. The little touches of life are found in the plants and trees. And the details of life can be glimpsed through open windows.

White walls, black tiles, small bridges, flowing water, and houses. As a northerner, I've always longed for the architectural style of the South, and this time I finally experienced it. It was already 7:00 when I arrived at Xiaohezhi Street. It was completely dark, many small shops were closed, and the alleys were almost deserted. It was drizzling, and I walked slowly along the cobblestones. The surroundings were quiet. Many families in the alleys were preparing dinner. Oh, the smell made me hungry. This is a small, less commercial neighborhood, which is nice. It would be even better if I could walk around slowly during the day.

The people in the old street live a very comfortable life. They play mahjong, chess, and opera along the river. They have everything they want and it is very leisurely. The most impressive thing is this girl sitting in a cafe by the water, staring out in a daze. What a wonderful way to spend the day!

Xiaohezhi Street is a lesser-known attraction, newly redeveloped on the site of an old house. It's quite secluded enough that almost all shops were closed during the spring break, leaving it quite deserted. Well, that's fine, I'm tired of the crowds. The few tourists there were also fulfilling my wish. I wandered around alone, camera in hand. Compared to those bustling popular spots, this place finally offered a sense of the leisurely atmosphere of small bridges, flowing water, and people's homes. It was a great way to relax and unwind after a long journey.

The only remaining buildings on Xiaohezhi Street were rebuilt during the Republican era. Compared to some of the more popular towns today, it retains a touch of history. Although it's now a tourist attraction with a few shops, its limited scale and lack of development mean it's not very popular with tourists. You can see numerous advertisements for businesses, but many restaurants are closed or deserted, looking like inferior products discarded by commercialization.

In the early morning, Xiaohezhi Street is clean and quiet, without the noise of bars. Gray and white wooden houses are built along the river, and weeping willows are swaying.

There are some interesting shops in the ancient street, and you can also walk around during the day.

I personally prefer Xiaohezhi Street to Qiaoxi Street. It's much less crowded than the Gongchen Bridge area, making it a great place to explore. The street is located in the triangle where the Yuhangtang River and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal intersect, making it beautiful both day and night.

I've walked the Grand Canal from Genshan Gate to Gongchen Bridge several times, and I always like to stop at Xiaohezhi Street. Whether it's inside the street or across the river from the Beixinguan ruins on the other side, it has a unique charm.

The only downside is that the green landscape trail on the west bank of the canal is currently disjointed (it seems a plot of land north of the canal is closed off for construction). So, to get from Xiaohezhi Street to the west of the bridge, you have to go around to the road outside and then walk back to the canal. This isn't a problem on the east bank, where you can walk straight along the canal. Hopefully, the west bank's landscape trail will be connected soon.

Xiaohezhi Street isn't very long, and a thorough walk through its entire area takes between 40 minutes and an hour. There aren't many restaurants near Xiahezhi Street, so it's recommended to visit after lunch. It's a great place for photos, with many exquisite street scenes. Those who enjoy photography, especially those shooting art films, shouldn't miss it.

Canal House Riverside Living



Xiaohezhi Street, situated at the confluence of the Xiaohe River, Yuhangtang River, and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, thrived thanks to the river. During the Southern Song Dynasty, it served as a distribution center for goods from north to south. During the Qing Dynasty, it developed into a thriving commercial district and bustling water and land wharf. Shops gradually sprang up across this narrow street, over a kilometer long and four or five meters wide.



Today, the architecture retains the style of the Republican era, with small buildings with whitewashed walls and black tiles nestled against the water. Historical relics such as workshops, shops, riverside piers, and boat docks can still be seen. The architectural layout of "One River, Two Streets" embodies the quintessential canal commercial port culture. Hangzhou's "Last Canal House" testifies to a millennium-old, now-fading waterside lifestyle.

Xiaohezhi Street, a scenic spot along the Grand Canal (Hangzhou Scenic Area), lies at the confluence of the Grand Canal, the Xiaohe River (Huantang River), and the Yuhangtang River. Since the Southern Song Dynasty, it has served as a hub for north-south freight transport. However, with the development of railways, the canal's importance declined, and Xiaohezhi Street gradually declined. In 2007, the Hangzhou municipal government initiated a renovation project, with a master plan that preserved the original architecture and enabled new development. Furthermore, due to the minimal changes to the new community's structure and the return rate of residents exceeding 60%, social networks and the spirit of the place were not significantly impacted.

I've been here once myself. The area isn't very large, but in the summer, you can enjoy boating and kayaking in the river. There's a memorial archway on the street, and the name "Xiaohezhi Street" is written on the corner. Big red lanterns hang high, creating a festive atmosphere. Not many tourists.

The best time to go to Xiaohezhi Street is after lunch, so friends who go there later must grasp the time. However, because it is early in the morning, Xiaohezhi Street is very quiet and you can take pictures casually.

