[2025 Hangzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Hu Qing Yu Tang (Updated May)

📍 Hu Qing Yu Tang (胡庆余堂), Hangzhou ✨ This time in Hangzhou, we stopped by Hu Qing Yu Tang, a Chinese medicine museum located in an ancient wooden building from the Qing Dynasty. It was built in 1874 by the famous merchant Hu Xueyan. This is not only a museum, but also a Chinese medicine shop that is still open to the present day. ✨ The museum is divided into several zones, such as a room displaying the history of Chinese medicine, a room demonstrating traditional hand-grinding and concocting of medicines, and a pharmacy decorated beautifully with delicate wood carvings. ✨ What impressed me was seeing the live Chinese medicine making process by skilled craftsmen and being able to try grinding herbs by yourself, allowing us to understand the delicacy and care taken in each step of medicine production. ✨ In addition, there are various herbs on display, with explanations of their properties, and a zone providing health consultations based on the principles of Chinese medicine for those interested. ✨ This museum is a good example of the perfect preservation of local wisdom and ancient architecture. It is suitable for those interested in Chinese culture and traditional medicine. #TravelEco

### A Guide to Qinghefang Ancient Street, Hangzhou: The Perfect Peach Blossom Viewing Trip **1. Best Time for Flower Viewing** The peach blossoms in Hangzhou's Qinghefang Ancient Street are mainly in full bloom from **mid-March to early April**. During this period, the temperature is pleasant, and the peach blossoms around Wushan Mountain and the ancient alleys of the street are in full bloom, creating a sea of pink against the backdrop of white walls and black tiles of Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. This is the golden season for spring outings and flower viewing. To avoid crowds, it is recommended to visit on a working day morning or evening. --- **2. Itinerary Planning** **Day 1: Exploring the Culture of Qinghefang Ancient Street + Peach Blossom Viewing on Huancui Tower Mountain Trail** - **Morning: Stroll along Hefang Street and Experience the Hustle and Bustle of the City** Start from the main entrance of Hefang Street, visit the century-old stores Hu Qing Yu Tang (try their Chinese medicine coffee) and Wangxingji Fan Shop (buy some intangible cultural heritage bamboo woven fans). Stroll along the bluestone road, admire the Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, and encounter street vendors dressed in Song dynasty costumes. Take some photos with an ancient vibe. **Recommended spots**: The statue of Xu Xian in front of Baohetang, and the Southern Song Dynasty Royal Street Exhibition Hall (learn about the commercial culture of the Southern Song Dynasty). - **Noon: Food Experience in Dajing Alley** Head to Dajing Alley, enjoy stove-boiled tea at Zhongnan Shanyou, and try the Gansu Tianshui specialty mashed-water hot pot or the modern Chinese cuisine at Xiyue (reservations required for private rooms). Recommended dishes: Pu'er tea-smoked steak with tangerine peel, and stewed duck with dendrobium and wolfberry. - **Afternoon: Climb Huancui Tower for Flower Viewing and Explore the "Studio Ghibli-esque" Mountain Trail** From Dajing Alley, turn into the Huancui Tower trail (184 steps). Ascend the mountain path, surrounded by ancient trees and dotted with wild peach blossoms. Take a break at the Yuheling cafe, participate in a classical music salon, or enjoy a cup of hand-drip coffee while listening to the gentle chime of wind chimes. After reaching the top, arrive at the Wushan Mountain wind and rain corridor, overlooking the panoramic view of Qinghefang and the spring scenery of West Lake in the distance. - **Evening: Watch the Sunset at Wushan Square** After descending the mountain, walk to Wushan Square to capture the silhouettes of peach blossoms and ancient buildings under the setting sun, concluding the first day's itinerary. --- **Day 2: In-depth Flower Viewing in Surrounding Areas + Artistic Experiences** If time permits, extend your trip to the surrounding flower viewing spots: - **Tongjian Lake Park (about 40 minutes' drive from Qinghefang)**: From March to April, the sea of rapeseed flowers spreads like a golden carpet, perfect for taking idyllic photos. - **Xixi Wetland (about 30 minutes' drive from Qinghefang)**: From April to May, the intertwined bigleaf hydrangeas and nemophila create a spring wonderland reminiscent of "The Wizard of Oz."

In Hangzhou's spring, you must take a day trip to view peach blossoms at West Lake and explore Hefang Street to encounter the romance and vibrancy of Hangzhou🎇 🌅Morning: Peach Blossom Hunt at West Lake Start from the Broken Bridge and stroll along Bai Causeway. Tender green willows intertwine with blooming peach blossoms; as spring breeze passes, flower petals flutter - like walking into a spring poem and painting. The area near Jindai Bridge is a perfect photo spot, where peach blossoms, stone bridge, and lake water frame together, creating a perfect atmosphere for stunning spring photos. 📍Transportation: Walking distance from Longxiang Bridge subway station 🥢Noon: Dining by West Lake After viewing peach blossoms, when hunger strikes! We recommend Lou Wai Lou by West Lake. As a time-honored Hangzhou restaurant, their Hangzhou dishes like West Lake vinegar fish and beggar's chicken are exceptional, allowing you to enjoy delicious food while taking in the lake view. 🌆Afternoon: Explore Hefang Street Head to Hefang Street in the afternoon, where traditional architecture houses specialty snacks, antiques, calligraphy, and time-honored shops. Take a bite of Dingsheng cake with its sweet and chewy texture to start your food adventure. Visit Hu Qing Yu Tang to experience the charm of a century-old pharmacy; step into Zhu Bingren Bronze Art Gallery to appreciate exquisite bronze sculptures. 📍Transportation: Take a taxi or bus from West Lake, or walk while enjoying Hangzhou's streetscape 📸Photo tips: Wear light-colored clothes like white or light pink dresses or shirts to match with peach blossoms and ancient streets; take photos under the ancient archways and in front of time-honored shops on Hefang Street for a vintage feel; use peach blossoms as foreground with a large aperture to create bokeh effect, highlighting the subject. Come on, everyone! Catch the tail end of spring and join this spring date in Hangzhou💕

#bestchinesefood A Cozy Herbal Retreat at Hu Qing Yu Tang Nestled within the historic Hu Qing Yu Tang Chinese Medicine Museum in Qing He Fang, this charming herbal drink café offers a unique fusion of tradition and relaxation. The café’s menu features a variety of authentic Chinese herbal drinks, carefully crafted to promote well-being while delighting the palate. Whether you seek a soothing goji berry tea, a revitalizing ginseng infusion, or a comforting jujube and ginger brew, each sip embodies centuries of Chinese medicinal wisdom. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a touch of old-world elegance, making it a perfect spot to unwind after exploring the museum. Friendly staff provide thoughtful recommendations based on your needs, ensuring a personalized experience. A visit here is more than just a tea break—it’s an immersion into the art of Chinese herbal healing, where taste and wellness go hand in hand. A must-try for tea lovers and health enthusiasts alike!