Shopping

Hangzhou offers a diverse shopping experience

Catering to various tastes and budgets. Here are some popular shopping destinations:

High-end Shopping Malls:

• Hangzhou Tower Shopping City: This is the most famous and high-end shopping mall in the city, featuring international luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and Hermes.

• The Mixc Mall Hangzhou: Another high-end mall with a wide range of luxury brands and international fashion labels.

• Intime IN 77: A popular mall with a mix of international and local brands, as well as a variety of dining options.

Traditional Shopping Streets:

• Hefang Street: This historic street is a great place to find traditional Chinese handicrafts, antiques, and souvenirs.

• Wulin Square: A bustling commercial district with numerous shopping malls, department stores, and street vendors.

• Yan'an Road: This street is known for its high-end boutiques and luxury brands.

Local Markets:

• Qinghefang Street: A charming street with traditional shops selling tea, silk, and other local products.

• Wulin Night Market: A lively night market with a variety of street food, souvenirs, and local products.

Tips for Shopping in Hangzhou:

• Bargaining: While it's not as common as in some other parts of China, bargaining can be effective in some markets and street vendors.

• Quality Control: Be cautious of counterfeit goods, especially when buying electronics or luxury items.

• Language Barrier: While many shopkeepers speak some English, it's helpful to have a translation app or a basic understanding of Chinese phrases.

• Payment Methods: Most major shopping malls and department stores accept credit cards, but smaller shops and street vendors may only accept cash.

• Tax Refunds: Foreign visitors may be eligible for tax refunds on certain purchases.

By exploring these shopping destinations, you can find everything from luxury brands to local handicrafts and souvenirs, making your shopping experience in Hangzhou both enjoyable and rewarding.

For More Specific Shopping Guidance on Shopping in Hangzhou:

Hangzhou offers a variety of shopping experiences, from traditional markets selling local goods to modern, high-end malls with international brands. Whether you’re looking for luxury fashion, local handicrafts, or souvenirs, Hangzhou has something to offer for every type of shopper.

1. High-End Shopping Malls and Districts

1.1. Hangzhou Tower (杭州大厦)

• Location: Wulin Square (武林广场)

• Overview: Hangzhou Tower is one of the city's most iconic shopping destinations, offering a range of luxury brands and international fashion stores. It’s a multi-level department store with everything from high-end clothing, beauty products, accessories, and electronics.

• Brands: Expect to find luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior, as well as high-end department stores.

• Food and Entertainment: The building also features a selection of restaurants, cafes, and entertainment facilities such as a movie theater.

1.2. Wangfujing Department Store (王府井百货)

• Location: Near the Wulin Square area.

• Overview: A famous department store in China, Wangfujing is known for offering a variety of international and local brands, catering to a diverse range of tastes and budgets.

• Shopping Experience: It’s a great place to find clothing, electronics, cosmetics, and souvenirs, and also has a food court with many local food options.

1.3. MixC Mall (杭州银泰in77)

• Location: Near Qianjiang New Town, a large business district.

• Overview: The MixC Mall is a luxury shopping center with a modern design and a focus on high-end retail, international brands, and fine dining.

• Brands: This mall features brands like Zara, H&M, Chanel, and Prada, as well as a wide range of electronics and sportswear stores.

• Leisure and Dining: In addition to shopping, it offers fine dining restaurants, cafes, and an indoor ice skating rink, making it a perfect spot for a shopping day out.

1.4. Yintai Department Store (银泰百货)

• Location: Multiple locations around the city, including near West Lake.

• Overview: Known for being one of the largest department store chains in China, Yintai offers a wide variety of goods from local and international brands. It's popular for clothing, cosmetics, home goods, and fashion accessories.

• Price Range: Generally accessible, with both affordable and mid-range options.

2. Local Markets and Souvenir Shopping

2.1. Hefang Street (河坊街)

• Location: Near Guangfu Road (close to West Lake).

• Overview: One of the most famous traditional shopping streets in Hangzhou, Hefang Street is lined with ancient-style buildings and offers a variety of local souvenirs and traditional products. It’s a popular area for tourists looking to experience authentic Hangzhou culture.

• What to Buy:

  • Longjing Tea (龙井茶): Hangzhou’s famous green tea, often sold in beautifully packaged boxes.

  • Silk: Hangzhou is known for its silk products, so you can find silk scarves, clothing, and bed linens.

  • Handicrafts: Including Chinese calligraphy, porcelain, and traditional fans.

  • Local Snacks: Try some Hangzhou specialties like Beggar's Chicken or Dim Sum at street vendors.

2.2. Qinghefang Ancient Street (清河坊街)

• Location: Near Hefang Street and West Lake.

• Overview: Qinghefang is a well-preserved ancient shopping street, offering a variety of local goods and traditional Chinese items. It’s also a great place to explore Hangzhou’s cultural history and enjoy street performances or local delicacies.

• What to Buy:

  • Hangzhou Silk: Traditional silk products and scarves.

  • Tea Sets: You can find traditional Chinese tea sets and Longjing tea.

  • Wooden Fans and Carvings: Unique handcrafted items like fans, wood carvings, and embroidered artwork.

2.3. West Lake Cultural Square (西湖文化广场)

• Location: Near West Lake.

• Overview: This area offers more affordable options and is known for its combination of modern shopping complexes and traditional tea houses. It's a great place to buy souvenirs, local tea, and Hangzhou-themed gifts.

• What to Buy: Tea, West Lake postcards, and traditional Chinese art.

3. Specialty Shopping Areas

3.1. Xixi Wetland Mall

• Location: In the Xixi Wetland area (slightly out of the city center).

• Overview: A beautiful shopping center near the famous Xixi Wetland, blending natural scenery with modern shopping.

• What to Buy: In addition to the usual shopping mall offerings, you can find nature-themed gifts, eco-friendly products, and enjoy leisure activities by the water.

3.2. International Brands at Outlets

• Location: Outskirts of Hangzhou.

• Overview: There are a few outlet malls around Hangzhou where you can find discounted goods from international brands like Nike, Adidas, Coach, Michael Kors, and more. These are popular among shoppers looking for high-quality items at lower prices.

4. Street Shopping and Night Markets

4.1. Night Markets Around West Lake

• Overview: In the evenings, you’ll find street vendors and night markets selling everything from local snacks and handmade jewelry to clothing and accessories. These are great for grabbing unique, inexpensive items and local treats.

4.2. Wulin Square Night Market (武林广场夜市)

• Location: In the Wulin Square area.

• Overview: A lively market that operates in the evening, offering a mix of street food, clothing, electronics, and souvenirs. It’s a great place for bargain shopping and tasting local street food.

5. Shopping Tips in Hangzhou

• Bargaining: Bargaining is common in local markets and street vendors, but it’s less common in high-end malls or luxury shops.

• Tea: Hangzhou is famous for its Longjing tea (Dragon Well tea), and it’s a great place to buy high-quality tea. Look for tea shops in traditional areas like Hefang Street and Qinghefang.

• Cash and Payment: While cash is accepted, mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are the most common way to pay, so it's advisable to set these up if you’re traveling.

Conclusion:

Hangzhou is a great city for shopping, offering a wide range of shopping experiences. From the luxury malls and modern stores in districts like Qianjiang Century City and MixC Mall, to the traditional markets like Hefang Street where you can buy souvenirs and local products, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, tea, or local handicrafts, Hangzhou provides a vibrant and diverse shopping scene.