Author: Tiffany Luehrs
Program: Hangzhou, China – Study Center
Today my Valpo cohort and I visited Hefang Street (河坊街 – hefang jie). Hefang street is a bustling avenue filled with vendors selling local snacks, silk shops, tea houses, traditional Chinese pharmacies and restaurants.
A snapshot of Hefang Street, Tiffany Luehrs
Various historical and cultural aspects of the area have been maintained and are still intact such as the drum tower and even an original section of a road used during the Song Dynasty. Throughout the street stood various statues of Buddha such as a very memorable red statue that emphasized the curved features of the Buddha and a large bronze Buddha with many small figures of children climbing on him. I learned that the large belly symbolizes prosperity, the reclining pose represents spiritual contentment, and the children around him signifies many descendants. While there is an evident historical and cultural feel to the street, you can still find McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Dairy Queen scattered about and more modern stores as well.
After roaming around the shops and vendors, we stopped at a café
Glutinous rice balls and mango, Tiffany Luehrs
that specialized in mango dishes and drinks. I ordered glutinous rice balls with fresh mango, and it was the absolute, best mango dish I have ever tasted! The juxtaposition of the warm glutinous rice and the cool, sweet mango was mouth watering. I wish I could remember the name of the café but it completely escapes me. Next time I go, I will definitely write it down and let you know so you can try it as well if you ever find yourself at Hefang Street. I know I’ll be back for some more mango!
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