Hangzhou is yet another Chinese "shopping paradise". The city offers a superb collection of local crafts, rare arts and other souvenirs.
Some typical Hangzhou specialties and souvenirs: Hangzhou Silk, Hangzhou Embroidery, West Lake Silk Umbrellas, Tianzhu Bamboo Chopsticks, as well as White Chrysanthemum Tea and world-famous Longjing Tea.
One great place to souvenir shop in Hangzhou is the market that opens every evening on Wushan Road. Here you can avoid the high prices at Hangzhou's many tourist shops. Bargaining is not only recommended, it is required! Bargain hard and you will go home with some great deals.
Also, Hangzhou has a great outdoor silk market called the China Silk City on Fengqi Lu that runs for two blocks. This market street is long! Most of the silk is artificial (real is too expensive for most people), but most of the stalls will have some real silk.
If you are looking for something indoors and without the stress of bargaining, explore stores like the Hangzhou Friendship Store or the shops along Jiefang Road or Yan'an Road.
1) Dragon Well or Longjing Tea Village
Tea is a basic element of Chinese culture, and the tea of Longjing or Dragon Well Village is some of the most sought after tea in the nation. Be sure to visit the village of Longjing that's situated just west of West Lake to explore the many tea shops and tea houses that make their homes in the area. You can sample a number of teas and purchase some to take home to family and friends. The nearby Dragon Well Tea Plantation also offers a wide array of teas and tea ware as w
ell as an enactment of a traditional Chinese tea.
2) Hangzhou Mansion Department Store
Located in the popular Wulin Square area, this extensive facility covers approximately 26,000 square meters and offers shoppers a large variety of goods. A total of four restaurants, a nightclub, a fitness center, a bar, a beauty salon and a tea room all call this shopper's paradise home.
Address: 1 Wulin Square
3) Hangzhou Silk City
If it's silk, satin or damask you're after, there's no better place to find it than at Hangzhou Silk City located near the street crossings of Fengqi Road, Tiyuchang Road and Xinhua Road. This silk wholesale house includes over 600 dealers offering a vast selection of fabric, clothing and accesory fabric items such as ties and scarves. You'll find knowledgeable vendors and reasonable rates at this Hangzhou giant that spans more than 25,000 square meters.
Address: 253 Xinhua Rd
4) Night Market
Get ready to bargain at this infamous market that's a must for those looking to stock up on interesting gifts and gadgets. Vendors stock a variety of goods from antiques to paintings and Chinese cultural items.
Address: off Yan'an Rd near Pinghai Rd