If you dream of touching a city’s past with your own footsteps, this Beishan Street travel guide is for you. Tucked between West Lake and historic hillsides, Beishan Street (also known as Beishan Road) still breathes the quiet charm of Republican-era China.
As I followed the Hangzhou Beishan Street walking route, the Republican-era buildings and soft lakeside breezes drew me deeper into its story. This walk isn’t just a path—it’s a slow dance with time, a quiet invitation to feel the soul of Hangzhou.
1. Beishan Street: One Road, Half a Century of Republican History
Sunlight filtered through the plane tree leaves, scattering soft shadows across the pavement. Each time I step onto Beishan Street (or Beishan Road), it feels like stepping into another century. The road stretches quietly from Huan Cheng West Road (环城西路) in the east to Shuguang Road (曙光路) in the west—just over 3 kilometers long and barely 15 meters wide. Still, it holds half a century of memories.
To the north, Baoshi Mountain rises gently. To the south, West Lake shimmers. This perfect setting makes Beishan Street a living piece of Hangzhou’s past. Locals call it an “open-air museum,” and for good reason. You won’t find ticket booths here—just dozens of preserved Republican-era buildings. Each one tells a story of merchants, scholars, and statesmen who once lived behind those old wooden doors.
As I followed the Beishan Street walking path, time seemed to slow. On one side, there were quiet lake views. On the other, black-tiled rooftops and grey brick walls. Sometimes a bike bell or a passing car reminded me I was still in the present.
Many of the buildings blend Western arches with Jiangnan elegance. It’s readable history—beautiful, walkable, and full of surprises. Today, some of the old houses along the road have been thoughtfully renovated into stylish bars and cafés—many serving Western food alongside local favorites.
As you wander along the Beishan Street walking route, you’re surrounded by postcard-perfect scenes: shimmering lake views, elegant bridges, tree-lined paths, and the serene beauty of the Bai Causeway.
2. Beishan Street Walking Trail & Historic Buildings: A Step-by-Step Journey Through Time
My journey along the Beishan Street walking trail began at its eastern starting point, near Broken Bridge. From there, I walked west, slowly, allowing each corner to reveal its secrets. Along the way, I passed several historic buildings—each with its own charm and story. Below, I’ve listed my favorite stops, complete with addresses and little details, so you can follow in my footsteps.
1) Starting Point: Broken Bridge
Although technically just outside Beishan Street, Broken Bridge sets the perfect mood for the walk ahead. This ancient bridge, made famous by the Legend of the White Snake, sits right at the eastern entrance.
From the bridge top, I looked back toward Beishan Street. The entire street stretched out like a scroll—framed by the glimmering lake and the towering Baoshi Hill. Beishan Street is lined with graceful plane trees that arch overhead, creating a canopy of cool shade.
At its peak, Baoshi Pagoda stood tall and proud. In spring and autumn, plane tree leaves drift like smoke across the water. The whole scene feels painted, not real. It’s the kind of view that makes you pause, breathe, and smile.
2) Former Residence of Chiang Ching-kuo – No. 8 Beishan Street
Not far from Broken Bridge, I spotted a striking white villa at No. 8 Beishan Street (蒋经国旧居: 北山街8号). As I followed the Beishan Street walking route, this elegant Western-style home caught my eye. It has two stories and four rooms, once lived in by Chiang Ching-kuo and his family after the war.
The white walls and perfectly symmetrical windows give it that quiet, dignified charm of a Republican-era official’s residence. Although it’s closed to visitors now, I stood on the sidewalk, looking up. Even from a distance, the building carries its history well.
Next door, a cozy Starbucks now occupies the side wing.
3) Ru Lu – No. 34 Beishan Street
Further along the Beishan Street walking route, I arrived at No. 34—Ru Lu (如庐: 北山街34号), a hidden gem facing the lake and backed by the hill. Built in the 1930s by a Shanghai merchant, this villa blends East and West beautifully. Its gray-brick walls and sloped roof feel traditionally Chinese, yet the details hint at Western flair.
I paused by the stone gate, where “Ru Lu” is carved above in graceful script. Inside, the courtyard rises in quiet steps, echoing the slope of Baoshi Mountain behind it. Even from the street, the elegance of this old garden villa lingers in the air.
4) Haiyan Hall – No. 35 Beishan Street
Just west of Ru Lu, along the Beishan Street walking path, I found a long stretch of white wall. It runs nearly 70 meters and stands out with grey tiles, deep base trim, and latticed glass windows. Behind it, rooftops peek through—part of the grand Haiyan Hall at No. 35 (海盐馆： 北山街35号) Beishan Street.
