Location & Transportation

Xiaoshan Urban Planning Exhibition Hall sits in Yongjiu Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou. It’s a 30-minute drive from Hangzhou East Railway Station and about 40 minutes from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. If you’re coming from downtown Hangzhou, take Metro Line 2 to Xiaoshan Pan’an Road Station, then a short taxi ride gets you there. The area feels quiet but connected—near the Qiantang River and close to scenic spots like Xiang Lake.

Natural Surroundings

Though the hall itself is an urban space, its location offers glimpses of Xiaoshan’s greenery. The nearby Xiang Lake (a 15-minute drive away) is a hit for its wetlands and hiking trails. From the hall’s windows, you might spot the Qiantang River in the distance, especially if you visit the 4th-floor observation deck. The area blends city planning with nature, showing how Xiaoshan balances development with eco-preservation.

Cultural & Historical Highlights

The exhibit takes you on a timeline of Xiaoshan’s evolution, divided into “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow.” On the 4th floor, giant screens and interactive maps reveal futuristic plans like the “One Port, Four Zones” initiative (think tech hubs, industrial zones, and eco-parks). A 1:650 scale model covers 151 square kilometers, stretching from Xincheng Road to Fengqing Avenue, and even includes miniature versions of Qiantang River bridges. It’s like holding the city’s blueprint in your hands!

Exhibition Layout

The two-floor space (1,616 sqm total) focuses on progress and vision. The 4th-floor gallery steals the show with its 12 detailed plans, from transportation networks to residential zones. Two multimedia rooms loop videos about Xiaoshan’s economy—farming, factories, and tourism get equal spotlights. For kids, there’s a “touch-screen quiz” area where they can build their own virtual city.

Practical Amenities

The hall is free to enter (score!), but you’ll need to register at the front desk. English-friendly staff offer brochures and audio guides. There’s a small café on site (try the green tea cookies!) and clean restrooms. If you drive, the parking lot is spacious—perfect for families or groups.

Immersive Experience

Wandering through the huge city model feels like touring a Lilliputian Xiaoshan. Press a button, and lights flash to highlight future subway lines or upcoming business districts. The “Tomorrow” section uses VR goggles to let you walk through planned parks and skyscrapers. Even history buffs will love the old photos and artifacts in the “Yesterday” zone, which explains how Xiaoshan grew from farms to tech powerhouse.

Tips for Visitors

  • Best for: Architecture lovers, urban planners, families with curious kids.
  • Time needed: 2–3 hours to see everything.
  • Photo ops: The model’s LED-lit night scene, the VR experience, and the panoramic Qiantang River views.
  • Pair with: Afterward, head to Xiang Lake for boating or visit the Elder Hu’s Tomb (Xiaoshan’s historic site).

Xiaoshan Urban Planning Exhibition Hall isn’t just a museum—it’s a window into China’s urban future. Whether you’re into tech, history, or design, it’s a unique stop that shows how one city plans to grow smarter, greener, and bolder.