Tea: Half of the Tea Market is in Hangzhou
1. West Lake Longjing (Core Production Area Only)
Recommendation: One of China's top ten famous teas, renowned for its "green color, rich fragrance, sweet taste, and beautiful appearance," the auction price for pre-Qingming tea reached 12,000 yuan per 50 grams in 2024.
Where to buy: Shifeng Village / Longjing Village (direct sales from the place of origin, look for the "West Lake Longjing" geographical indication trademark); Hangzhou Tea Factory (260 Zhongshan Middle Road, where you can observe the tea-roasting process).
Price: Pre-Qingming premium 800-2000 yuan per 50 grams, pre-Yuan tea 300-800 yuan per 50 grams.
Tip: Brew with water at 85°C. The first steeping is for washing the tea leaves, while the second steeping offers the best taste.
Pastries: A Taste of Jiangnan Sweetness
1. Zhiweiguan Pastries (Time-Honored Chinese Brand)
Must-Buy List:
Dingsheng Cake: Red bean paste filling in a fish-shaped steamed mold, symbolizing "passing the imperial examination," 3 yuan/piece (made fresh at the Hefang Street branch).
Osmanthus Cake: Layered glutinous rice cake with osmanthus jam, with a 3-day shelf life, perfect for immediate consumption.
Longjing Tea Cake: Lotus seed paste filling wrapped in a matcha-flavored crust, offering a rich tea aroma. Gift box 88 yuan/box (includes 6 flavors).
Hidden Feature: Zhiweiguan Weizhuang's "Crab Roe Xiaolongbao," made using intangible cultural heritage techniques. Pre-order required.
2. Southern Song Hu Ji (Cultural and Creative Pastries)
Highlight: The "River and Mountain Scroll," inspired by the painting "A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains," features Longjing tea flavor and blueberry jam for a truly stunning and delicious experience. This trending item is 128 yuan/box.
Marinated Goods and Cured Meats: The Secret to the New Year's Flavor of Old Hangzhou
1. Louwailou Braised Duck (Intangible Cultural Heritage)
Craftsmanship: Using Shaoxing duck, marinated through 28 steps and sun-dried for 15 days. Sales exceeded 200 million yuan in 2024.
How to Enjoy: Soak for 2 hours before steaming. Serve with shredded ginger to remove the fishy smell. The meat is firm and chewy.
Purchase: Louwailou Main Branch (30 Gushan Road), vacuum-packed, with a 60-day shelf life.
2. Jiang Shunfa Sausage (Century Workshop)
Features: A golden ratio of 3:7 fat to lean meat, enhanced with rose wine. Awarded a "Zhejiang Time-Honored Brand" in 2023. Priced at 18 yuan per sausage.
Handcrafted: Living Heritage of Intangible Cultural Heritage
1. Hangzhou Silk (National Gift-Grade Souvenir)
Buying Guide:
Silk Scarf: Wanshili "Ten Scenes of West Lake" Series, 12 Momme Silk, Starting at 398 RMB (Hangzhou Tower, Building A Counter)
Cheongsam: Xidebao Custom Cheongsam, Tailor-Made with Suzhou Embroidery, Basic Style 1500 RMB, High-End Custom Style Starting at 5000 RMB
Identification: Smell the scent of burnt silk; real silk has a protein-like aroma and is free of static electricity after rubbing.
2. Zhang Xiaoquan Scissors (Weapon-Grade Craftsmanship)
Recommended: Ebony Handle Household Scissors (89 RMB), Ainless Steel Tailor's Scissors (199 RMB). Custom engraving is available at the main store at No. 40, Qinghefang.