Gaoyin Street

Introducing Goldin Street

Gaoyin Street, located in the Qinghefang historical district of Shangcheng District, is a famous food street in Hangzhou. There are more than 30 restaurants with various flavors on this short street, covering a variety of cuisines such as Hangzhou, Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Western cuisine.

Gaoyin Street is home to branches of time-honored restaurants like Zhiweiguan, Wang Runxing, and Gongdelin , as well as up-and-coming ones like Tianxinglou, Dasongfang, and Haoshaoxin, as well as snack shops like Baijiaxian.

Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended play time: 1-3 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Gaoyin Street

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

Gaoyin Street is one of Hangzhou’s historic food streets, located in Shangcheng District. It is credited with having the longest continuous history among Hangzhou's snack-streets and during the Southern Song Dynasty it was known as “Roushi Lane” (meat-food lane) and “Guanfeiling”, famous for selling glutinous-rice-filled pig lungs. Today it remains a key part of Hangzhou’s representation of local food culture adjacent to the old city centre.

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

Gaoyin Street is in the Shangcheng District of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China — specifically near the old city’s Wu Shan / Qinghefang / Yijiang–Zhonghe Road area. Getting there:

• By metro: The nearest metro is Line 1 at Ding’an Road (Exit C) or other stations in the historic block.
• By bus: Tourist/regular buses to Gulou or Yuhuang Pavilion area then walk to Gaoyin Street.
• By taxi/ride-hail: From Hangzhou city centre or West Lake area, take a short ride to the street in the old town.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• Opening hours: As a public pedestrian street, entry is free and access is 24 hours in principle. Specific restaurant opening hours vary.
• Best times to visit: Early evening (around 5-7 pm) for food and atmosphere. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekend evenings.

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

There is no entrance fee for walking Gaoyin Street — it is freely accessible as a public food & old-town block. You only pay for food, snacks or shopping as you choose; no special ticket required.

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

No booking is required for entry to the street itself. If you plan to dine at a popular restaurant on the street during peak dinner hours, you may want to reserve the restaurant table in advance.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

A leisurely walk along the street, sampling a few snacks, browsing shops and soaking in the atmosphere will take about 1 to 2 hours. If you plan a full dinner and browse many shops, allow 2–3 hours.

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

• The stretch parallel to Hefang Street (Qinghefang) where Gaoyin Street lies.
• Traditional-looking restaurants of time-honoured brands (e.g., “Huang Fan Er” noted in the area).
• Snack stalls and smaller specialty shops offering local Hangzhou cuisine and regional food.
• Evening illumination with lanterns, the old-town ambience adjacent to Wu Hill.

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

There is no dedicated guided tour or audio guide for the street itself—visitors typically explore on their own. If desired, a local food-tour company may include Gaoyin Street as part of a broader Hangzhou walking tour (likely in Chinese and English).

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• A wide shot of Gaoyin Street in the evening, capturing lit-up restaurant signage and the old-town architecture.
• Close-up of a favourite snack or dessert being prepared at a stall.
• View down one of the side lanes showing historic façade and foot traffic.
• Tea-house windows or lantern-lighting in the early evening for atmospheric shots.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start at the entrance closest to Wu Shan or Qinghefang block and walk toward Gaoyin Street.
• Browse the shops and sample one or two signature snacks halfway along.
• Choose a sit-down restaurant for dinner (or tea house) toward the end of the street.
• Finish with a stroll back through adjacent old-town lanes for ambience.

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

While there is no formal light-show event, the street atmosphere in the evening is vibrant—many food stalls and restaurants stay open into the night, making it a good choice for a night-time visit.

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

As a popular food street near major tourist blocks, Gaoyin Street can get busy, especially on weekend evenings. The least crowded times are weekday afternoons or early evening (before 6pm) on non-holiday days.

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

• Food & drinking: Many restaurants and snack stalls along the street.
• Shops: Souvenir and food-product shops as part of the old town block.
• Toilets: Public restrooms in adjacent tourist-block areas (Qinghefang/Wu Hill) and likely inside larger restaurants.
• Rest areas: Benches and tea-houses for sitting and relaxing.

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

The street is flat and pedestrian-friendly; accessible for children and many elderly visitors. Some restaurants may have steps; disabled access into individual eateries should be checked on site.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

In Hangzhou, mobile payment systems (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted. Most restaurants and shops on Gaoyin Street will accept mobile payments; having some cash might still be useful for very small stalls.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Gaoyin Street is lined with restaurants and cafés, many specialising in Hangzhou cuisine and snacks. For example, the restaurant “Huang Fan Er” is a well-known name on the street.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options: Yes — many restaurants in Hangzhou cater with vegetable dishes or tofu-based specialties. Snack stalls may offer non-meat items. Halal options: May be limited in this particular old-town food street; if you require halal food, it’s advisable to check in advance or visit dedicated halal restaurants nearby.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Hotels and guesthouses are plentiful in the old town area near Gaoyin Street (Shangcheng District, Hangzhou). Options range from boutique inns on Qinghefang Street to international hotels a short walk away from the food-street area.

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

• Qinghefang Street – historic pedestrian block adjacent to Gaoyin Street.
• West Lake scenic area – a short taxi/metro ride away.
• Wu Hill (Wushan) – the area of the old city near Gaoyin Street.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes — there are souvenir and specialty food product shops in this area. Typical souvenirs include Hangzhou tea, local snacks (e.g., preserved goods), handicrafts from Zhejiang, and small gift-items themed around Hangzhou’s food culture.

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

After visiting Gaoyin Street, you can continue by:

• Walking to Qinghefang Street or Wu Hill for further exploration.
• Taking metro/ride-hail to West Lake, Lingyin Temple or other Hangzhou districts.
• Using taxi/ride-hail to return to your hotel or to Hangzhou train station.