“When you travel somewhere, the place you travel also travels to you!”
Southern Song's Imperial Street / NanSong YuJie (南宋御街)
The name of this street said it all - “Nansong Yu Jie was a road designated exclusively for the emperor during the Southern Song Dynasty. It was constructed in the capital city of Lin'an (present-day Hangzhou) for the Zhao's emperor's triennial sacrificial ceremony to heaven.”
“NanSongYuJie and HeFang Street are not exactly the same, but they are connected, and both are important streets in Hangzhou's old city district. NanSongYuJie is the middle-southern section of Zhongshan Road in Hangzhou, while Hefang Street was previously known as QingHeFang, named after the QingHe Prince's Residence that was located there. It was an important commercial street in ancient times. NanSongYuJie intersects with HeFang Street, with NanSongYuJie historically having higher status, being the main street that directly connected to the imperial palace during the Southern Song Dynasty.
The Drum Tower (鼓楼)
Located on the start/end of the ancient NanSongYuJie, The Drum Tower is a historical landmark in HangZhou has a history that dates back over 1,000 years. It was originally constructed during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907–960 AD) as part of the city's defense system. Over the centuries, it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, with its most recent reconstruction completed in 2002. During the Song Dynasty, it served as a crucial part of the imperial city. The Drum Tower was used for various ceremonial purposes, including announcing the time and important events. Today, it stands as a symbol of Hangzhou's rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Drum Tower is also part of the vibrant atmosphere of Southern Song Imperial Street, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Take a closer look, you still can see soldiers guarding the tower, the effort to preserve the tower is greatly appreciated.
Cars are prohibited in this 1.2km long of imperial street, making it particularly safe to walk, and the green trees along the street create a very relaxed atmosphere.
Although it is a commercial street, it is not overly commercialized, and the scenery is quite pleasant. The crowds in NanSongYuJie is much lesser HeFang Street despite their super close proximity.
伍公山 (Wu Gong Mountain)
Located immediately after we passed the gate of the Drum Tower, I was attracted by these cobblestones steps that looks so ancient to me.
After checking, I realized that these steps would lead us up to a hill where Wu Gong temple is located. The mountain is named after 伍子胥 (Wu Zixu), a prominent figure from the Spring and Autumn period, who is commemorated at the 伍公庙 (Wu Gong Temple) situated on the hill. This temple honors Wu Zixu for his contributions as a statesman and military strategist.
Though we did not explore up the hill, below two photos the photo I got from goggle.
The HangZhou's Nine Walls (杭州九墙)
The Hangzhou's Nine Walls is a public art project that explores the historical and cultural essence of Hangzhou through a series of artistic installations.
This work is part of Yang Qirui's broader contributions to public art and sculpture, showcasing his innovative approach to blending history with contemporary art.
The project includes various thematic elements, such as depictions of traditional architecture, cultural symbols, and historical narratives tied to Hangzhou's identity.
Each "wall" in the series represents a unique story or aspect of the city's heritage, creating a dialogue between the past and the present.
Located near the Drum Tower, each wall features detailed replicas of everyday objects from old Hangzhou, such as bicycles, staircases, old-fashioned electric meters, and coal stoves.
The combination of old and new perfectly integrates ancient architecture with modern fashion.
Liveliness and tranquility coexist, with bustling central stalls, while turning into the surrounding alleys allows for a quiet appreciation of the historical charm.
JiaOuTianCheng (佳藕天成)
This cafe is a popular shop on NanSongYuJie (South Song Imperial Street) in Hangzhou, known for its delicious lotus root starch snacks and other traditional cakes. lotus root starch in English. It is a traditional Chinese ingredient made from the powdered rhizomes of the lotus plant. Lotus root starch is often used to make a smooth, sweet gravy paste-like dessert that is popular in Chinese cuisine for its delicate flavor and nutritional benefits.
The gentleman who served us was very polite and could understand some English, he even guessed we are either from Singapore or Malaysia.
Order to be done at the ground floor and you get a table at level 2 and the food will be serve to you at your table.
Merchandise of lotus root products are sold here, and most of these products can be found on the menu.
There is even free tea tasting service here for you to find your desirable tea.
We ordered LongJing Tea, Lotus root French Fries and Lotus Root Powder Paste at CNY77 which is about SGD15.
LongJing Tea (龙井茶)
Longjing tea, also known as Dragon Well tea, is a famous green tea from the Hangzhou region in Zhejiang Province, China. It's renowned for its high quality, distinctive flavor, and rich cultural heritage. Longjing tea has been enjoyed in China for centuries and has a rich cultural significance. It's often associated with elegance and refinement and is a popular gift among tea connoisseurs. The tea was also bestowed the title of "Imperial Tea" during the Qing Dynasty, reflecting its esteemed status. In fact, this is the favorite tea from Emperor QianLong!
The Longjing Tea Plantation is nestled in the hills to the west of the West Lake and is renowned for producing Longjing tea, a variety that thrives due to the unique geographical conditions of the area. This region benefits from a monsoonal humid climate typical of the northern subtropical zone, characterized by distinct seasons, adequate rainfall, and year-round moisture especially during the misty Spring.
Longjing tea leaves are flat, smooth, and shiny, with a light green color. The tea has a delicate, fresh, and slightly sweet flavor with a lingering, pleasant aftertaste. It is known for its "four uniqueness": its flat leaves, jade green color, rich aroma, and mellow taste.
Like other green teas, Longjing tea is rich in antioxidants and is believed to offer various health benefits, such as boosting metabolism, aiding digestion, and improving heart health.
