Houshan Road

Stroll along Back Mountain Road where time seems to stand still. This hidden alley in Hangzhou's old quarter charms visitors with cobblestone paths shaded by vintage plane trees - in autumn, golden leaves blanket the ground like an impressionist painting. Traditional courtyard houses mingle with artsy boutiques; pause for crispy scallion pancakes at a street stall or hunt for handmade ceramics. Come at dusk when the setting sun paints the mossy walls with luminous hues, creating a photographer's dream.