Xiaohezhi Street lies in the heart of a bustling city, yet remains hidden, unknown to the world. The Grand Canal once prospered countless port towns. Entering this narrow alley, the mottled whitewashed walls and black tiles bear the marks of time, while the long, winding bluestone path twists and turns. A sudden downpour has just subsided, and the air is filled with mist. Surrounding the area are numerous old houses, some occupied by residents, others by shops. Passing under a small wooden attic, a clearing suddenly opens up before me, revealing an open space. The small river here is a minor branch of the Grand Canal south of Gongchen Bridge. It turns out Hangzhou, too, has the same charming scenery of small bridges, flowing water, and houses as Suzhou. Seeing the river, arched bridges, bluestone slabs, and quaint houses in the city is like a dream. But it also reminds us how difficult it is to preserve such a tranquil spot in the heart of the city! The small street isn't very large, with several bridges and alleys along both sides of the river, but you can never get enough of it. Compared to the high-end, grand, and upscale Qinghefang, I prefer this place. After so much bustle, I crave quiet.

It's worth a visit. The street is not big and you can walk around it twice. It's a pity that we didn't find the canal. There are many umbrellas in the background, which looks pretty good. You can take pictures there!

It's a very quiet block of ancient houses with a lot of history, it's worth a visit.

This area retains the rich history of the Grand Canal's commercial port. The houses are all white-walled, black-tiled, and feature wooden doors and windows. Shops are located on the first floor, and residents live on the second. There are also numerous small shops, mahjong parlors, cafes, and restaurants. Most tourists are in the West Lake area, and since it's not lunchtime, few people are wandering around, making it perfect for strolling and taking photos.

The Xiaohezhi Street Historical and Cultural District is located in northern Hangzhou, at the confluence of the Grand Canal, Xiaohe River, and Yuhangtang River. It borders Xiaohe River to the east, Hemu Road to the west, Xiaohe Road to the south, and Changzhengqiao Road to the north. Centered around Xiaohezhi Street, the district boasts a relatively well-preserved overall appearance and spatial characteristics of the residential buildings and shipping facilities along the canal and Xiaohe River. Remaining substantial in scale, the district boasts one of the most intact traditional features among Hangzhou's historical and cultural districts. The district faithfully reflects the living conditions of the lower classes along the canal during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, preserving a significant number of historic buildings whose architectural features, streetscapes, and canal shipping relics retain a unique character.

This place is quite unique, each shop is very creative, and you can complete the tour in 30 minutes. It is recommended.

Many friends ask if this is the "Water Village" of Wuzhen. No, this is the historically protected Xiaohezhi Street neighborhood in Hangzhou, where residents still live. Xiaohezhi Street's history dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty. The two-story buildings, with white walls and black tiles, wooden doors and windows, retain the traditional "shop below and bedroom above" layout of the old houses. Mahjong parlors, teahouses, antique shops, and more are all here, giving it a distinctly urban feel.

Just appreciate it quietly, pass by quietly, and don't disturb it.

Xiaohezhi Street is a classic example of Hangzhou, small and unique, with a quaint, mottled landscape. It's not often visited by tourists, and residents sit contentedly by the river, basking in the sun and eating sunflower seeds. It's a truly authentic scenic spot, with very little commercial flair.

There is an old Qiaotou noodle restaurant on the side of the road, which is highly recommended. The noodles are served bowl by bowl, hot and delicious.

Holding an oil-paper umbrella, I wander alone in the long, long and lonely rain alley.

Rain Alley by Dai Wangshu

I went there on a rainy day, and walking through the alleys with an umbrella was quite charming. It's a bit far out, and while it's not as bustling as Hefang Street, it's also not as crowded. The quiet streets have their own unique feel. Because it was raining, I felt that unique Jiangnan water town feel. It felt like the feeling described in the poem "Rainy Alley," leaving you feeling lost and lost. It's a great place for those who enjoy taking artistic, fresh photos, as it's not crowded.

Came here at night, the scenery is nice, and there are many places to eat around

Xiaohezhi Street was exactly what I wanted. Although I didn't find anything special because the G20 shops were closed, I was quite satisfied with the local scenery. I even saw a painter at work. It's a quiet, comfortable, and romantic neighborhood, perfect for a leisurely stroll and taking in the beauty of the surroundings.

There are many niche literary and artistic places in Hangzhou, and walking from Qiaoxi Street to Xiaoqiao Street is one of them.

I went for a walk today. It's not particularly busy, but closer to life. It's quite nice to take a walk alone when I have nothing to do.

I got up early and came here, and I fell in love with it at first sight. It is quiet, fresh, and artistic. Walking along the quaint stone road, stopping and taking pictures, strolling around, I was in a good mood.

I stayed in Hangzhou during college, and I felt that Xiaohezhi Street in Xiasha was too far away, so I never went there. When I was doing an internship, I was nearby and came here with my friends. It was suitable for wearing something artistic and taking beautiful photos.

There are many restaurants and beautiful alleys, which are suitable for taking photos and eating delicious food.

Also a street by the canal, Xiaohezhi Street retains more of the water town feeling. The houses built along the river are still inhabited by old Hangzhou people. Although the place is not big, it has a strong ancient street and a rich atmosphere of life.

