Hu Qing Yu Tang

Located at 95 Dajing Lane in central Hangzhou, Hu Qing Yu Tang offers you an authentic look into the rich heritage of traditional Chinese medicine. Established in 1874 by Hu Xueyan, this prestigious complex—designated as a national key cultural relics protection unit in 1988—holds a reputation on par with Beijing’s famous Tongrentang. When you visit, you will step inside magnificent Jiangnan-style architecture built in 1878 at an astounding cost of over 200,000 taels.

The site now serves as both an active drugstore and the Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicines, where over 400 drug types were historically crafted using secret recipes and clinical practice. Inside, you can explore five fascinating sections: an exhibition hall showcasing medicine origins, famous figures, and Zhejiang's historical contributions; a manual mill hall where experienced pharmaceutical workers demonstrate traditional preparation methods; a health care patient room; a dedicated hall of medicated food; and a lively business lobby. At the business lobby, you can even handle traditional pharmaceutical tools and purchase authentic Chinese drugs.

Whether you want to try hands-on preparation techniques or discover ancient medical history, this late 19th-century medical center provides a captivating cultural journey.

What to see at Hu Qing Yu Tang

• Explore five specialized museum sections, including the hall of medicated food
• Watch experienced pharmaceutical workers demonstrate traditional processing methods in the manual mill hall
• Try using authentic pharmaceutical tools and buy Chinese remedies in the business lobby
• Admire historic Jiangnan architectural design constructed under founder Hu Xueyan
• Discover the history of famous medical figures and China's international medical exchanges

Visiting tips

Be sure to stop by the manual mill hall during your visit to try out traditional pharmaceutical process techniques for yourself.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Hu Qing Yu Tang is easy to reach on Hangzhou’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Phoenix Mosque and Zhejiang Provincial Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Hangzhou travel guide.