Originally owned by the Xu family, a noble clan from Haiyan in Zhejiang, the estate whispers of old wealth and quiet power. The name “Haiyan” likely comes from a stone boundary marker still faintly visible at the southeast corner. It reads, just barely, “Haiyan Boundary.”
Even today, this walled compound feels dignified. Its understated beauty draws the eye, a perfect moment along Beishan Street’s timeless path.
5) Sheng Lu – No. 36 Beishan Street
Continuing west along the Beishan Street walking route, I soon reached No. 36—Sheng Lu (省庐：北山街36), a beautifully preserved villa from the 1930s. Designed by Chen Xicen (陈希曾), the house blends Chinese and Western styles. Its grey brick walls and sweeping hip roof feel solid yet graceful.
The name “Sheng Lu” comes from Chen’s courtesy name, Shengfu (省夫). He once served as a high-ranking official in the Nationalist government. The brickwork along the courtyard wall stood out—it uses a rare “plum blossom” pattern, unique on Beishan Street.
Though the gate remained closed, the elegance of Sheng Lu still reached me from behind the walls.
6) Baoqing Villa – No. 38–40 Beishan Street
As I continued along the Beishan Street (Beishan Road), I came across Baoqing Villa (抱青别墅 ：北山街38-40号). The Villa was built in 1907 by Xing Gengxing, a wealthy merchant from Nanxun. Originally, it served as his private lakeside retreat. As I stood before the gate, I couldn’t help but admire how East meets West so gracefully here.
The architecture blends classic Baroque flair with traditional Chinese details. The villa uses a brick-and-wood structure, with alternating red and grey bricks laid in diamond patterns. The craftsmanship is quiet but impressive—every pattern feels deliberate, almost poetic.
Its roof follows the Chinese xieshan (hip-and-gable) style, topped with black tiles. At the center of the ridge, a simple five-petal ornament replaces more elaborate decorations. It’s this subtle balance that makes Baoqing Villa feel both grand and serene.
The villa once hosted the Industrial Pavilion of the 1929 West Lake Expo. Now, the villa lives on as an art space. Inside, rotating exhibitions bring fresh life to this century-old home. It’s one of my favorite surprises along Beishan Street (Beishan Road )—where old walls meet new creativity.
7) West Lake Expo Museum – No. 41–42 Beishan Street
Further along the Beishan Street (Beishan Road), I reached one of the most eye-catching spots—the West Lake Expo Museum (西湖博览会博物馆:北山街41- 42号). Built in 1929, this red-roofed, white-walled building once hosted China’s first modern industrial fair.
The museum building itself is a beautiful blend of old and new. Designed in the Art Deco style, it still preserves much of its original 1929 charm.
Inside, old photos, posters, and artifacts tell the story of the Republic-era dream of progress. I wandered through the halls, imagining the buzz of merchants, inventors, and dreamers.
The museum is free to enter, and it’s a peaceful stop. More than history, it captures a spirit—hopeful, open, and proud. For me, it brought a deeper meaning to the charm of Beishan Street.
8) Putí Jingshe – No. 44–50 Beishan Street
As I continued along Beishan Street (Beishan Road), I arrived at a peaceful complex tucked beneath Geling Hill—Putí Jingshe (菩提精舍: 北山街44-50号). Built in 1926 by 24 devout merchants from Shanghai and Zhejiang, it once served as a Buddhist retreat for chanting and meditation.
The architecture caught my breath. A graceful stone gate led to a hall with elegant eaves and carved beams. Inside, rows of green stone columns supported a roof of traditional tiles. The quiet beauty here felt timeless.
Today, it houses the Hangzhou Party History Museum. Since 2015, it’s been open to the public for historical education. However, its original spirit—calm, reverent, enduring—still lingers in the air as you pass by.
9) Chunrun Villa – No. 54 Beishan Street
Toward the northeastern end of Beishan Street, I came across a pair of elegant villas—Chunrun Villa, at No. 54 (春润庐: 北山街54号). Built in the 1920s by drama theorist Song Chunfang and banker Zhu Runsheng, it gets its name from their shared characters—”Chun” and “Run.”
The villas are true gems. Soft yellow walls, red-glazed tile roofs, and Ionic columns give them a light, airy charm. One belonged to Song, the other to Zhu. Together, they formed a quiet, scholarly haven.
