This is where to uncover Hangzhou's true essence: visit now

To truly understand a city, start from its most vibrant, down-to-earth corners! The 23 Alleys in southern Hangzhou hide the city’s most lively textures--every step here is steeped in the warmth of everyday life.

@Shangcheng Release

This is Hangzhou’s most original, vibrant, and often overlooked cultural heartland. The schedule can be adjusted based on personal preference.

Route Overview: Zhongshan South Road → Dama Alley→ Chenghuangpailou Alley (ascend) → Xiaoxia Alley (descend) → Shiwukui Alley/ Zhongshan South Road

01 Zhongshan South Road（7:00-11:00）

Breakfast on Zhongshan South Road--your taste buds won’t be able to resist! This street gathers all kinds of local Hangzhou breakfast specialties, with many Michelin-recognized spots!

Recommended breakfast:

Panfangchun Pan-Fried Dumplings (Zhongshan South Road)

Wangrishun Steamed Buns

Xiaolao Wontons

Yangji Shaomai (Steamed Dumplings)

@Bureau of Culture, Radio, TV, Tourism and Sports

of Shangcheng District

Tip: After eating breakfast, take a stroll nearby to the Southern Song Dynasty Relics Exhibition Hall and the Fengshan Water Gate. Every shot here is filled with history--touching a thousand years of time is incredibly soothing.

02 Dama Lane（11:30-13:30）

Walk and wander--by midday, if you’re looking for a place that gathers authentic, high-value local Hangzhou snacks, Dama Alley is definitely the spot.

Recommended snacks:

Geji Soy-Sauce Duck

Chef Jiang’s Crispy Fish

Zhouping Zongzi (Sticky Rice Dumplings)

Grandma Xu’s Hangzhou Dishes

Xiaozuo Jinyuanbao Egg Dumplings

@Shangcheng Releas

03 Chenghuangpailou Alley (Ascend)（14:00-15:30）

Follow the stone steps upward to enter Wugong Hill (Wu Hill), a natural forest oxygen bar. Dappled light filters through the trees, and the breeze carries the scent of plants. Up the hill, you’ll find waiting spots like the City God Pavilion, Twelve Zodiac Stones, and the Medicine King Temple to explore.

04 Xiaoxia Alley (Descend)（16:00-18:00）

As the sun sets, the “evening glow looking back” in Xiaoxia Alley paints the Wangxian Pavilion crimson. The mountain breeze picks up, brushing past stone rails and ancient trees. If you’re tired, find a small shop to rest.

Recommended shops:

No.33 Coffee

Coming Days·Chinese-style Afternoon Tea

Ban Duo You Lian (amazing ice cream)

Xianji Jingshan Matcha

@Hangzhou Daily

05 Shiwukui Alley/ Zhongshan South Road（18:30-20:00）

As evening falls, Shiwukui Alley and Zhongshan South Road come alive with an array of lively local eats--Hangzhou-style dishes, time-honored restaurants line the streets, filling the air with authentic wok aromas.

Recommended restaurants:

Shuimo Hui·Mountain Wild Hui Cuisine

Nanxingji Noodle House

Xinzhouji (Shiwukui Alley)

Jiangnan Yuge (Brother Jiangnan)

Niuxiaolong Beef Noodle House

@Shangcheng Release

Source: Hangzhoufeel