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Glittering finds on historic silver street
By Wu Huixin |
March 4, 2013, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
HUSHU Road, which runs from Wulin Gate in the south and connects with Xiaohe Road in the north, is a main urban road in Hangzhou, tracing the west river bank of the Grand Canal.
In ancient times, it boomed as a center for selling rice, fish and flowers, its prosperity reflected in the name "Silver Hushu" that was given by citizens.
Today, Hushu Road still boasts a number of historic relics.
Xiangji Temple was built in AD 978, the name endowed by Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It is the only temple in China which worships Kinnara, a celestial musician and a half-human, half-horse divinity.
The temple fell into ruin during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), but Emperor Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) rebuilt it. In 2009, Hangzhou government restored Xiangji Temple again, and now a seemingly endless stream of believers come to worship there every day.
Another relic around Hushu Road is Fuyi Granary. It was built as the strategic national grain stockpile during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and was - together with Nanxin Granary in Beijing - known as "China's Granary."
In the past, it was the grain distribution center for the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. But over time Fuyi Granary declined and was converted into an industrial plant and dwellings in late 20th century.
Due to its unique historic status as the only ancient granary in Hangzhou, in 2007 the government decided to restore Fuyi Granary to its original design.
A park containing relics and a collection of Qing-style buildings have been built on the site. There are also a few cultural and creative shops, adding a modern feel to the historic site.
Today, Hushu Road is a commercial street with fashion houses, restaurants and entertainment venues under the support of the local authorities.
Shanghai Daily took a stroll along the thoroughfare and found three gems - two cafes and a restaurant.
Vanish Cafe
Vanish Cafe's Chinese name literally means "100 flowers hidden deep," an accurate reflection on how difficult it is to find. It is located on the second floor of Pudding Hotel alongside Qingshuitan Lane.
But once you track Vanish Cafe down, you could easily linger for hours over coffee, because the cafe is full of interesting knickknacks and film items.
It covers an area of 200 square meters, without any booths or boxes, which gives it a look of a mini cinema.
And actually, there is a projector there for screenings of films and documentaries.
On one wall of the cafe is a long irregular grid cabinet containing books, film posters, notebooks and postcards for sale.
The cafe boss also holds special activities every now and then, with themes such as "send a postcard for the future" and "write a postcard to your beloved."
Notebook brands for sale include Moleskine and Concertino.
Address: 2/F, Pudding Hotel, 407 Hushu Road S.
Tel: (0571) 8807-3092
Tree Cafe
This cafe gets its name from three trees that grow inside, their branches reaching out through the roof.
When building the cafe, the owner didn't want to cut down the trees growing on the site. Instead, he drilled holes in the ceiling for the trees to grow through.
A price paid for this environmental concern is that roof leaks slightly in heavy rainy, but this doesn't dampen customers' spirits, says the owner.
Such a unique environment helps attract customers from around Hangzhou to Tree Cafe, even though it's hidden in the office buildings of Gongshu District government.
It is decorated in Japanese minimalist style, with wood and glass the main materials.
As it has a part-glass roof, on sunny days dappled light is cast through the leaves of the resident trees, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
The cafe is divided into smoking and no-smoking sections by glass and curtains. Books and handmade accessories are available for sale.
Outside, an area of decking with tables provides a perfect spot for basking in sunshine over a coffee.
These days, the cafe is a popular venue for newly-weds to pose for wedding photos.
Address: 10 Zhu'ertan Lane
Tel: (0571) 8806-6301
Shui Cao Zhi Jia
Eight years ago, Shui Cao decided to settle in Hangzhou and opened a hostel to welcome travelers from around the world.
Then last year Shui carved out a large space for the restaurant, which seats more than 100 people and has become a popular attraction.
A small garden shaded by a large osmanthus tree is a popular feature for visitors, especially in the fall when the flowers bloom.
The menu offers classical Western food and Hangzhou local cuisines. Milder dishes suitable for children are available.
