During the morning of my second day in Hangzhou, I took a direct city bus down to Qinghefang Street. Located near West Lake, it is the only remaining preserved historical section of the ancient city. Some of the pharmacies, tea houses, restaurants and handicrafts stores have been in existence for hundreds of years, a few dating back to the mid-1600's.
Such shops now compete with McDonald's and KFC, but at least the district government has worked to protect the area's historical buildings.
Some sheltered archways provided for some better photography on this very rainy morning. Many of the shops weren't yet opened when I first walked through. Some that were open sold rather cheap-looking souvenirs, including some simple appliqué lanterns from Orissa, India.
 |
| Some shops demonstrated local candy-making or allowed visitors to sample their teas. |
No comments:
Post a Comment