Yes, originally from Changshu in Suzhou, but I’ve been living in Beijing for years.

My child is sick, so I can't go. I have two hotel bookings for the Dragon Boat Festival: one night at the Kaiyuan Mingdu Hotel in Songjiang on May 31st (including two Smurf tickets) for 599 RMB, and one night at the Wanxin R Business Hotel in Lujiazui on June 1st for 349 RMB. Both include breakfast. DM me if interested.

Haha, of course!

Haha, that reminds me of the classic line: 'I'm from Taipei. Where in Taipei would you find a snake that black? You're definitely from the Northeast!'

In Taiwan, the minimum wage is around 7,000 RMB, and people typically have a two-day weekend. After working for a year, you get 7 days of paid annual leave, leading to an average of 110 to 125 days off annually. The standard workday is 8 hours, and overtime is paid at 1.33 times the regular rate. Many people tend to underreport their income to reduce taxes, so actual earnings are often significantly higher. A typical meal costs around 100-150 NTD, and a doctor's visit is about 250 NTD. Upon retirement at 65, one might receive a monthly pension of around 20,000 NTD. A typical dual-income household often earns over 100,000 NTD per month.

What's the best type of clothing to wear in Shenzhen for New Year's Day?

A full-price ticket is 200 yuan, but it's half price in the evening.

Urban development takes time; things will gradually get better.

I've seen a lot of good reviews too. For those of you who've actually been, would you genuinely recommend it?

If you're not planning to browse every single shop, one or two hours should be enough. I managed to see it all in just over an hour.

You can take a look at mine, though I primarily create family-friendly itineraries.

Wow, my impression of Hangzhou is like an ocean of green! The city is filled with various shades of green: emerald, bright, dark, light... They make my eyes feel incredibly comfortable.

While I don't enjoy strict, meticulously planned trips that require adhering to a rigid schedule, which can often be exhausting, I prefer the freedom of traveling at my leisure. I love being spontaneous, taking it easy, and casually exploring along the way. ("Let's take it as it comes," "Just wandering around," "Take a rest"—these are my catchphrases.) This kind of unexpected surprise makes travel so much more enjoyable! (Confession: This is perhaps a lazy way of thinking, but it helps justify our love for spontaneity.)

On my first day, I visited Hupao Park (a park renowned for its clear spring water), then visited Lishen Pagoda (an ancient temple with scenic views of Qiantang River), and finally Prince Bay (a nice spot to enjoy flowers in the spring).

By coincidence, we stumbled upon Wu Shan Ming Art Museum and impulsively decided to check it out. The small cafe was quiet and sparsely occupied, giving us a chance to charge our phones and rest ourselves. We unexpectedly encountered a lottery event there, where I won a fortune cookie🥠. Inside, there was a tiny message reading: “Take your passion and make it come true.”

The next day, we visited Yongfu Temple (home to a serene Buddhist temple) and Yuhexi Lake (one of Hangzhou’s must-visit spots, especially the Yanggong Dyke). I strongly recommend renting a bike from Yongfu Temple to cruise around West Lake; with all those downhill stretches, it feels like a breath of fresh air for me.

Now let me tell you about the food in Hangzhou, which has its good points and its drawbacks.

For lunch on the first day, we ate local Hangzhounese cuisine, called Hangbang dishes, and honestly, it wasn’t very tasty—too bland.

After starving throughout the day, we ordered takeout from a restaurant named “Chen Bajiang” for dinner, and waited over an hour. Upon arrival, we quickly shoveled it into our mouths, while whining all the way. However, it was fun to criticize the restaurant together. Their pork cutlet (aka large chunks of deep-fried pork) is really delicious, served with noodles that we requested spicy, but found rather tasteless. A plus point was that their noodle and soup came separately, so the noodles wouldn’t soak up moisture.

For breakfast on the second day, we hunted down a no-signboard egg tart stand near where we stayed. It was my first time trying salted soy milk and salty tofu pudding (which are common Chinese breakfast foods usually sweeter but comes in salty versions as well). As bizarre as they seemed initially, I started enjoying them with each spoonful! The first attempt at the egg tart was filled with aromatic, fully-flavored egginess, but unluckily, the second batch tasted overly salty, hinting at inconsistent chefs. As we left, the owner warmly greeted saying, “Did you enjoy?” The warmth was endearing.

On our final day, as we were looking for a coffee shop but found them packed with people, we aimlessly explored and ate somewhere nice-looking despite it being Japanese (surprisingly tasty! This was probably the best food in Hangzhou for me this trip! ).

*Tips and Precautions for foreign visitors:
*Hangzhou is a leisure-friendly city: For a cozy coffee and rest, Wu Shan Ming Art Museum’s cafe is a great choice, often unpopulated.
*Bicycle trips: Consider cycling from Yongfu Temple (famous for its temple atmosphere) to West Lake via Yanggong Dyke (one of the key attractions in Hangzhou), offering plenty of scenic downhill stretches.
*Local flavors: Hangzhounese cuisine tastes fairly mild. If you prefer stronger flavors, kindly ask restaurants to adjust.
*Delivery times: While China’s takeaway system is convenient, expect delays during peak hours, such as our one-hour wait.
*Street food experiences: Egg tarts and the like can vary widely in quality, depending on luck. Like salted soy milk and salt-dipped tofu, they are typical Chinese breakfasts that may strike foreigners as exotic. Do not hesitate to try them out: the flavor might entice you.
*Casual eating: Sometimes a chance discovery of a small shop on the street could provide a delightful surprise! Enjoy the spontaneity!

Thank you to Hangzhou’s early summer landscapes, to the companionship of my dear friend Z, and to the 12306 app (China’s official railway booking platform) that helped me secure my train ticket home.