Longjing tea is best enjoyed freshly brewed with water that's around 80°C (176°F) to preserve its delicate flavors.
Lotus Root Powder Paste
This is a traditional and nutritious dish made from lotus root powder. It's often enjoyed as a warm, smooth, and slightly sweet paste. The paste has a mild, earthy sweetness with a silky, pudding-like texture. It's both comforting and satisfying. Besides lotus root powder, it may include sweeteners like rock sugar or honey, and sometimes additional ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, or osmanthus flowers for added flavor and texture. The one we ordered is "LongJingTea" flavored, the extra tea taste add a further kick of fragrance to the paste.
Lotus root powder paste has a long history, especially in Chinese culinary and medicinal traditions. It dates back hundreds of years, often praised in classical Chinese medicine for its health benefits. Historically, it was considered a nourishing food, suitable for people recovering from illness or seeking to improve their overall well-being.
Lotus Roots French Fries
These French fries are not made of potatoes, they are made of lotus roots, and they look exactly like what MacDonalds is selling!
The lotus root becomes wonderfully crisp on the outside while maintaining a slightly chewy and tender interior, providing a satisfying bite. It has a mild, nutty taste with earthy undertones, which pairs beautifully with a light seasoning of salt, pepper, or even spices like paprika or chili powder for an extra kick.
Here are some scenes we captured while strolling along such relaxing street. The combination of old and new perfectly integrates ancient architecture with modern fashion.
Liveliness and tranquility coexist, with bustling central stalls, while turning into the surrounding alleys allows for a quiet appreciation of the historical charm.
The street is known for its lively atmosphere, with traditional Chinese architecture, bustling shops, and a variety of local delicacies.
Walking along it, you'll notice its traditional Ming and Qing Dynasty-style architecture, carefully preserved or restored to maintain its historical charm.
The street is lined with shops selling traditional Chinese handicrafts, silk, tea, and ceramics, giving visitors a glimpse into the region's artisanal heritage.
These structures have been carefully preserved or restored to maintain their historical charm, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's rich past.
For those who love the charm of ancient towns blended seamlessly with modern elements, this destination is bound to enchant you!
It’s not just a sightseeing spot but a perfect place to connect with Hangzhou’s culture and history in a lively and engaging way.
The boss of the street is looking for friendly pets!
Water is brought into the street, creating the beautiful scene of 'streams winding around ancient streets, small bridges connecting old shops, and clear ponds surrounding old houses.
Traditional streets in historic areas like this often incorporate drainage systems designed to handle both modern needs and preserve the area's historical integrity.
These systems typically include underground channels and surface drains that blend seamlessly with the street's architecture. This beautiful ancient town is well surrounded by these well decorated open-styled rivers-like drains that will end up at the canal nearby.
Pheonix Temple (凤凰寺)
It also known as the Phoenix Mosque, is one of the four oldest Islamic mosques in China. It was originally built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and has undergone several reconstructions, notably in 1281 by the Persian scholar 'Ala' al-Din. It is a significant cultural and religious site, showcasing a blend of traditional Chinese and Islamic architectural styles. The mosque features intricate carvings, a serene courtyard, and a prayer hall that reflects its historical and spiritual importance.
The name "Phoenix Mosque" is said to be inspired by its location in the Phoenix Hill area, and it has been a center for the local Muslim community for centuries. Visitors often admire its unique design and the peaceful atmosphere it offers amidst the bustling city.
WanLong Ham Store(万隆火腿庄)
This is a renowned establishment in Hangzhou, known for its high-quality ham and preserved meat products. It has a long history of 150 years and is considered one of the iconic traditional shops in the city.
WanLong Ham Store (万隆火腿庄) is not just a shop—it's a symbol of Hangzhou's culinary heritage. Its reputation is built on producing some of the finest ham and cured meats in the region, using time-honored methods passed down through generations.
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| This photo is taken from google. |
An honorary plaque presented by HangZhou Heritage Board which to my translation:
WanLong Ham Store was founded in 1864 under the reign of Emperor TongZhi of the Qing Dynasty, it used to be a two-hay timber structure Chinese styled building. In 1926, a fire broke out nearby and damaged the original building of WanLong Ham Store and they moved to current place from then till now and is still standing tall and proud.
The store takes pride in its artisanal approach. The hams are meticulously prepared, from the selection of high-quality pork to the curing process, which can take months to develop the perfect flavor.
In addition to ham, the store also sells other preserved meats and local specialties, catering to a wide range of tastes.
The hams are known for their distinctive flavor, deep umami, and ideal balance of saltiness, making them a staple in traditional Chinese cuisine, especially in dishes like stews and soups.
The store is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a taste of Hangzhou's culinary heritage. It's also a great place to pick up unique food souvenirs that reflect the region's gastronomic traditions.
In the end, I made the purchase for the traditional ham and Chinese sausage which to date, I have not consumed either one yet, will update photos when the day come of opening both items.
We have come to the end of this blog of Southern Song's Imperial Street / NanSong YuJie (南宋御街), coming up next will be HeFang Street, please stay tune.
February is one of the coldest months in Shanghai, it was even much colder in Hangzhou. We have come to the end of this blog on West Lake.
Here are the links of the blogs from this trip to Shanghai & Hangzhou:
7) The Legendary HangZhou of China - coming soon
Here below are some of the trips we have done in 2024:
11) "Sabuy "Mon Jam
12) "Sabuy' Mae Rim
Feel free, you are most welcome to browse through my other blogs to France, Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia and cruises etc.
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Thanks, and Cheers
"I travel because seeing photos in books and brochures was not good enough for me, To be there, that was everything"
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