Nan Song Yu Jie Hangzhou (南宋御街): Southern Song Imperial Street Guide
If you're exploring central Hangzhou, Nan Song Yu Jie (南宋御街) is a nice place to slow down and walk around.
Also known as Southern Song Imperial Street, this historic street gives you a completely different side of Hangzhou from West Lake or Lingyin Temple.
Here you'll find old-style buildings, traditional shops, local snacks, cafés and small stores along a long pedestrian-friendly street.
I'd recommend pairing it with Hefang Street (河坊街) since they're right around the same historic area.
What Is Nan Song Yu Jie 南宋御街?
More than 800 years ago, Hangzhou was known as Lin'an (临安) and served as the capital of the Southern Song dynasty.
Nan Song Yu Jie was one of the city's most important roads.
The historic Imperial Street stretched approximately 4.2 kilometres through the old capital and formed part of the city's north–south axis. It was also used by Southern Song emperors for important ceremonial journeys.
Today, sections of that historic route have been preserved and redeveloped into the walking street you can visit.
So while you're now walking past restaurants and shops, you're essentially following part of a route that has existed for centuries.
What Is It Like Today?
Don't expect Nan Song Yu Jie to feel like an untouched ancient city.
It's a mixture.
You'll see:
historic architecture
traditional storefronts
modern cafés
restaurants
souvenir shops
local Hangzhou businesses
all occupying the same area.
Hangzhou describes the district as one of its representative historic cultural neighbourhoods, with architecture from several different periods preserved along the street.
That's part of what makes it enjoyable.
It's not really somewhere you come for one specific attraction.
You just walk.
Look Out for Hangzhou's Old Shops
One thing that makes this area interesting is the collection of traditional Hangzhou businesses.
Some long-established local names selling things like food, cosmetics and traditional products can still be found around the historic district. Hangzhou tourism information specifically highlights old local businesses as part of the character of Nan Song Yu Jie.
So instead of only looking for souvenir stores, take some time to see what's actually along the street.
Nan Song Yu Jie + Hefang Street
I would visit these together.
南宋御街 — Nan Song Yu Jie
↓
河坊街 — Hefang Street
They offer slightly different experiences but are close enough that it doesn't really make sense to plan separate trips.
Nan Song Yu Jie feels more like:
historic street + architecture + cafés + walking
while Hefang Street is generally more:
busy + food + souvenirs + tourist atmosphere
If you enjoy old streets, you can easily spend a couple of hours wandering around both.
When Should You Visit?
I think morning to late afternoon works really well.
During the day, it's easier to appreciate the buildings and take photos.
Then as the sun goes down:
shop lights turn on
restaurants get busier
lanterns light up
and the street gets more atmospheric.
How Long Do You Need?
I'd give it around:
1–2 hours
if you're just exploring Nan Song Yu Jie.
Or:
2–3 hours
if you're combining it with Hefang Street, shopping and food.
This isn't somewhere I'd rush around checking landmarks off a list.
The street itself is the attraction.
Planning a Hangzhou Trip?
Continue exploring:
Comments