Geography & Transportation

Nestled in the heart of Hangzhou’s Gongshu District, the China Umbrella Museum and nearby China Knife & Scissors Museum offer a peek into traditional Chinese craftsmanship. Both museums sit along Xiaohe Road, just a 10-minute walk from the Beidaquan Subway Station (Line 5). If you’re cycling, there are plenty of bike racks outside, and the area is flat, so it’s easy to combine these spots with a riverside stroll along the Grand Canal of Hangzhou. For drivers, there’s limited parking, but nearby streets offer more options.

Natural Scenery

While these aren’t nature-focused attractions, their location near the Grand Canal adds a lovely backdrop. The canal’s stone bridges and willow-lined paths create a peaceful contrast to the bustling city. After exploring the museums, a walk along the canal’s banks lets you soak in Hangzhou’s blend of old and new.

Cultural Highlights

China Umbrella Museum

This gem showcases traditional umbrellas, especially the iconic oil paper umbrellas and durable oil cloth umbrellas. You’ll see artisans at work, stretching paper over bamboo ribs or painting delicate designs. The museum even explains how these umbrellas were used in ancient times—not just for rain, but as wedding gifts or status symbols! Don’t miss the colorful display of umbrellas hanging from the ceiling, which looks like a rainbow forest.

China Knife & Scissors Museum

Next door, this museum dives into the history of blades. From bronze dagger replicas to intricate hairpins, you’ll spot tools dating back centuries. The highlight? A giant scissor sculpture and a room where you can test-cut paper with vintage blades. It’s a surprising mix of art, utility, and innovation.

Visitor Facilities

Both museums are free to enter (a rare treat in China!). They’re small but packed with details, so plan for 1–2 hours total. English signage is sparse, but staff often speak basic English, and scannable QR codes provide translations. Nearby, a few cafes and snack stalls offer dumplings or tea—perfect for refueling. If you forget to buy a souvenir, the museums’ gift shops sell mini umbrellas, scissor keychains, and handcrafted paper fans.

Tourist Experience

These spots are family-friendly, with interactive displays that kids love. At the umbrella museum, try holding a real oil-paper umbrella—they’re surprisingly lightweight! The knife museum’s hands-on cutting demos let you test ancient tools on bamboo slips. For photos, the umbrella museum’s installation hall is a must-shoot, while the knife museum’s metallic sculptures add an edgy vibe. Combine your visit with a meal at the nearby Xiaohe Street food hub for a full cultural day.

Practical Tips

  • Best Time: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds.
  • Pair With: The Grand Canal historic district or the Handmade Sewing Workshop nearby.
  • Accessibility: Ramps and elevators are available, but some exhibits are tight for wheelchairs.
  • Hidden Gem: Ask staff about free craft workshops (seasonal) where you can paint your own umbrella!

These two museums might sound niche, but they’re anything but boring. Whether you’re a history buff, craft enthusiast, or just love quirky photo ops, they’re a rain-or-shine destination. Just don’t forget your camera—and maybe an umbrella, just in case!