Hangzhou Local Specialties: Must-Buy Souvenirs & Gifts
As a renowned historic and cultural city, Hangzhou boasts a wealth of unique local specialties. Whether for personal memories or gifts, these products embody the city’s charm. Below are the most recommended specialties: Hangzhou Silk, Longjing Tea, Hangzhou Embroidery, West Lake Silk Umbrellas, and Chrysanthemum—each with distinct cultural and practical value.
1. Hangzhou Silk 杭州丝绸
Hangzhou silk has long been celebrated as "the finest in China" for its soft texture, vibrant colors, and diverse varieties. With a history spanning millennia, it remains a symbol of Hangzhou’s craftsmanship.
Top Brands: Wensli (万事利), Chang Cheng (长城), Xi De Bao (喜得宝), Kai Di (凯地)
Recommended Shopping Spots: Xinhua Road Silk Market (1,150 meters long, 1,000+ stores offering fabrics, garments, scarves, and handicrafts); China Silk Museum; Hangzhou Huaibei Silk Mark Store.
2. Dragon Well (Longjing) Tea 西湖龙井
A member of China’s "Top Ten Famous Teas" and Hangzhou’s cultural calling card, Longjing Tea has a history of over 1,000 years. The highest-quality Longjing is grown in Longjing Village and Meijiawu Tea Plantation—leaves picked before Tomb-Sweeping Day (Qingming) are the most precious and costly, often used as a national diplomatic gift.
Shopping Tip: Bring a local who can distinguish authentic Longjing (to avoid counterfeits) and help negotiate prices. Official tea plantations in Meijiawu also offer direct purchases.
3. Hangzhou Embroidery 杭州刺绣
A iconic Hangzhou craft with ancient roots, Hangzhou Embroidery flourished during the Southern Song Dynasty. It evolved alongside silkworm-raising and silk-weaving, originally divided into two types: "Palace Embroidery" (for royal garments) and "Civilian Embroidery" (for daily items like robes and quilt covers).
After centuries of development, it now absorbs strengths from other major embroidery styles (Su, Xiang, Chuan, Yue) and features flexible stitching techniques. Today, it adorns decorations, fashion, screens, and murals—blending tradition with modern aesthetics.
Best For: Decorative art or high-end gifts; available at Qinghefang Street and China Silk Museum.
4. West Lake Silk Umbrella 西湖绸伞
A classic Hangzhou specialty crafted from local silk and bamboo. The umbrella surface is made of painted silk, featuring artworks like West Lake landscapes, ancient figures, auspicious birds, and flowers—vibrant and elegant. Umbrella handles come in various styles with delicate carvings, reflecting southern Chinese charm.
Recommended Shopping Spots: Qinghefang Street (authentic craftsmanship) and Xinhua Road Silk Market.
Care Tip: Avoid getting wet for long; store in a dry place to preserve the silk and bamboo.
5. Hangzhou Chrysanthemum 杭州菊花
Hangzhou chrysanthemum is renowned for its medicinal and ornamental value. The most famous variety is "Gongju" (tribute chrysanthemum), traditionally used to make herbal tea—clearing heat and soothing the throat. Dried chrysanthemums also serve as decorative items, with bright colors that retain their beauty for a long time.
Best For: Herbal tea gifts; buy from local tea shops or supermarkets (look for plump, fragrant blooms).
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