Hangzhou Arts and Crafts Museum

Introducing Hangzhou Arts and Crafts Museum

The Hangzhou Arts and Crafts Museum, located in the historic and cultural district west of Gongchen Bridge, is a museum complex along the Grand Canal. It comprises the main Arts and Crafts Museum and three themed museums: swords, scissors, umbrellas, and fans. These museums represent three of Hangzhou's most iconic products: Zhang Xiaoquan scissors, Wang Xingji fans, and West Lake silk umbrellas.

The museum integrates the ancient canal, old factory buildings, and Hangzhou's arts and crafts culture, forming a community of arts and crafts themed museums featuring canal landscapes, historical buildings, and arts and crafts. It integrates exhibition, collection, research, training, and exchange, and is characterized by Hangzhou and canal characteristics. It opens a window for the world to understand Hangzhou's arts and crafts, and builds a platform for exchange, discussion, and the promotion of heritage.

Here, you can not only gain a general understanding of Hangzhou's art history, but also witness artisans demonstrate the production process firsthand, creating a truly vivid experience. Craftsmen demonstrate forging Zhang Xiaoquan scissors and crafting West Lake silk umbrellas. In addition, there are many group activities available, such as painting fan ribs, assembling a straight-handled umbrella, and paper cutting, all with hands-on instruction from artisans.

Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Main Museum

The main building of the museum is at the southernmost part of the community. The exhibits here provide a general introduction to sculptures, ceramics, embroidery, weaving, metal and some folk crafts. The craft workshop on the third floor offers projects such as cloth appliqués, magnetic paper cuttings, and cross-stitch.

Knife, Scissors and Sword Museum

The scissors exhibition hall on the first floor offers insights into the origins and evolution of scissors, as well as the development history of Zhang Xiaoquan scissors. The sword exhibition hall on the second floor showcases the craftsmanship of swords and their role in people's lives through illustrations and real objects. You'll find a wide variety of swords from both China and abroad, including weapons from the cold-weapon era, swords that symbolized status and authority, and even the tools used by fencers .

Umbrella Museum

The exhibition showcases the development of oil-paper umbrellas, oil-cloth umbrellas, and West Lake silk umbrellas, with wax figures and illustrations depicting the production process. The nostalgic oil-paper umbrellas and beautiful West Lake silk umbrellas in the exhibition hall make people feel that umbrellas are not just a tool for sheltering from the rain, but also a symbol of beauty.

Fan Museum

The China Fan Museum covers nearly every aspect of fan-related knowledge and topics, including the origin, cultural connotations, and production history of Chinese fans, as well as fan shops and markets around the world and international fan art. A stroll through the museum allows you to deeply experience the breadth and depth of Chinese fan culture.

Each venue is less than a 10- minute walk away. If your visit time is less than an hour and a half, it is recommended to visit one of the blocks. If you have ample time ( about 2.5 hours, excluding experience activities), you can choose to visit both areas at the same time.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

9:00-16:30 , last admission at 16:00 , closed every Monday (except holidays)

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Most Popular FAQs for Hangzhou Arts and Crafts Museum

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Hangzhou Arts and Crafts Museum showcases the region's rich artistic heritage, especially its long-standing traditions in silk weaving, tea culture, and porcelain. The museum plays a key role in preserving these crafts while also serving as a cultural hub for exhibitions and educational programs related to local craftsmanship.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The museum is located in downtown Hangzhou, near the famous West Lake. You can reach the museum by taxi or bus from central Hangzhou. Alternatively, you can take the metro and get off at the closest station, then walk a short distance to the museum.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The museum is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. The best time to visit is during weekdays, especially early mornings or late afternoons, to avoid the weekend crowds. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons to visit Hangzhou, offering beautiful weather to explore the area.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entrance to the Hangzhou Arts and Crafts Museum is free of charge. Special exhibitions or workshops may have an additional fee, which can be paid onsite. Tickets for these events are available at the museum’s ticket counter.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for general entry to the museum. However, for special exhibitions or workshops, it’s recommended to book tickets a few days in advance to ensure availability.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To fully explore the museum and enjoy the exhibitions, 1 to 2 hours should be sufficient. If you plan to participate in a workshop or attend a special event, allow additional time for those activities.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Key highlights include the silk embroidery section, traditional porcelain displays, and the local wood carving exhibits. Be sure to also visit the museum shop, where you can find authentic crafts and souvenirs made by local artisans.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available at the museum, and they can be arranged in advance. Audio guides are also available in multiple languages, including English and Chinese, to enhance your experience during the visit.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The museum itself has several beautiful spots for photography, especially in the traditional craft display areas. The museum's garden area is another perfect spot for photos, offering a peaceful environment with traditional Chinese garden elements.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with the permanent exhibitions to get a sense of Hangzhou's craft history, followed by the special exhibitions. If you're interested in hands-on experiences, head to the workshop area for a more interactive exploration of local arts and crafts.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are not typically available at the Hangzhou Arts and Crafts Museum. However, the museum occasionally hosts special evening events, including exhibitions and craft workshops, which can be booked in advance.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The museum can be crowded on weekends and holidays, especially during school vacation periods. To avoid the crowds, visit during weekday mornings or late afternoons, when it's quieter.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The museum provides clean restrooms and a small café offering light refreshments. There are also seating areas where visitors can relax. A shop inside the museum sells a variety of local crafts and souvenirs.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The museum is accessible to elderly visitors and families with children. It is wheelchair-friendly, with ramps and elevators available for easier access to all areas of the museum.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Both mobile payments (like WeChat Pay and Alipay) and credit/debit cards are accepted at the museum. It is recommended to carry a mobile payment option for convenience, as cash might not be accepted at all places.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Inside the museum, you will find a small café offering light snacks and beverages. Nearby, there are numerous restaurants and tea houses offering local Hangzhou cuisine, including dishes like Dongpo pork and Longjing tea-infused meals.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are widely available at nearby restaurants and tea houses. While halal food is less common, it is available in some places in Hangzhou, particularly near the city center.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels near the museum, ranging from budget to luxury options. The West Lake area has numerous hotels, making it a convenient place to stay. Popular options include the Hangzhou West Lake State Guest House and the Sofitel Hangzhou.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and the China National Silk Museum. These can be easily combined for a day trip, as they are all located within a short distance from the museum.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, the museum has a shop selling a variety of handmade arts and crafts, including silk products, porcelain, and wood carvings. These make for great souvenirs and gifts.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting the museum, you can take a taxi or public transportation to other nearby attractions such as West Lake or Lingyin Temple. Bicycles are also a popular option for exploring the scenic areas around the lake.