What to Buy in Hangzhou (杭州)

Tea, silk, and fans — the 'three wonders of Hangzhou' plus edible souvenirs.

West Lake in Hangzhou with traditional covered boats on calm water
Photo: Jakubhal · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source

Hangzhou's famous trio — Longjing tea, silk, and Wangxingji fans — has been the city's calling card for a century, and all three are still made and sold here by the original heritage brands. The city is compact: tea villages, silk markets, and the historic Hefang Street are all within easy reach of West Lake.

For visitors, Longjing tea is the headline purchase but also the one that needs the most care — the counterfeit market is large, so buy from the core production villages or reputable shops and learn the basic authenticity checks first. Silk, fans, scissors, and lotus-root powder are lower-risk, packable alternatives.

Prices below are not listed unless verified. Tea and silk prices vary enormously by grade; confirm the per-unit price before paying.

Shopping highlights

  • West Lake Longjing tea from the core production villages (try Meijiawu)
  • Silk scarves and fabrics at China Silk City — China's largest silk market
  • Wangxingji fans and Zhangxiaoquan scissors — heritage crafts still made here
  • Lotus-root powder and Longjing pastries — light, sealed, gift-ready
  • Hefang Street: a walkable strip of century-old shops

Worth buying in Hangzhou

Worth finding

West Lake Longjing Tea (西湖龙井)

China's most famous green tea, grown around West Lake — the purchase that needs the most care, and the most rewarding when done right.

Price varies — check in store

Worth finding

Hangzhou Silk (杭州丝绸)

Silk scarves, ties, and fabrics from the 'silk capital' — the Dujinsheng heritage brand is the safe classic.

Price varies — check in store

Worth finding

Wangxingji Fan (王星记扇子)

Handmade fans from the 1875 heritage brand — black-paper, sandalwood, and silk fans that are art you can use.

Price varies — check in store

Worth finding

Zhangxiaoquan Scissors (张小泉剪刀)

Scissors from the 1663 heritage brand — famously sharp, practical, and a genuinely useful souvenir.

Price varies — check in store

Worth finding

West Lake Lotus Root Powder (西湖藕粉)

Hangzhou's classic breakfast food: fine lotus-root starch that brews into a translucent, fragrant porridge — sealed boxes travel perfectly.

Price varies — check in store

Worth finding

Longjing Tea Pastries (龙井茶酥)

Crisp pastries flavored with real Longjing tea — the edible souvenir for people who don't brew tea.

Price varies — check in store

Worth finding

Hangzhou Embroidery (杭绣)

Silk embroidery in the distinctive Hangzhou style — from affordable small pieces to museum-grade art.

Price varies — check in store

Worth finding

Dongpo Pork Gift Set (东坡肉礼盒)

Hangzhou's legendary braised pork in sealed, shelf-stable gift packaging — the Zhiweiguan classic.

Price varies — check in store

Where to shop in Hangzhou

China Silk City (中国丝绸城)

Market

杭州市拱墅区凤起路

  • Fengqi Road, Gongshu
  • Tax refund: Check with the store
  • Information checked 2026-10-10
Open map

Hangzhou Tower Shopping City (杭州大厦购物城)

Mall

杭州市拱墅区环城北路47号

  • Huancheng North Road, Gongshu
  • Tax refund: Check with the store
  • Information checked 2026-10-10
Open map

Hefang Street (河坊街)

Street

杭州市上城区河坊街

  • Hefang Street, Shangcheng
  • Tax refund: Check with the store
  • Information checked 2026-10-10
Open map

Meijiawu Tea Village (梅家坞茶村)

Market

杭州市西湖区梅家坞

  • Meijiawu, Xihu
  • Tax refund: Check with the store
  • Information checked 2026-10-10
Open map

Wangxingji Fan Shop (王星记扇庄)

Specialty Shop

杭州市上城区仁和路62号

  • Renhe Road, Shangcheng
  • Tax refund: Check with the store
  • Information checked 2026-10-10
Open map

Zhiweiguan Flagship Store (知味观总店)

Specialty Shop

杭州市上城区仁和路83号

  • Renhe Road, Shangcheng
  • Tax refund: Check with the store
  • Information checked 2026-10-10
Open map

Sources

City guide checked 2026-10-10.