Recently, the restaurant has begun offering Chinese home cooking style dishes, featuring local poultry and organic vegetables.
Address: 407 Hushu Road S.
Tel: (0571) 8880-2077
In ancient times, it boomed as a center for selling rice, fish and flowers, its prosperity reflected in the name "Silver Hushu" that was given by citizens.
Today, Hushu Road still boasts a number of historic relics.
Xiangji Temple was built in AD 978, the name endowed by Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It is the only temple in China which worships Kinnara, a celestial musician and a half-human, half-horse divinity.
The temple fell into ruin during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), but Emperor Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) rebuilt it. In 2009, Hangzhou government restored Xiangji Temple again, and now a seemingly endless stream of believers come to worship there every day.
Another relic around Hushu Road is Fuyi Granary. It was built as the strategic national grain stockpile during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and was - together with Nanxin Granary in Beijing - known as "China's Granary."
In the past, it was the grain distribution center for the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. But over time Fuyi Granary declined and was converted into an industrial plant and dwellings in late 20th century.
Due to its unique historic status as the only ancient granary in Hangzhou, in 2007 the government decided to restore Fuyi Granary to its original design.
A park containing relics and a collection of Qing-style buildings have been built on the site. There are also a few cultural and creative shops, adding a modern feel to the historic site.
Today, Hushu Road is a commercial street with fashion houses, restaurants and entertainment venues under the support of the local authorities.
Shanghai Daily took a stroll along the thoroughfare and found three gems - two cafes and a restaurant.
Vanish Cafe
Vanish Cafe's Chinese name literally means "100 flowers hidden deep," an accurate reflection on how difficult it is to find. It is located on the second floor of Pudding Hotel alongside Qingshuitan Lane.
But once you track Vanish Cafe down, you could easily linger for hours over coffee, because the cafe is full of interesting knickknacks and film items.
It covers an area of 200 square meters, without any booths or boxes, which gives it a look of a mini cinema.
And actually, there is a projector there for screenings of films and documentaries.
On one wall of the cafe is a long irregular grid cabinet containing books, film posters, notebooks and postcards for sale.
The cafe boss also holds special activities every now and then, with themes such as "send a postcard for the future" and "write a postcard to your beloved."
Notebook brands for sale include Moleskine and Concertino.
Address: 2/F, Pudding Hotel, 407 Hushu Road S.
Tel: (0571) 8807-3092
Tree Cafe
This cafe gets its name from three trees that grow inside, their branches reaching out through the roof.
When building the cafe, the owner didn't want to cut down the trees growing on the site. Instead, he drilled holes in the ceiling for the trees to grow through.
A price paid for this environmental concern is that roof leaks slightly in heavy rainy, but this doesn't dampen customers' spirits, says the owner.
Such a unique environment helps attract customers from around Hangzhou to Tree Cafe, even though it's hidden in the office buildings of Gongshu District government.
It is decorated in Japanese minimalist style, with wood and glass the main materials.
As it has a part-glass roof, on sunny days dappled light is cast through the leaves of the resident trees, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
The cafe is divided into smoking and no-smoking sections by glass and curtains. Books and handmade accessories are available for sale.
Outside, an area of decking with tables provides a perfect spot for basking in sunshine over a coffee.
These days, the cafe is a popular venue for newly-weds to pose for wedding photos.
Address: 10 Zhu'ertan Lane
Tel: (0571) 8806-6301
Shui Cao Zhi Jia
Eight years ago, Shui Cao decided to settle in Hangzhou and opened a hostel to welcome travelers from around the world.
Then last year Shui carved out a large space for the restaurant, which seats more than 100 people and has become a popular attraction.
A small garden shaded by a large osmanthus tree is a popular feature for visitors, especially in the fall when the flowers bloom.
The menu offers classical Western food and Hangzhou local cuisines. Milder dishes suitable for children are available.
Recently, the restaurant has begun offering Chinese home cooking style dishes, featuring local poultry and organic vegetables.
Address: 407 Hushu Road S.
Tel: (0571) 8880-2077
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