History
When the Song Dynasty lost northern China to the Jurchen Jin in 1127, the imperial court fled south and established a new capital in Hangzhou — then called Lin'an. For 150 years, this city was the heart of the Chinese empire, and the Imperial Street (御街, Yujie) was its ceremonial spine.
The street stretched from the imperial palace at the foot of Phoenix Mountain northward through the city to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors performed annual sacrifices. It was along this route that the emperor's procession moved — guards, musicians, officials, and the imperial carriage — a spectacle witnessed by thousands of Lin'an's one million residents, making it the largest city in the world at the time.
After the Song fell, the street became an ordinary commercial road. For centuries, the imperial route lay buried beneath layers of later construction. Then, in 2008, a massive urban renewal project excavated sections of the original Song Dynasty road and water channel, and the city transformed the entire 4.2-kilometer corridor into a pedestrian-friendly cultural street — one of the most ambitious heritage projects in Hangzhou's modern history.
What to See
Glass-Panel Archaeological Displays
The street's most remarkable feature: at several intersections, sections of the original Song Dynasty road surface and water channel have been excavated and preserved under transparent glass panels set into the modern pavement. Walk over them and look down — you'll see the actual stonework and drainage channels that lined the imperial route 800 years ago. Informational plaques (in Chinese and English) explain what you're looking at.
The Song Dynasty Water Channel
A narrow stone-lined water channel runs along the full length of the pedestrian section — a faithful reconstruction of the original Song system that brought fresh water from the West Lake hills into the city. At night, the flowing water reflects the traditional lanterns overhead, creating one of the most atmospheric walks in Hangzhou.
The Drum Tower (鼓楼, Gulou)
The Drum Tower at the southern end of the street marks the entrance to the old imperial city. The current structure is a faithful reconstruction of the Ming Dynasty tower that once served as the city's timekeeper — drums were beaten at dawn and dusk to regulate daily life. You can climb the tower for views over the old quarter. The surrounding square hosts weekend markets and occasional traditional performances.
Republic-Era Architecture
The middle section of Zhongshan Middle Road preserves a remarkable collection of Republic-era (1912–1949) shop-houses — two- and three-story buildings with Western-influenced facades, carved stone lintels, and wooden shutters. These buildings survived the wholesale demolition that erased much of Hangzhou's architectural heritage in the late 20th century. Today they house design studios, coffee shops, and boutiques alongside older tenants who have lived here for generations.
Food and Snacks
The street is lined with food stalls and small restaurants, especially near the Drum Tower end. Specialties include:
- Cat-ear noodles (猫耳朵) — small ear-shaped pasta in broth, a Hangzhou original
- Scallion oil pastry (葱包桧) — crispy flatbread wrapped around fried dough stick
- Osmanthus cake (桂花糕) — sweet rice cake infused with Hangzhou's signature flower
- Lotus root starch (藕粉) — a warm, gelatinous dessert unique to West Lake
Imperial Street vs Hefang Street
These two streets are often confused but are quite different. Hefang Street is a 460-meter restored Qing Dynasty shopping street — compact, touristy, and focused on souvenirs and snacks. Imperial Street is a 4.2-kilometer cultural corridor that preserves actual Song Dynasty ruins and Republic-era architecture. Hefang Street is at the south end of Imperial Street; walk from one to the other for the full experience.
FAQ
What's the best section to walk?
Start at the Drum Tower (Gulou) in the south and walk north along the pedestrian section. This stretch has the best-preserved Republic-era buildings, the water channel, and the glass-panel archaeological displays. Continue to Hefang Street at the end for food and souvenirs.
Is the street open at night?
Yes — the pedestrian section is open 24 hours and is most atmospheric at night when lanterns illuminate the water channel and stone pavements. Food stalls typically close around 9–10 PM.
How do I get there?
Take Metro Line 1 to Ding'an Road Station (Exit A), which puts you right on the street. The Drum Tower is about a 10-minute walk south.
Is it worth visiting if I've already been to Hefang Street?
Yes. Hefang Street is commercial; Imperial Street is cultural. The glass-panel ruins, the Song Dynasty water channel, and the Republic-era architecture are unique experiences you won't find on Hefang Street.