Location & How to Get There

Southern Song Imperial Street sits in the heart of Hangzhou’s Shangcheng District, stretching about 4.2 kilometers (nearly 2.6 miles) from the foot of Phoenix Mountain in the south to the intersection of Fengqi Road and Wulin Road in the north. This historic road was once the backbone of Southern Song Dynasty’s capital, Lin’an (modern-day Hangzhou).

To visit, take the Hangzhou Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station or Bingjiangshan Station, both a short walk away. Buses like Weixin No. 8 or 7 also stop nearby. For a vibe-y entrance, aim for Gulou (Drum Tower)—a landmark along the street that’s been around since the Yuan era!

Natural Charm & Old-World Vibes

Though Southern Song Imperial Street isn’t packed with waterfalls or gardens, its charm lies in cobblestone paths and ancient archways. The street’s original stones were documented as “over 10,000 slabs” in old texts, though modern digs only found “cake-shaped bricks” (locals joke they smelled like sweet rice cakes!). Today, you’ll stroll past weathered stone tablets, hanging red lanterns, and traditional Zhejiang rooftops—perfect for Instagram-ready shots.

Shade comes from old plane trees lining parts of the street, and seasonal visits might catch cherry blossoms or autumn maples. At night, the lanterns glow warmly, making it a top spot for evening walks.

History & Cultural Treasures

This street was no ordinary road—it was the royal route for emperors to visit Jingling Palace (now near Wulin Road) during festivals. Imagine horse-drawn carriages trumpeting through here! While the palace is gone, you can still see restored gate towers, like Chaotianmen (today’s Gulou), and stone-carved Buddha niches tucked in alleyways.

Look out for time-worn shop houses mixing Qing Dynasty styles with modern twists. Some say the street’s layout still follows the “central axis” of the old imperial city, so walking it feels like stepping into a living museum.

Modern Perks & Local Flavors

Don’t expect fast food chains—Southern Song Imperial Street thrives on mom-and-pop shops. Snack on dragon-beard candy, sip Longjing tea in timber-framed teahouses, or grab stinky tofu from a street cart. For souvenirs, browse handwoven silk scarves, cloisonné jewelry, or calligraphy scrolls.

The area also has clean restrooms, free Wi-Fi at cafes, and bike rentals if you want to explore further. Nearby Hefang Street and Wu Mountain make great add-ons for a full day trip.

Tips for an Awesome Visit

  • Best time: Spring (April–June) or fall (September–November) to avoid summer heat and winter crowds.
  • Must-see spots: Gulou, the Imperial Street Exhibition Hall (free!), and the Song Dynasty-themed sculptures.
  • Hidden gem: Stroll down Xiaoshan Alley for quieter stretches and local art studios.
  • Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes—those ancient cobblestones can be bumpy!

Walking Southern Song Imperial Street is like flipping through a history book while snacking on street food. Whether you’re into ancient empires, pretty photo spots, or just people-watching, this place has layers—just like the centuries-old bricks under your feet.