Hangzhou Travel Booking: Best Souvenirs to Buy

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is one of China’s most picturesque cities, known for its serene West Lake, lush tea plantations, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, picking up the right souvenirs is a must to remember your trip. From delicate Longjing tea to exquisite silk products, Hangzhou offers a treasure trove of unique gifts. Here’s a curated list of the best souvenirs to bring home.

Traditional Hangzhou Delicacies

Longjing Tea (Dragon Well Tea)

No trip to Hangzhou is complete without tasting—or taking home—some authentic Longjing tea. Grown in the hills surrounding West Lake, this green tea is renowned for its smooth, nutty flavor and health benefits.

Where to Buy:
- Meijiawu Tea Village – A great spot to buy directly from local farmers.
- Hangzhou Tea Market – Offers a wide variety of grades and packaging options.

Pro Tip: Look for tea harvested in early spring (Mingqian tea), as it’s considered the highest quality.

Hangzhou Silk

Hangzhou has been a silk production hub for centuries, and its silk products are unmatched in quality. From scarves to qipaos (traditional Chinese dresses), silk makes for an elegant and practical souvenir.

Best Picks:
- Silk Scarves – Lightweight and easy to pack.
- Embroidered Silk Handkerchiefs – A small but luxurious gift.
- Custom-Made Silk Clothing – Some shops offer tailoring services.

Where to Buy:
- China National Silk Museum Shop – Authentic and high-quality.
- Hangzhou Silk Street – A bustling market with competitive prices.

Handicrafts & Artistic Keepsakes

West Lake Themed Souvenirs

The beauty of West Lake has inspired poets and artists for centuries. Bring home a piece of this inspiration with:
- Hand-Painted Fans – Often featuring West Lake scenery.
- Calligraphy Scrolls – Elegant and culturally rich.
- Miniature Landscapes (Penjing) – Tiny potted landscapes resembling Hangzhou’s nature.

Zhejiang Embroidery

A lesser-known but stunning art form, Zhejiang embroidery is intricate and colorful. Look for:
- Embroidered Wall Hangings – Depicting flowers, birds, or traditional scenes.
- Embroidered Pouches – Perfect for jewelry or small keepsakes.

Unique & Modern Hangzhou Finds

Bamboo Crafts

Hangzhou’s bamboo products are both eco-friendly and beautifully crafted. Popular items include:
- Bamboo Tea Sets – Lightweight and sustainable.
- Bamboo Baskets – Great for home decor.
- Bamboo Chopsticks – A practical yet artistic gift.

Local Snacks & Sweets

For food lovers, Hangzhou offers delicious treats that travel well:
- Osmanthus Cake (Guihua Gao) – A fragrant, mildly sweet dessert.
- Dried Longjing Tea-Infused Snacks – Such as tea-flavored cookies or candies.
- Preserved Mustard Tubers (Xuecai) – A salty-sweet condiment popular in Zhejiang cuisine.

Where to Shop for Souvenirs in Hangzhou

Hefang Street (Qinghefang Ancient Street)

This historic pedestrian street is packed with traditional shops selling tea, silk, handicrafts, and snacks. It’s a one-stop destination for authentic Hangzhou souvenirs.

Inlake Shopping Malls

For a more modern shopping experience, check out:
- Intime Department Store – High-end brands and local specialties.
- Hangzhou Tower Mall – A mix of luxury and local crafts.

Night Markets

For bargain hunters, Hangzhou’s night markets offer lively shopping with street food and handmade goods.

Final Shopping Tips

• Bargaining: Acceptable in markets but not in established stores.
• Authenticity: Look for official seals on silk and tea products.
• Packaging: Many shops offer gift wrapping for an extra fee.

Hangzhou’s souvenirs are as diverse as its culture—whether you prefer timeless elegance or modern craftsmanship, there’s something for every traveler. Happy shopping!