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Hangzhou’s Best Autumn Souvenirs to Bring Home

Autumn in Hangzhou is nothing short of magical. The city transforms into a golden paradise, with West Lake’s willow trees swaying gently over shimmering waters, tea fields blanketed in mist, and the sweet aroma of osmanthus flowers filling the air. If you’re visiting during this enchanting season, you’ll want to take a piece of Hangzhou’s autumn charm home with you. From delicate teas to handcrafted silk, here are the best souvenirs to bring back from your trip.

1. Longjing Tea: The Essence of Hangzhou’s Autumn

Why Longjing Tea?

No visit to Hangzhou is complete without tasting—or taking home—some of the world-famous Longjing (Dragon Well) tea. Autumn is an excellent time to purchase this green tea, as the second flush (harvested in late September to early October) offers a slightly deeper, nuttier flavor compared to the spring harvest.

Where to Buy Authentic Longjing

Avoid tourist traps by heading to Meijiawu Tea Village or Longjing Village, where local farmers sell directly to visitors. Look for tightly rolled, flat leaves with a vibrant jade-green color.

Pro Tip

Ask for Ming Qian (pre-Qingming) or Yu Qian (pre-rain) labels if you prefer a lighter, more floral taste. For autumn, the Qiu Cha (autumn tea) is richer and pairs wonderfully with roasted chestnuts.


2. Osmanthus-Scented Delights

Osmanthus Honey

Hangzhou’s osmanthus flowers bloom gloriously in autumn, and their sweet fragrance is captured in jars of golden osmanthus honey. Drizzle it over yogurt, toast, or even use it to sweeten tea.

Osmanthus Cake (Guihua Gao)

These delicate, slightly chewy cakes are a traditional Hangzhou treat. Made with glutinous rice flour and infused with osmanthus syrup, they’re the perfect edible souvenir.

Where to Find Them

Check out Hangzhou’s Hefang Street, where old-school bakeries like Wufangzhai sell beautifully packaged boxes.


3. Silk: Luxurious & Timeless

Why Hangzhou Silk?

Hangzhou has been a silk production hub for over 2,000 years. Autumn is a great time to shop for silk scarves, pajamas, or even custom-made qipaos, as the weather cools and lightweight fabrics remain desirable.

Best Places to Buy

  • Hangzhou Silk Market (Zhejiang Silk Market) – Bargain-friendly with a vast selection.
  • Silk Street (Dongxing Road) – Higher-end boutiques offering premium craftsmanship.

What to Look For

  • Pure mulberry silk (check for the "100% silk" label).
  • Hand-painted scarves featuring West Lake landscapes.

4. West Lake-Themed Handicrafts

Folding Fans (Zhe Shan)

Elegant and functional, Hangzhou’s handmade folding fans often feature delicate paintings of West Lake’s autumn scenery.

Embroidery Art

Hangzhou embroidery (Xiu Jin) is renowned for its intricate detailing. Small framed pieces or handkerchiefs make for exquisite gifts.

Where to Shop

  • Hefang Street – A treasure trove of traditional crafts.
  • China National Silk Museum Gift Shop – High-quality, museum-approved pieces.

5. Hangzhou’s Autumn Snacks

Dried Bamboo Shoots (Sun Gan)

A savory, umami-rich snack that pairs perfectly with tea. Locals love them stir-fried or added to soups.

Lotus Root Starch (Ou Fen)

Used in traditional desserts, this fine powder can be mixed into sweet soups or drinks.

Where to Buy

  • Hangzhou Food Market (near Wulin Square) – Packaged snacks for travel.
  • Local supermarkets (e.g., Century Mart) – Affordable and fresh.

6. Bamboo & Wooden Crafts

Bamboo Tea Sets

Lightweight and eco-friendly, bamboo tea trays or cups are ideal for tea lovers.

Carved Wooden Figurines

Artisans often craft miniature West Lake pagodas or mythical creatures, perfect for display.

Best Shopping Spots

  • Qinghefang Ancient Street – Authentic, hand-carved pieces.
  • Xixi Wetland Souvenir Shops – Nature-inspired designs.

7. Autumn-Inspired Calligraphy Sets

Hangzhou has deep roots in Chinese literati culture. A beautifully crafted calligraphy set—complete with ink, brushes, and rice paper—makes for a sophisticated souvenir.

Where to Find Them

  • Xiling Seal Art Society – High-end, artist-grade supplies.
  • Hefang Street Calligraphy Shops – Budget-friendly starter kits.

8. Hangzhou Pear Juice (Li Zhi Guang)

Made from fragrant Asian pears, this lightly sweetened juice is a refreshing taste of autumn. Look for glass bottles at local supermarkets or Hangzhou International Airport’s duty-free section.


9. Autumn-Scented Incense & Candles

Osmanthus & Sandalwood Blends

Capture Hangzhou’s cozy autumn atmosphere with hand-rolled incense sticks or soy candles.

Where to Buy

  • Tianzhu Buddhist Incense Shops – Near Lingyin Temple.
  • Modern boutiques in IN77 Shopping District – Contemporary scents.

10. Custom-Made Chopsticks

Engraved with your name or a poetic phrase, a pair of hand-carved chopsticks is both practical and sentimental. Wangxingji Chopstick Shop on Hefang Street offers beautiful designs.


Whether you’re sipping Longjing tea on a crisp morning or wrapping yourself in a silk scarf, these souvenirs will keep the magic of Hangzhou’s autumn alive long after your trip ends. Happy shopping—and savor every moment of this breathtaking season!

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Author: Hangzhou Travel

Link: https://hangzhoutravel.github.io/travel-blog/hangzhous-best-autumn-souvenirs-to-bring-home-1884.htm

Source: Hangzhou Travel

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