In the past, professors from Peking University stayed here while visiting Hangzhou. Names like Cai Yuanpei and Ma Yinchu once filled these halls. Today, the villas remain open to visitors—preserved and peaceful, tucked gracefully along historic Beishan Street.
10) Xinxin Hotel – No. 58 Beishan Street
At the western end of Beishan Street, I reached Xinxin Hotel (新新饭店:北山街58号), which was the last but one stop on my route. It is a local landmark full of stories. Built in 1909, it’s the only four-star hotel in Zhejiang with over a century of history.
Originally called Hezhuang, it became “Xinxin Hotel” in 1913. The name comes from a classic Chinese saying: “Renew yourself each day.”
Here, I imagined Lu Xun sipping tea. Xu Zhimo once stayed, too—and legend says he got stuck in the elevator and burst into tears!
Today, the second-floor terrace offers one of the best West Lake views. I stood there quietly, watching the willow-lined Bai Causeway below and Leifeng Pagoda rising in the morning mist. A perfect end to my walk along Beishan Street (Beishan Road).
11) Qiushui Villa – No. 59 Beishan Street
Finally, I reached Qiushui Villa (秋水山庄: 北山街59号), the last stop on my walk along Beishan Street. Built in 1932, it was named after Shen Qiushui (沈秋水)—a famed Shanghai courtesan—and the love of her life, media tycoon Shi Liangcai (史量才).
At sunset, red light filters through Belgian glass etched with the characters “Qiushui.” The year “1932” appears on the ground in glowing reflection. It’s haunting and beautiful.
Though Western in structure, the roof keeps its Chinese soul—grey tiles and hard ridges. The villa once echoed with poetry and politics. Later, it became a hospital, then part of Xinxin Hotel.
Walking past its quiet walls, I felt history settle gently around me—tragic, romantic, unforgettable. That’s Beishan Street for you.
3. Best Time and Season to Visit Beishan Street
Beishan Street (Beishan Road) charms in every season, yet spring and autumn are the most rewarding.
In spring, fresh green leaves spread across the plane trees. Peach blossoms brighten West Lake, and fragrance drifts along the road. Temperatures stay mild, perfect for long walks.
In autumn, golden leaves cover the Beishan Street walking path. Sweet osmanthus perfumes the air. At sunset, the historic villas glow warmly, a dream for photographers.
Summer feels humid, while winter can be cold. However, a rare snowfall transforms Beishan Street into a living ink painting.
To truly savor its spirit, visit on weekdays. Early mornings and evenings offer peace, soft light, and a quiet connection with history.
4. Beishan Street Travel Tips
Reaching the east entrance of Beishan Street, near Broken Bridge, is simple. First, you can take bus 7, 51, or Y2. Get off at Duanqiao stop(断桥站), and you’re there. Next, you could choose the metro. Take Subway Line 1, exit at Fengqi Road 凤起路 (Exit B), then walk about 18 minutes.
Beishan Street itself is open and free. However, many villas are private or used by institutions. Respect the signs, and never enter uninvited.
Traffic is sometimes busy, so stay cautious. When taking photos, step aside and avoid the road. In summer, bring water, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
For international travelers, English signs are common. Still, a few Chinese phrases like nǐ hǎo or xièxie open smiles instantly. Shops nearby accept mobile payment, yet cash also works.
These little Beishan Street travel tips can make your walk smoother, safer, and far more enjoyable.
As the sunset wrapped Beishan Street in gold, I ended my walk with a quiet smile. Following the Beishan Street walking route felt like stepping into a century-old conversation. Each wall whispered, each window remembered.
This place isn’t loud or commercial. Instead, it offers calm, depth, and unexpected beauty. Whether you love history, architecture, or simple wandering, Beishan Street will welcome you gently—and remind you that Hangzhou’s charm reaches far beyond West Lake.
🌟Further Reading
How to Visit Hangzhou – Your Complete Guide
West Lake, Hangzhou: Walking Route, Map & Must-See Highlights
Baoshi Mountain: Hiking Route, Map & Must-See Highlights
Hupao Spring: Walking Route, Map & Must-See Highlights
Liuhe Pagoda: Map, Walking Route and Highlights
Feilai Feng Grottoes: Map, Walking Route & Highlights
Xiling Seal Art Society: Map, Walking Route & Highlights
Best Places to See Fall Colors in Hangzhou – Ruqin China Travel
The Best Hangzhou Tour Itinerary – Ruqin China Travel
How to Book Hangzhou Attraction Tickets: All You Need to Know
Boating on West Lake in Hangzhou, China
