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May 27, 2013

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Home » City specials » Hangzhou

Shedding light on city's after-dark tourism trail

By Xu Wenwen | May 27, 2013, Monday | Print Edition

THE West Lake looks more charming on rainy days than sunny days; and at night it looks more charming than in daytime."

This old saying describes the beauty of Hangzhou's signature scenic spot, and perhaps mindful of it, the city government has set about extending its evening attractions across the city.

Six years ago, Hangzhou published a report about its evening leisure and entertainment options, making it one of the first cities in China to promote the "night leisure" economy.

Now evening excursions are an established feature of the scenic city, enticing travelers to extend day trips into overnight stays - with illuminated scenery, evening shows and night snacks on offer.

Summer is the high season for evening tourist attractions, and on Friday a series of night leisure activities is being launched by the Hangzhou Tourism Commission.

According to the commission, almost 50 themed activities, lasting five months, will take place at Hefang Street, Southern Song Imperial Street, Tangqi Town in Yuhang, Wulin night market, Silk Street and Beishan Road.

Shanghai Daily took a trip along Hefang Street and Southern Song Imperial Street to shed some light on their evening tourist spots.

Hefang Street is the archetypical traditional-style street in the city, housing traditional brands and stores in two-story black-and-white building with upturned eaves.

Southern Song Imperial Street was once the axis of the empire's capital. Though there are not many luxury brands, the old street is filled with boutique stores that focus on items such as hand-made utensils, essential oil soaps, stationary, silk and clothing by local designers.

The two streets, which intersect, are good places to catch a glimpse of how locals live, even if you don't look to buy anything.

And this summer, the block containing the two streets is the main stage for evening leisure attractions.

From 4:30pm to 10pm between Friday and Sunday, the Hangzhou Night Leisure Carnival is being held at Wushan Square, at the east end of Hefang Street.

Covering 2,000 square meters and sponsored by 40 brands, it includes live music shows, an outdoors buffet, beer and wine promotions and a fashion show.

The main stage hosts a karaoke competition from 4:30-5:30pm, plus bands from local bars G+, Park1999 and Reggae Bar, offering a wide range of music.

The buffet is provided by 30 local restaurants recommended by local catering and food associations. Goodies from around the globe include German food and beer, Italian pizza and pasta, milk tea from Nepal and snacks from China's Taiwan.

And if all this carnival going sounds like thirsty work, fear not, there's an outdoor bar with beer and wine available at discount prices.

Adding some glamor to the occasion, models will strut their stuff, showing off cutting-edge fashions and creative nail work.

Meanwhile, every Saturday night from June to August, historic shows will take part on Hefang Street and Southern Song Imperial Street.

Performers in traditional costumes will play the roles of the emperor and queen of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) visiting the imperial street, or enact a traditional wedding.

In addition, at the southern end of Southern Song Imperial Street is Zhongshan Road - one of Hangzhou's food streets.

When dusk falls, it becomes a night snack heaven for foodies, with visitors wandering around the two streets, sampling their fare.

Chinese cuisine, including spicy dishes from the southwest, seafood from the southeast and barbecue items from the northwest, can all be found here.

In front of the restaurants, two lines of barbecue and teppanyaki entice customers with mouth-watering aromas.

But before tucking into the delicious food, visitors might first want to note the distinct street style that unifies the two-story restaurants.

Windows are decorated with wooden latticework and small courtyards between the buildings are connected by a gently flowing creek.

Hangzhou


 

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