It's a small street with some small specialty shops. It's close to the Grand Canal and it's quite pleasant to stroll around. It's a good place for children to walk.

I went there in the evening to find food and strolled along Xiaohezhi Street. The streetlights were dim and the scenery was not very clear. However, the lanterns on both sides of the river were lit up, and it still looked like a water town.

This place surprised me. I really love the atmosphere and the pervasive artistic spirit. Compared to West Lake, it's much quieter here. Although there are still many people, it's not as crowded or noisy. The small alleys are filled with the fragrance of flowers, and walking along the quaint stone paths is quite a feeling. I really love it here! This area is not very large, but it's these alleys that make it fun to wander, with flowers, plants, cats and dogs.

It's a very nice place, with almost no people. It's very peaceful to walk around. We felt that our arrival disturbed the residents here. It's a pity that we were with children and it was hot so we couldn't walk around and take pictures properly.

It is a bit far from the West Lake, the main scenic spot in Hangzhou, and is suitable for literary and artistic fresh or portrait shooting.

Xiaohezhi Street reveals the flavor of life in the Jiangnan water town. Any photo you take is a postcard. Every shop owner has decorated his shop with great care. When spring comes, the scenery is everywhere.

After walking for a long time, I finally arrived at Xiaohezhi Street. As soon as I arrived, I could feel that I had come to the right place! Not only are there few tourists, but Xiaohezhi Street really retains the people who live there, allowing people to experience the past years of Linchuan City. It is very touching.

Although the place is small and you can walk around it in a short time, it is still worth a visit as it is less crowded and quiet.

Actually, it has become a bit commercialized now, and the Jiangnan atmosphere has faded a lot. I remember the first time I went there was on the eve of the Spring Festival. There were very few people and it was very interesting. Now, it is still good.

The ancient buildings on Xiaohezhi Street are still inhabited, and the houses are well preserved, allowing later generations to have a glimpse of their beauty.

A very bourgeois street with coffee shops and restaurants. Very suitable for taking photos. I also met many people taking wedding photos.

Visit the houses here, learn about the history, and look at the street scenes. Sometimes you can find some small novelties in the narrow alleys. Living here is also quite interesting, but there are almost no original buildings.

The Grand Canal forks south of Gongchen Bridge in Hangzhou, forming a small, 100-meter-long canal. Though small, this small canal gave rise to Xiaohezhi Street. Perhaps because this street, situated at the intersection of the canal, Yuhangtang River, and the Grand Canal, was once a center for the exchange of goods and trade, witnessing both the canal's heyday and its prosperity. On my last day in Hangzhou, I slept in and headed straight to the Xiaohezhi Street historical and cultural district.

At first, I thought this place, like many other tourist attractions in China that advertise themselves as old buildings, was just a replica of ancient architecture, devoid of any ancient charm. But upon experiencing it, I realized how meticulously Hangzhou residents preserve their history. The existing residential buildings along Xiaohezhi Street are remnants of the Republican era, having undergone simple renovations rather than extensive demolition or reconstruction. This neighborhood features a riverfront and two streets, with shops on the first floor facing the street and residences on the second, a typical example of a shop-on-bottom-and-house-on-top layout.

Some of the residents along the river still have some riverside docks, either public or private. When I went there, I saw an old lady washing clothes in the river, and I finally understood the meaning of "everyone lives by the river".

As early as the Southern Song Dynasty, Xiaohe was a distribution center for goods near the Grand Canal. During the Qing Dynasty, the area began to develop again, with restaurants, snack shops, and department stores gradually gaining popularity. Distilleries, blacksmith shops, salt shops, rice mills, candle shops, and other businesses all took root in Xiaohe.

I really like to spend an afternoon there, walking slowly, it is so quiet and beautiful that you don’t want to leave.

There are many museums nearby, and the night view of the small street is nice, highly recommended...

A unique street in Hangzhou, with a Jiangnan town feel, next to a bustling road... A moment of stillness and movement, a thought

I have to say that I've been to Beijing, Luoyang, and Shaoxing, and none of them value canal culture as much as Hangzhou!

Hangzhou attaches great importance to the development of the canal. The water in the canal is very clean and sand wheels can still pass through it.

Especially the various special museums, including the Yuan Dynasty docks are well preserved!

The two sides of the canal are well developed with both tourism and commerce in mind! Xiaohezhi Street is a small street right next to the canal!

It is recommended that those who travel independently should take some time to walk along the canal!

Xiaohezhi Street is so short and inconspicuous that it's hard to pinpoint on a map. I walked by feel, heading toward the canal, and it happened to come into view, neither too early nor too late. The deserted old neighborhood and the bustling dining district, each undisturbed, each enjoying its own place. Residents still live on the old street, where blankets hang out to dry and worn rattan chairs line the streets. A little girl, dressed in a white lace dress, darted out from under me and vanished like a whirlwind. In this warm, sun-drenched alley, she resembled a pure white dandelion. A tranquil afternoon, a feeling of stillness. What kind of beauty will we encounter in this tender time together?