Hangzhou? Seriously, Just Don't. (For Now)
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Hello everyone! I'm super excited to be heading to Hangzhou soon! Hahaha!
However, I noticed that when looking at recent photos online, there are crowds everywhere. Therefore, I’ve decided to start my trip after the holiday period.
To be honest, making the itinerary gave me a headache, and I almost considered just being hands-off and spontaneous in my travels (from a methodical planner J-person to a more carefree P-person).
But still, I’d like to ask for recommendations from Hangzhou local friends or those who have already visited:
My tentative travel plan is as follows:
- Arrival: Take overnight high-speed train
to Hangzhou. - Day 1: Lingyin Temple + Afternoon TBD
- Go to Lingyin Temple in the morning.
- Tip: Lingyin Temple is one of the most well-known ancient Buddhist temples in Hangzhou, where many people come to pray.
- I only plan on spending half the day there, so I might not have time for the God of Wealth Temple or other temples close by.
- Have some vegetarian noodles at or around the temple grounds over lunch, then ride a bus back to city center.
- Help Sought: What places are worth visiting in the afternoon? Any recommends?
- Go to Lingyin Temple in the morning.
- Day 2: West Lake Tourist Day
- Around 6:30am in the morning, take a boat ride along the West Lake shoreline.
- I want to ride the small hand-operated boats, and I heard the line at Tortoise Bay is pretty peaceful with fewer tourists.
- Fact: West Lake is so vast it features many different sights. Tortoise Bay is a quiet area of the lake.
- Once off the boat, spend the rest of the day sightseeing around. Is spending the whole day enough time there?
- Help Sought: Are there special rules to take note of for walking through West Lake, or is just walking around enough?
- Given that West Lake is so large, isn't renting a bike much more convenient and less tiring?
- Around 6:30am in the morning, take a boat ride along the West Lake shoreline.
- Day 3: Morning Excursion + Return
- Have a 2pm train ticket home.
- Help Sought: What other places are worth visiting in Hangzhou in the morning?
- The Main Priority: Food Recommendations & Avoiding Pitfalls!
- Take Note! This trip to Hangzhou also has eating authentic local cuisine as a top priority!
- Please share any tasty eatery recommendations or what restaurants or snacks to avoid!
- I've got my heart set on having real Dongpo Pork!!! (东坡肉)
- After all, the maxim "Heaven is above, while Suzhou and Hangzhou are below" states that these two areas, known for their picturesque scenery, mustn’t be missed when it comes to food too!
- Cultural Insight: “Heaven is above, while Suzhou and Hangzhou are below”, is a famous proverb that describes the beauty and pleasantness as though this was heaven below us.
Looking forward to your advice! #HeavenisaboveSuzhouHangzhouarebelow #Hangzhou #LocalRecommendations #TravelGuides #A Guide to Exploring & Dining #WestLake
- Arrival: Take overnight high-speed train
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It looks like the tour boats aren't running, so you might have to hike instead.
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Oh, will hiking take a long time? Should I look for a bike-share then?
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The tour boat schedule depends on the weather. It's been very windy these past two days, so they've suspended operations. I'm not sure if they'll resume tomorrow.
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I'm planning to go after the May Day holiday. Hopefully, the weather will be better by then.