The Real Hangzhou at Night: Top 5 Night Markets You Won’t Find on Tourist Buses (The Guide for Foreign Travelers)
- cometodolphinunion
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
You’ve seen West Lake under soft moonlight.But have you tasted real Hangzhou after midnight?
Most guides stop at sunset.They don’t tell you where locals go when the lights come on.
Last year, a traveler from Germany told me: “I walked past Wushan Night Market but didn’t know it was famous. I just followed the smell of grilled meat.”He ended up eating Wu Shan roast chicken—a dish he still talks about today.
If you're visiting Hangzhou and want to eat, wander, and feel the city breathe at night—this list is for you.
As someone who's helped thousands of foreign guests plan their trips, I’ve been to every one of these spots—late, hungry, and camera-ready.No filters. No fake reviews. Just honest picks that work for English speakers, budget travelers, and real food lovers.
Let’s dive into the five best night markets in Hangzhou—all tested, all walkable, all worth your time.
H2: Hangzhou Top 5 Night Markets Guide For Foreign Travelers
H3: 1. Wulin Night Market – The City’s Trendiest Food & Craft Hub 📍 Wulin Lu, Gongshu District (Near Fengqi Road Station, Exit F)
What happens when art meets street food? This place.
It’s not just about eating—it’s an experience. Locals come here for handmade jewelry, vintage clothes, and creative snacks you won’t see elsewhere.
Take my friend Emily from Canada. She went looking for souvenirs and left with three hand-painted earrings—and a belly full of Pan Boss’ crispy fried chicken legs. That stall has been running since 1998.
To solve this: Go between 5 PM and 8 PM. It gets packed on weekends. Try the iron-skillet green onion binghui—it’s smoky, savory, and cooked right in front of you.
Pro tip: Use Alipay or cash. Some vendors don’t accept credit cards.
H3: 2. Hefang Street Night Market – Step Into Ancient Hangzhou 📍 Hefang Jie, Shangcheng District (Near Ding’an Road Station, Exit D)
Want to walk through history while snacking?
This narrow lane looks like something from a Song Dynasty scroll. Stone paths, red lanterns, wooden signs—it feels real. But here’s the thing: most shops sell the same souvenirs.
Still, there are gems. A UK couple once asked me where to try true Dingsheng cake—a pink steamed rice cake said to bring luck. I sent them here. They found a tiny family shop near Guanxiang Temple. One bite, and they smiled like kids.
Here’s how to enjoy it: Come after 8 PM. The crowds thin out. Wear comfy shoes—the pavement is uneven. Don’t miss the dragon well tea pastry or lamb skewer sandwiches wrapped in flatbread.
Bonus: Rent a Hanfu outfit nearby. Walk under the glowing arches—it’s Instagram gold.
H3: 3. Shengli River Food Street – Where Locals Eat Late 📍 Xiawan Lane, Gongshu District (Near Xiangjisi Road Station, Exit C)
Forget fancy restaurants. This is where Hangzhou families come for seafood and beer.
Plastic tables, loud laughs, smoke rising from grills—it’s raw, fun, and delicious.
A Brazilian guest named Lucas once called me at 10 PM: “My phone died, I’m lost, and I smell amazing oysters.” I told him to follow the neon lights. He ended up at Guangtou’s crawfish stall, where workers speak zero English—but gestures work fine.
Try the grilled oysters with garlic, fanpei clams, and spicy crayfish if you dare. Prices? ¥20–40 per dish.
Best time: After 9 PM. It wakes up late.
Just remember: Bring wet wipes. Napkins aren’t always handy.
H4: 4. Laixi Street – Budget Eats Near College Town 📍 Mingde Road, Binjiang District (Near Yangjiadun Station, Exit A)
Cheap, cheerful, and full of students.
This strip runs behind Zhejiang University’s campus. Every evening, young people flood in for hot, fast, tasty bites.
A student from Japan, Yuki, once showed me her favorite spot: crispy pork trotters that cost ¥15. “They’re sticky, sweet, and make my dormmates jealous,” she laughed.
Come early—some stalls close by 9 PM. Must-tries: crackling年糕 (nian gao), egg burgers, and milk tea toast.
It’s not glamorous. But it’s real. And you can eat until you’re full—for under ¥50.
Pro tip: Point and smile. Few vendors speak English. But they’ll figure it out.
(Hangzhou top 5 night markets guide for foreign travelers)
H4: 5. Wushan Night Market – Old-School Charm & Hidden Treasures 📍 Renhe Road, Shangcheng District (Near Longxiangqiao Station, Exit D)
One of Hangzhou’s oldest night markets—over 30 years running.
It’s smaller than others, but packed with character. Think: retro trinkets, silk scarves, bamboo crafts, and classic Hangzhou flavors.
Lisa from Australia came here looking for a gift. She left with a jade pendant, two bags of dried osmanthus, and a stuffed spring roll with stinky tofu—which she actually loved.
The star? Wu Shan Roast Chicken. Crispy skin, juicy inside. People line up just for this.
Go around 6 PM. It opens early. Bring small bills. And talk to vendors—they sometimes share free samples.
H2: Why This List Works – And How We Know
We don’t just read reviews.We walk these streets. In the rain. At midnight. With empty stomachs.
Each market was visited by our team—using public transit, paying in cash, testing language barriers.
And yes—we ate everything we recommend.
Because your trip shouldn’t be ruined by a bad meal or wasted time.
That’s why we also offer private car transfers across Hangzhou—safe, English-speaking drivers who know exactly where to drop you off.
👉 Get Your Free Ride Quote HereNeed help booking?
Contact us anytime:
WhatsApp: +8615715728786
WeChat: DolphinUnion
Email: hansong@dolphinunion.com
H2: Want More Than Just Markets? Try Our Full Hangzhou Experience
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• Which night market stall gives free samples
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