At least then it's a dry heat. Right now, it's like being soaked in a freshwater pond.

Certainly, here’s the translation of the given passage, ensuring that both the details and the nuanced feelings of the original text are retained while maintaining readability for English-speaking audiences:

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Alright folks, let's talk Hangzhou! It's gorgeous, no doubt, but like any popular spot, there are a few places that might be a bit overhyped, super commercial, or just not worth your precious vacation time and money. Here's my two cents on what to watch out for, so you can plan a smoother trip:

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• 1. Hefang Street
  • Why you might wanna skip it (or just pass through): While it's made to look like an old traditional street, in reality, most of the items sold there are generic souvenirs you’d find anywhere (think "made in Yiwu"—a big wholesale market city in China), and the snacks often aren't authentic and can be pricey.
    • ️ Heads up: It’s easily identifiable as a tourist trap.
  • My advice:
    • A quick peek is fine if you’re curious. If you wish to purchase actual local specialties, seek out “Southern Song Imperial Street” which connects here, or even better, a usual local supermarket.
    • For local delicacies, venture into well-known local chains such as “Zhiweiguan” or “Xinfeng Snacks”.

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• 2. Songcheng Park/Song Dynasty Town
  • Why it might not be for everyone: This theme park focused on the Song Dynasty, while packed with history, comes at quite a steep ticket price (around 300+ RMB!). The main show, “The Romance of the Song Dynasty," is definitely a spectacle, but many find it a tad expensive, especially given how commercial the whole place feels.
    • ️ Honestly: If themed-historical parks or big productions aren't your thing, you can skip this one.
  • My advice:
    • If you’re planning on seeing the show, certainly check online for discounts or combo offers beforehand.

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• 3. Leifeng Pagoda
  • The lowdown: This is the famous pagoda near West Lake, often associated with the Legend of the White Snake. However, the original collapsed, and this one was a modern reconstruction, complete with elevator.
    • ️ Be warned: Views from the top aren’t stunning, especially packed during holidays. Visiting might feel anticlimactic.
  • My advice:
    • The pagoda looks great from afar! Capture it from Jingci Temple or Changqiao Park.
    • If you really want to go up, avoid peak times such as holidays. Late afternoons might be less crowded—plus, you could catch the sunset.

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• 4. Longjing Village/Meijawu – Tea Plantations
  • What to keep in mind: These villages are renowned for Longjing tea, one of China's finest green teas. While scenery here is fantastic,
    • ️ Stay alert: Some local farmers or drivers might invite you for "free tea tasting," which could lead to the pressure of purchasing overpriced tea. They have deals with specific stores.
  • My advice:
    • If aggressively offered free tea, proceed with caution. If you wish to buy tea, look out for official seals such as "Lion Peak" or "West Lake," markers of genuine high-quality Longjing tea.
    • Seeking a tranquil yet informative tea experience? Visit the China National Tea Museum, often less crowded but thoroughly educational.

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• 5. Lingyin Temple Area
  • The deal: Lingyin Temple—one of China’s most famous Buddhist temples—requires two separate entries: one at Feilai Peak scenic area (with caves and carvings) which costs about 75 RMB in total.
    • ️ Heads up: Crowds here soar, particularly on holidays.
  • My advice:
    • Head early (before 7 AM) if eager to avoid crowds at Lingyin. Alternatively, nearby temples like “Yongfu Temple” or “Taoguang Temple” are often more serene options.
    • If not set on Lingyin, but still curious about Buddhism culture, consider “Faxi Temple” or “Jingci Temple”.

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• 6. West Lake Boat Rides
  • What to know: A boat ride around Hangzhou’s iconic West Lake is classic.
    • ️ Mind: Some private operators can have murky pricing or charge a premium per hour. Clarify total costs before boarding.
  • My advice:
    • Stick to official operators like "West Lake Cruise Company." Their routes are predetermined, such as the "Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon." Or, try hand-rowed or sculled boats—charming and usually priced per hour (around 150-300 RMB). You might ask them to take you to quieter zones like "Maojiabu"—less populated sections of the lake.

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• Other Handy Tips:
  • Getting Around: The West Lake area gets incredibly busy with traffic. Bicycles + walking are your best transport friends. Use the subway for longer distances.
  • Impression West Lake: It’s an outdoor performance directed by Zhang Yimou (famous for the Olympics opening), visually impressive but pricey and with an abstract storyline. Ideal for art enthusiasts.
  • Best Time to Go: Spring (March-April) for flowers, and Autumn (October-November) for stunning colors are top picks; avoid summer holidays (it’s super hot!) and Golden Week in October (super packed!).
  • Less Touristy Alternatives:
    • The western part of West Lake near "Maojiabu" and "Yuhang Bay" is beautiful and much quieter.
    • For an evening treat, check out the free, spectacular "Qiantang River Light Show."

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#WestLakeBeauty #AvoidTheCrowds #SmartTravel

Plan smart, skip tourist traps, and you'll find Hangzhou remains a charmingly poetic and beautiful city!

I went today too. Felt like I was suffocating.

Sigh, it's the New Year holiday, everyone just calm down. Happy New Year!

It's best to book legitimate hotels. While there are some larger, reputable guesthouses, small private ones often don't live up to their descriptions – take it from someone who's been burned before (not in Hangzhou, but elsewhere). Now, I always book proper hotels, no matter the cost.

What do you mean 'bully'? He's the one who told me to try a ride-hailing app, but there weren't any available!

It's not easy for someone your age to say something like that.

Thanks! Let's see if I get a chance to visit Taiwan again next year.