My Two Cents on Hangzhou: A Tourist's Take
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Wow, this is my first visit to Hangzhou, and I'm totally impressed by the city. It has the aura of high-tech yet maintains a strong sense of human warmth!
- At a restaurant, before we had placed our order, the server brought out a plate of pre-cut sugarcane, which was really sweet and refreshing! Moreover, I noticed that they had special resting seats prepared for delivery workers. This made me feel that the city is very friendly towards workers.
- The streets are lined with young men and women directing traffic. Not only do they catch one's eye, but they also represent a beautiful view of the city - a new business card! Even if you mistakenly take a wrong turn, they won't yell at you; instead, they will kindly ask where you want to go and guide you on the way.
- Hangzhou residents seem to be very warm and hospitable, free from prejudice. When I took the taxi, the local driver, who himself came from another place, praised the kindness of the local people here. The metro stations boast many recruitment ads aiming to attract college graduates, creating an atmosphere of dynamism in the city while welcoming talented young folks.
- There are quite a few designated "reliable consumption zones" in this area, implying that the businesses within these zones tend to be more trustworthy, allowing shoppers to feel safer when spending money. I even saw a special court specifically dealing with tourism disputes adjacent to the West Lake! It’s evident that authorities have put considerable effort into ensuring visitors enjoy their time here.
- Travel Tip:
- In Hangzhou, especially around popular attractions like the West Lake, pay attention to the signage for 'Reliable Consumption Zones'. Shopping or dining in such places often minimizes the chance of being cheated.
- If you indeed encounter any inconvenience in terms of consumption, don’t panic! Places like the Tourism Court near the West Lake are specially assigned to handle tourist complaints. This demonstrates the local government's heavy emphasis on protecting tourists' rights. Don’t hesitate to seek help when needed.
- Travel Tip:
- My experience at the airport was great too! The cost of food inside is similar to that in the city center without gouging prices just because it's located in the airport. The service personnel are extremely courteous and enthusiastic. Instruction regarding security checks and boarding were clear, preventing any unnecessary confusion. The security check process was also very swift.
This is purely based on my initial impression, serving as a reference for others. Should you have ever visited Hangzhou personally, I welcome your own insights or differing perspectives on our discussions together!
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Bashing Hangzhou is quite the trend now. If you suddenly praise it, you'll likely get some pushback from others.
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Why all the hate for Hangzhou? I think it's pretty great. It almost made my list of potential retirement cities.
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The fact you didn't call it a 'food desert' shows you're a sane person.
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To be fair, don't just jump on the bandwagon.
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Praising it like that is a bit unexpected. Let me think how to respond...
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Oh, if you're dealing with government agencies in Hangzhou, you'll like it even more. The service is truly excellent. They'll even stay after hours to help you finish, and they'll show you how to do it online next time so you don't have to come back.
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Salaries and transportation in Hangzhou might lag behind, but other aspects are quite advanced.
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Wages are low and there's often no two-day weekend, yet people still flock to Hangzhou for work. It's a bit of a mystery why, despite these contradictions.
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I just remembered that bashing Hangzhou seems to be the trend lately. So when someone suddenly praises my city, I'm not quite used to it.
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I'm feeling a bit uneasy too, and a little worried for the author (OP).
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For its government services alone, Hangzhou has cemented its place in my heart as the ideal spot for solo retirement. It gives me a reassuring feeling that even when I'm old, the government will still look out for me.
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Compared to other provinces, Zhejiang's pension fund surplus is quite good. People from Zhejiang really have their act together!
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I'd like to ask for recommendations for good instant-boiled mutton (shuan rou) and tripe stew (bao du) restaurants in Beijing. Planning a trip there!
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For Shuan Rou (instant-boiled mutton): Jubao Yuan (my most frequented, highly recommend their 'Jingcheng Piaoxue' meat and sesame paste pancakes), Nanmen Shuanrou. For Bao Du (quick-fried tripe): Ziguangyuan, Fangzhuanchang No. 69 Zhajiangmian (the Wangfushiji outlet – try to go during off-peak hours to avoid long queues).
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Come get a haircut here and see for yourself. I think we need a 'haircut court' for some of these places!
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Are you talking about 'hair assassins' 🥷?
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I was in Hangzhou on a business trip for a week last week. Personally, I'd define Hangzhou as my favorite among the big cities. (And for context, I travel for business about three times a month and have been to almost all prefecture-level cities and above in China.) I'd been to Hangzhou about ten times before, but after this recent trip, I absolutely love it.
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You're welcome to visit Hangzhou again for leisure!