Hangzhou Night Markets

When the sun sets over West Lake, Hangzhou's night markets come alive. From sizzling skewers at Wushan Night Market to silk bargains along Hefang Street, the city offers a different kind of magic after dark. This guide covers every major night market, what to eat, what to buy, and how to make the most of your evening.

Why Visit Hangzhou Night Markets?

Night markets are where locals actually spend their evenings. Unlike daytime tourist areas, night markets offer authentic street food at local prices, cheap shopping, and a lively atmosphere that captures the real Hangzhou. They are also one of the most budget-friendly ways to experience the city — you can eat a full meal for under ¥50.

Top Night Markets in Hangzhou

1. Wushan Night Market (吴山夜市)

The most famous night market in Hangzhou, located at the foot of Wushan Hill near Hefang Street.

What you will find: Clothing, accessories, phone cases, small electronics, toys, and a small food section with skewers and snacks.

Opening hours: 17:00–22:30 (daily, weather permitting)

Location: Wushan Road, Shangcheng District (吴山路)

Metro: Ding'an Road Station (Line 1), Exit D, walk 8 minutes

Price range: ¥5–80 for most items

Tips:

• Bargain hard — start at 40% of the asking price for clothing and accessories.
• The food section is small; for better food, walk to Hefang Street nearby.
• Visit on a weekday for fewer crowds.
• Cash is preferred; some vendors accept Alipay/WeChat Pay.

2. Hefang Street Evening Stalls (河坊街夜市)

Hefang Street transforms after dark with food stalls, souvenir vendors, and street performers.

What you will find: Traditional snacks (ding sheng gao, cong bao hui, beggar's chicken), silk products, tea, calligraphy, and live performances.

Opening hours: 17:00–22:00 (stalls), street stays open later

Location: Hefang Street, Shangcheng District

Metro: Ding'an Road Station (Line 1), Exit D, walk 5 minutes

Price range: ¥5–150

Tips:

• Prices are higher than local markets because this is a tourist area.
• Best for trying a variety of traditional snacks in one place.
• Look for the side alleys for cheaper, more authentic food.
• The street is beautifully lit at night — great for photography.

3. Shengli River Food Street (胜利河美食街)

A local favorite for evening dining, with dozens of restaurants and food stalls along a canal.

What you will find: Sit-down restaurants serving Hangzhou cuisine, crayfish, hot pot, barbecue, and beer gardens.

Opening hours: 16:00–02:00 (most restaurants)

Location: Shengli River, Gongshu District (拱墅区胜利河)

Metro: Xiangji Temple Station (Line 3), walk 5 minutes

Price range: ¥30–150 per person

Tips:

• This is where locals eat, not a tourist market.
• Best for crayfish (小龙虾) in summer — try the garlic or spicy versions.
• Arrive before 18:30 on weekends to avoid long waits at popular restaurants.
• Many restaurants have outdoor seating along the canal.

4. Xinyi Square Night Market (信义坊夜市)

A smaller, more local night market in Gongshu District.

What you will find: Clothing, household items, snacks, and fruit.

Opening hours: 17:00–22:00

Location: Xinyi Square, Gongshu District

Metro: Gongchenqiao East Station (Line 5), walk 10 minutes

Price range: ¥3–50

Tips:

• Very few tourists come here — great for an authentic experience.
• Prices are lower than Wushan or Hefang.
• Limited English, so bring a translation app.

5. Binjiang Night Market (滨江夜市)

A newer night market popular with young professionals and university students.

What you will find: Trendy clothing, accessories, bubble tea, and creative snacks.

Opening hours: 17:30–23:00

Location: Binjiang District, near Baojian Road

Metro: Jiangling Road Station (Line 1), walk 12 minutes

Price range: ¥5–60

Night Market Food Guide

Must-Try Snacks

Snack	Chinese	Price	Best Market
Grilled skewers	烧烤	¥2–10 each	Shengli River
Stinky tofu	臭豆腐	¥5–15	Wushan, Hefang
Cong bao hui	葱包桧	¥3–6	Hefang Street
Osmanthus cake	桂花糕	¥5–10	Hefang Street
Crayfish	小龙虾	¥60–120/jin	Shengli River
Bubble tea	奶茶	¥10–25	Any market
Sugar-coated fruit	冰糖葫芦	¥5–10	Wushan
Roasted sweet potato	烤红薯	¥5–10	Any market

Food Safety at Night Markets

• Choose stalls with high turnover and fresh ingredients.
• Look for stalls where locals are eating.
• Avoid raw or undercooked items if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Carry hand sanitizer — most stalls do not provide it.
• Bottled drinks are safer than tap water.

Shopping Tips

What to Buy

• Silk scarves and ties: ¥20–80 at Hefang Street (check quality carefully)
• Phone cases and accessories: ¥10–30 at Wushan Night Market
• Tea samples: ¥15–50 at Hefang Street tea shops
• Small souvenirs: ¥5–30 at any market
• Clothing: ¥30–100 at Wushan and Binjiang

Bargaining Rules

1. Start at 40–50% of the asking price for non-food items.
2. Walk away if the price is too high — sellers often call you back.
3. Be friendly and smile — aggressive bargaining is counterproductive.
4. Pay in cash for the best prices.
5. Do not bargain for food — prices are usually fixed.

Night Market Walking Route

Best evening route (3–4 hours):

1. 17:00 — Start at Hefang Street for early snacks and souvenir browsing
2. 18:30 — Walk to Wushan Night Market for shopping and people-watching
3. 19:30 — Take a Didi to Shengli River Food Street for dinner
4. 21:00 — Walk along the canal after dinner, enjoy the night views
5. 22:00 — Return to hotel or continue at a late-night bar nearby

Seasonal Notes

• Summer (June–August): Night markets are busiest and most vibrant. Expect crowds and heat.
• Autumn (September–November): Best weather for outdoor markets. Crayfish season peaks.
• Winter (December–February): Some outdoor stalls close. Indoor food streets remain open.
• Spring (March–May): Pleasant evenings, moderate crowds.

Rainy Day Alternatives

If it rains, outdoor night markets may close. Head to:

• In77 Mall (Hubin area) — upscale shopping and dining
• Grand Intime Mall (Qianjiang New Town) — food court and cinema
• Shengli River restaurants — most have indoor seating

FAQ