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Hangzhou is a souvenir shopper’s paradise. The city is famous for silk, tea, fans and traditional crafts, and you will find beautiful items at a range of prices. This guide explains the best souvenirs to buy in Hangzhou and where to find authentic products.
Top Souvenirs from Hangzhou
Longjing Tea
The ultimate Hangzhou souvenir. Buy small sealed packs from reputable shops or directly from tea farmers.
Best for: Tea lovers, gifts for family.
Where to buy: Longjing Village, Silk Museum shop, reputable tea houses.
Silk Products
Silk scarves, ties, pillowcases and clothing are classic gifts.
Best for: Fashion lovers, luxury gifts.
Where to buy: China National Silk Museum shop, silk markets.
Hangzhou Fans
Delicate folding fans and silk fans are lightweight and easy to pack.
Best for: Decorative gifts, summer accessories.
Where to buy: Hefang Street, crafts shops.
Oil-Paper Umbrellas
Beautiful decorative umbrellas, though less practical for rain.
Best for: Home decor, photography props.
Local Pastries
Ding sheng gao, osmanthus cake and mung bean cakes make tasty edible souvenirs.
Best for: Coworkers, friends, easy gifts.
Where to buy: Hefang Street, bakery shops.
Ink Brushes and Stationery
For calligraphy lovers, quality brushes and ink stones are available.
Best for: Artists, culture enthusiasts.
Where to Buy Each Souvenir
| Souvenir | Best Place | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Longjing tea | Longjing Village | ¥100–1,000+ |
| Silk scarf | Silk Museum shop | ¥150–800 |
| Fan | Hefang Street | ¥30–200 |
| Pastries | Hefang Street / bakeries | ¥20–100 |
| Umbrella | Craft shops | ¥50–300 |
What to Avoid
- Fake Longjing tea: Avoid aggressive street vendors.
- Cheap “silk”: If the price is too low, it is probably polyester.
- Mass-produced antiques: Real antiques are rare and expensive.
Packing Tips
- Wrap tea in your clothes to protect it.
- Fans and umbrellas fit easily in suitcases.
- Check customs rules for food items before flying home.
Top 10 Souvenirs from Hangzhou
1. Longjing Tea (龙井茶)
The quintessential Hangzhou souvenir. Buy from Longjing Village or the Tea Museum for authenticity.
Price range: ¥100–2,000/500g (depending on grade)
Where to buy: Longjing Village, Tea Museum shop, Jiefang Road Tea Market
What to avoid: Airport tea shops, tourist stalls near West Lake
2. Silk Scarves (丝巾)
Hangzhou silk is famous worldwide. Lightweight, beautiful, and easy to pack.
Price range: ¥20–150 (markets), ¥100–500 (brand shops)
Where to buy: Hangzhou Silk Market, Silk Museum shop, Hefang Street
Quality test: Hold to light — real silk has an even, natural sheen
3. Zhang Xiaoquan Scissors (张小泉剪刀)
A 400-year-old Hangzhou brand. Kitchen shears, craft scissors, and decorative sets.
Price range: ¥30–200
Where to buy: Zhang Xiaoquan shops, Hefang Street, department stores
4. Wang Xingji Fans (王星记扇子)
Handmade folding fans with painted designs. A classic Chinese gift.
Price range: ¥20–300
Where to buy: Wang Xingji shop on Hefang Street, Silk Museum
5. Osmanthus Products (桂花产品)
Osmanthus is Hangzhou's city flower. Products include osmanthus tea, jam, wine, and essential oil.
Price range: ¥10–80
Where to buy: Hefang Street, supermarket souvenir sections
6. Hangzhou Porcelain (杭州瓷器)
Celadon-style porcelain from the Southern Song Dynasty tradition. Tea cups, bowls, and vases.
Price range: ¥30–500
Where to buy: Museum shops, Hefang Street galleries
7. Silk Pajamas (丝绸睡衣)
Lightweight and luxurious. Perfect for warmer climates.
Price range: ¥80–400
Where to buy: Silk Market, brand shops in In77 Mall
8. Dried Bamboo Shoots (笋干)
A local specialty used in Hangzhou cooking. Lightweight and easy to pack.
Price range: ¥15–50/pack
Where to buy: Supermarkets, tea village shops
9. Calligraphy Sets (书法套装)
Brushes, ink, paper, and ink stones. A meaningful gift for anyone interested in Chinese culture.
Price range: ¥30–200
Where to buy: Hefang Street calligraphy shops, antique market
10. Tea Sets (茶具)
Simple glass sets for Longjing brewing, or traditional porcelain and clay sets.
Price range: ¥30–300
Where to buy: Tea Museum, tea villages, Hefang Street
What NOT to Buy
- Pearls and jade at tourist markets — most are fake or low quality
- "Antique" items — virtually all are reproductions
- Brand-name goods at markets — counterfeits with legal risk
- Live plants or seeds — customs may confiscate at borders
Packing and Shipping
- Tea: Vacuum-sealed bags travel well. Declare at customs if bringing into some countries (Australia, New Zealand).
- Silk: Wrinkle-resistant, packs easily
- Porcelain: Wrap in clothing; buy a hard case for expensive pieces
- Scissors: Pack in checked luggage only
FAQ
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