Hangzhou's Beauty is Breathtaking, But Living There? Hard Pass for Me.

[Theodore Wiza]

Sure, here is the translation:

Certainly! Here's a look at my journey to Hangzhou that I wish to share, aiming to offer some references for friends who plan to visit.

• On this trip to Hangzhou, we did not explore too many tourist attractions. Instead, we focused on visiting several key spots:
• The West Lake - As Hangzhou's landmark, what else needs to be said about it! It acts much like each major city has its must-be-visited lake or park; the West Lake represents the 'soul' of Hangzhou.
• West Lake Wetland Park - As a super large natural park, it houses numerous water courses, reed marshes, and traditional-style buildings, akin to a 'green lung' in the city.
• Prince Bay Park (alternatively translated as Tai Zizai Park) - It is another famous park widely recognized. It blooms with flowers during springtime, turning into a spectacular vista.

• In terms of travel pace, I just go with the flow. I don't mind slowing down after getting tired, returning to the hotel, regaining energy, then heading out again.
• I stayed in Hangzhou for five days, engaging in a day of leisure followed by a break before continuing, which is truly my favorite pace; it is so comfortable!

• Hangzhou had left me speechless with its beauty, making every corner worth screaming and applauding.
• What moved me most were two locations:
- The path called Sudi (Su Causeway) located in the West Lake. This long pass stretches over the body of the lake, brimming with landscapes filled with trees and water. In what is called “Sudi Spring Dawn’” I admired an ordinary sunset, capturing a rare glimpse of the reflection of the lake and mountains, feeling the beauty of being alive and all stress evaporating.
- West Lake Wetland Park, exhibiting beauty distinct from its more well-known sister, was equally astonishing. "Deep Pit Mouth" specifically resembles something straight out of a fantastical world, replete with misty surroundings and small boats flowing gently.

• However, despite Hangzhou's enchanting scenery completely captivating me, spending long stays there isn’t something I am very keen on. This could be because I am someone connected to the grassroots level (meaning I am financially constrained), so if I were richer and whimsical, my perspective might alter as wealth allows for greater freedom in choice of lifestyle against tight budgets.

• This is why I think I may not live in such big cities long-term (cautionary advice for those planning to settle):

• ️ Watch Out: Crowds Everywhere! The people, crowds; everywhere bustling! At attractions on holiday periods, it can feel almost overwhelming. One method to avoid: try to visit outside of national statutory holidays and weekend peak times. Opting for weekdays, lesser-known destinations will alleviate throngs.
• ️ Watch Out: Budget Worries! Dining and lodging are generally expensive. I love spending money but have nothing in my pockets. As Hangzhou is thriving, this makes expenses in such a cosmopolitan place not trifling. Some advice: choose hostels or moderately-priced hotels further away from the downtown area. Alternatively, pick smaller eateries locals usually patronize, avoiding pricey restaurants in hotspots.
• ️ Watch Out: Unliking Local Cuisine? A strong inclination to my home flavors is bound by my taste buds due to a background of Henan cuisine — a middle-China province known for flavors that are salty and aromatic. Hangzhou’s sweet dishes are equally famous, but I still prefer the flavors of my hometown. Some suggestions: Hangzhou also has eateries from all corners of the world. Moreover, bring along some personal-favorited snacks. If you have a specific preference, research for matching cuisines beforehand.

• Again, these thoughts are all personal beliefs and do not reflect all perspectives.
• Nonetheless, fall in love with Hangzhou’s spring. The romantic sentiments from ancient Chinese literature say ‘The Heavens above, below there lies Su and Hang,’ reflecting the splendor of these two cities.
• I will surely return to Hangzhou multiple times because I still long to explore her marvels.

• "For you, Hangzhou, a thousand times over!” This is derived from a book, signifying my immense love for this place, willing to revisit and uncover endless wonders repeatedly.

[Dr. Ruben Larkin MD]

Honestly, summer in Hangzhou is the toughest for me. Even with beautiful scenery outside, the scorching heat makes me not want to step out at all.

[Glenn Ryan PhD]

I imagine Hangzhou's winters are pretty tough too.

[Jo Douglas]

Hangzhou has plenty of peaceful spots, but they don't come cheap. If you can't handle the cost of living here, you definitely won't be able to settle down.

[Velma Thompson]

Everything in Hangzhou, from food to accommodation, is expensive.

[Ms. Cecilia Lowe]

These days, there are more long-term residents from Henan in Hangzhou than actual Hangzhou locals.

[Misty Dare]

Hangzhou is a second-tier city.

[Wesley Parisian-Kerluke IV]

Some say it's a first-tier city now.

[Bob Heller]

You could live in the villages around Hangzhou where the cost of living is lower. That's what some foreign internet celebrities, like 'Yanglizi' (陽離子 - Cation), do. The countryside environment is great, and they have all the necessary amenities.

[Sammy Schiller]

Thanks for sharing.

[Kelvin Shanahan DVM]

Haha, I feel pretty much the same way.

[Jesse Paucek]

Oh, I've found a kindred spirit!

[Leland Erdman]

It definitely takes money to live comfortably in Hangzhou, like having air conditioning in summer and heating in winter. But enjoying a peaceful and beautiful life there doesn't necessarily cost a fortune. There are so many clean and lovely places in Hangzhou and its surrounding suburban counties.

[Pamela Miller]

Good point.

[Leticia Ritchie]

The West Lake scenic area is huge. The western part of the lake and the mountains beyond it are definitely worth spending a lot of time exploring.

[Ms. Beatrice Abernathy]

Thanks for sharing.

[Reginald Ziemann]

I thought I was the only one! Today, I just took a short walk around West Lake, popped into in77 for a bit, and grabbed a bite. I had planned to visit Qianjiang Park too, but ended up not going. I was back home in less than two hours and was so exhausted I just conked out. I don't know why I'm in such bad shape these days, sob. I never used to be like this.

[Christina Altenwerth]

Hangzhou, stressful? Seriously? Even someone like me, who's not well-off, feels no pressure about settling down here.