Hangzhou Travel PSA ⚠️: Seriously, AVOID These Shady Rides!
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Sigh, yet another friend complained to me that the taxis
in Hangzhou are really disappointing!This is something I've heard multiple times and as a native of Hangzhou, it's not an issue that can easily be resolved. To tell you the truth, this problem has existed for some time now.
- There are a number of taxis that specifically park along the more famous scenic spots around West Lake, such as:
- Broken Bridge (断桥残雪): One of the top ten views of West Lake, it especially stands out during snowy winters. It is also the spot where the legendary characters Xu Xian and Bai Nü first met in "Legend of the White Snake".
- Su Causeway (苏堤春晓): A long embankment stretching across West Lake from north to south, it is perfect for a springtime stroll and flower viewing.
- Jingci Temple (净慈寺): Facing Leifeng Pagoda, its evening bells, known as Nanping Evening Bell, are a historical feature. It is also one of the well-known ancient temples.
- These places see a lot of tourists, so the taxi drivers "ambush" here, waiting like "the rabbit under a fallen tree."
- Even if you want to take their taxis, they might not be willing to pick you up, being very selective and charging you a high price if they feel you’re an out-of-town tourist.
- Unfamiliar visitors are likely to be “overcharged” (“宰客” implies deliberately overpricing by sellers targeting tourists, especially those who are unfamiliar with local conditions).
Many years ago, my fellow Hangzhou residents also suffered losses by taking taxis. The media
reported it many times, but things have yet to improve much. Later on, the emergence of "taxi-hailing apps", such as Didi (滴滴出行) and Caocao (曹操出行), made traveling easier. Consequently, the focus on roadside taxis decreased. But do note that some problematic taxi drivers still exist.To be honest, there aren’t as many elderly Hanzhou taxi drivers as before now. Yet one shouldn’t blame this solely on new drivers; the fact remains that these problems occur within Hangzhou’s domain.
If you ask me why Hangzhou has failed to address this “hard-to-resolve” issue in such a long time, I wouldn’t know either!
All I can do is loudly remind all my friends who travel to Hangzhou:
️ Travel Alert & Tips ️
- Never casually get into those taxis waiting by the roadside outside the scenic spots seeking customers! Especially those drivers who show excessive enthusiasm when they think you’re asking directions—there’s likely to be something suspicious.
- How to avoid? They often refuse passengers who may be locals or familiar with the route. Insist on having the fare meter activated (ask for the meter), or simply reject their service.
- Preferred Modes of Transportation:
- Hangzhou’s subway network
now extends widely, allowing visitors to access many scenic spots. - Buses
are convenient as well—routes number plenty and fares are cheap. - Taxi-hailing apps
Cars (like Didi, Gaode, Caocao) - Call ahead, fares are clearly listed in advance and driver information is recorded.
- Hangzhou’s subway network
- Rule of thumb: Don’t take a taxi idling by the roadside, especially at the entrance of scenic areas if possible!
- Never casually get into those taxis
#Hangzhou #HangzhouTravel #HangzhouTripTips #TaxiTips #HailingCarIsGreat #HangzhouTransportGuide
- There are a number of taxis
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I visited Hangzhou in July. One evening, I took taxis to and from the First Hospital near Yintai (from Qingzhiwu) for a COVID test. Both drivers were older gentlemen who sounded like locals. The next morning, after visiting West Lake, I also got a taxi from the Wusong Tomb intersection back to Qingzhiwu – just the base fare. This driver also sounded local and patiently explained how to get to Faxi Temple when I asked. Seems I was quite lucky not to run into any dishonest drivers.
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Wishing good people a lifetime of peace and safety.
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I was alone and just hailed a cab near the Broken Bridge. For a 3km trip, he charged me 98 yuan! Being a girl by myself, I didn't dare argue. [Implied crying emoji] I'm so mad! He refused to use the meter, claiming that taxis in scenic areas have a flat rate of 98 yuan for rides under 10km.
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You absolutely have to report that!
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Don't go to any silk shops or lesser-known attractions recommended by taxi drivers! They're all scams. It's the kind of stuff '1818 Golden Eye' (a consumer watchdog program) reports on daily.
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Actually, I find taxis in Shanghai to be pretty decent.
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If I use a ride-hailing app in Hangzhou, will a driver pick up a group of 3 adults and 2 kids?
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A standard car won't fit that many. It's best to specify your group size and communicate with the driver beforehand.
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So, are all taxis out of the question? If I need to get to the high-speed train station to catch a train, what transportation can I use?
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What's wrong with the subway? Isn't it a good option?
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Isn't ride-sharing (like a carpool service) an option?
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There aren't many ride-sharing options for short distances within the city, and you'll likely have to wait a while for one.
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It's pretty clear that the ones parked and actively soliciting passengers are the troublemakers – the ones not doing their job properly. When hailing a cab, it's better to walk a block or two away from these hotspots. You won't have this issue with taxis you flag down on the move, or by using a ride-hailing app.
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I've certainly had my fill of Hangzhou taxi drivers – nothing but tricks and scams. Initially, I had no idea. I thought Hangzhou was a cultured city, so I assumed even the taxi drivers would be warm and hospitable. It was only after being duped into buying 'Hangzhou silk' that I realized they're all part of a network of shills and kickbacks, working together. My positive image of Hangzhou has completely shattered.
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I got scammed like that years ago too, though luckily I managed to resolve it. My advice: absolutely do not engage in conversation with the driver! Otherwise, they'll take you straight to a silk shop!
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As tourists from Guangzhou, we were genuinely shocked. Do Hangzhou drivers not even bother responding to a simple 'hello'? They just give you a sour face the whole trip, and then either take detours or demand extra money off-meter...
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Same experience here.