Hanzheng Street (汉正街), located in Hankou, Wuhan, is one of the oldest historical streets with a rich commercial legacy. The street traces its significance back to the early history of Hankou, serving as a bustling hub where merchants and commodities from all corners converged. It owes its name to the Han River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, originating in Shaanxi Province and merging with the Yangtze through this area. In ancient times, merchants from Shaanxi would navigate downstream on boats, transporting goods through Hanzheng Street.
Over the centuries, during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the street evolved into a vibrant marketplace with landmarks such as Yudai Gate, Yangjia River, Wusheng Temple, Stone Dock, and Yongning Lane, forming a network of markets oriented in an east-west direction.
In the 1980s, Hanzheng Street gained prominence as a hub for affordable small commodity trading, especially catering to the rural market. Over the ensuing decades, it has transformed into a staple shopping destination for Wuhan residents, offering a diverse array of goods including daily necessities, clothing, small appliances, stationery, toys, and more. Today, Hanzheng Street stands not only as a testament to Wuhan’s historical commerce but also as a thriving center for daily life and regional trade in Central China.
Table of Contents
- Location and Transportation
- Iconic Shops in Hanzheng Street
- Vlog about Hanzheng Street
- Attractions near Hanzheng Street
Location and Transportation
Hanzheng Street is located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Han River in the Qiaokou District of Wuhan City, Hubei Province. Spanning from the eastern starting point at Sanmin Road and Jijiazui in Jianghan District to the western end at Wusheng Road in Qiaokou District, it faces the Han River along the riverside avenue in Hankou to the south and extends to Zhongshan Avenue in the north. Comprising 78 streets and lanes, Hanzheng Street covers an area of 2.56 square kilometers, making it a bustling and expansive commercial hub in Wuhan.
To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 579, 603, or 726 and get off at Liji South Road and Hanzheng Street Stop.
Metro: The closest metro station to this commercial hub is Hanzhengjie (汉正街) on line 6. After getting out of the station, you will be standing right at the center of this area.
Iconic Shops in Hanzheng Street
Qianxiangyi Silk and Fabric Shop (谦祥益绸布店)
Established in 1894 during the Qing Dynasty, Qianxiangyi specializes in “Three Treasures” or “Three Blues” fabric – namely, azure cloth, fine azure cloth, and bamboo-patterned azure cloth. These fabrics were exceptionally popular in the towns and villages around Wuhan due to their unique dyeing process, deep colors, and consistent quality. Competing fiercely with imported fabrics like “Indanthrene,” Qianxiangyi held its own as the sole competitor in that market segment.
Su Hengtai Umbrella Shop (苏恒泰伞店)
A centenarian establishment on Hanzheng Street, Su Hengtai is renowned for crafting umbrellas that have gained fame both within the province and beyond. Su Wenshou, the founder, was originally an umbrella maker from Shimenkan in Changsha, Hunan Province. After relocating to Hankou in 1862, he started by selling a few homemade umbrellas as he roamed the streets. Gradually, with determination, the business grew from selling a hundred to over six thousand umbrellas a month, becoming an in-demand product.
Wang Yuxia Food Store (汪玉霞食品店)
Dating back to 1739 during the Qing Dynasty, Wang Yuxia Food Store has a history spanning over two hundred years. Initially dealing in Anhui tea, known as the best tea in the country at the time, it earned the name – “Wang Yuxia’s Tea.” Transitioning to pastries and confectionery in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China era, the store became famous for treats like sugared candies during Spring Festival, traditional Chinese pastries during the Dragon Boat Festival, and mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival, cherished by urban and rural residents alike.
Ye Kaitai Pharmacy (叶开泰药店)
Operating since 1637, during the Ming Dynasty, Ye Kaitai Pharmacy has persisted through more than ten generations, boasting nearly four hundred years of history. Initially established by Ye Wenji at the mouth of Baojia Lane on Hanzheng Street, it primarily dealt with medical prescriptions and herbal remedies. Over time, it expanded its operations, evolving into Ye Kaitai Drugstore during the Qing Dynasty. By the Guangxu era, its turnover accounted for around 13% of the total business among similar establishments in Wuhan. Known for its high-quality medicinal concoctions and efficacy, Ye Kaitai’s remedies found popularity both domestically and internationally.
