I’m really curious whether people in Hangzhou today still know about Hu Qing Yu Tang. Those who visit traditional Chinese medicine doctors or need to get herbal prescriptions might be more familiar with it, but for the younger generation it’s hard to say. The Hu Qing Yu Tang on Hefang Street has been around for over a century, surviving all sorts of ups and downs. Its most eye-catching feature is the grand wall on Hefang Street with huge, imposing characters—as if it’s afraid people won’t know it’s Hu Qing Yu Tang. But in fact, the entrance is around the corner; you have to make a turn to see it. Compared with that impressive outer wall, the actual entrance feels rather small, which creates a striking contrast.

After stepping through the small door, you’ll find a whole different world inside—the space is surprisingly large. You can get consultations and herbal prescriptions here. You don’t necessarily have to see their in-house doctor to buy Chinese medicinal herbs (I’m not sure if that’s still allowed now, but it was back then). They also sell various health products and ready-made traditional medicines.

If you’re interested in traditional Chinese pharmacies, this place is worth a visit, though if I remember correctly, it only operates until early evening. I used to come to Hu Qing Yu Tang to have herbal medicine prepared, but later on my trips to the city center were usually in the evening, so going to another pharmacy, Fang Hui Chun Tang, was more convenient. Gradually I stopped visiting Hu Qing Yu Tang. The herbal ingredients at the two pharmacies are slightly different, and the feeling you get from taking them also varies. Which one is better depends on your own experience with the prescriptions. Still, both were good experiences.

And actually, these pharmacies can decoct the herbs into liquid medicine for you. You just take it home, heat it up, and drink it. Quite convenient!