Why would you go to Shanghai to buy brands like Moussy and IT? They're not worth it.

Wow, guys, I gotta tell you, the night view of Jinji Lake in Suzhou is simply a sight to behold!

• Located right at the heart of the city, it's an ultra-large modern lake park with its romantic charm on full display! Apart from the renowned classical gardens of Suzhou, this place definitely showcases its contemporary side.

• If the weather is nice, especially during the evenings when the sky is bathed in late-sunset colors, be sure to stroll along the lakeside following the "Romantic Route"!

• The experience is like watching La La Land in the form of Suzhou; it's truly dreamy.

If you're keen on visiting:

• Exact Location: Jinji Pavilion No. 02 (Jīnjī Yì No. 02). This can be understood as a specific viewpoint or small wharf by the lakeside.

How to get there most conveniently:

• Subway Stations: Take the subway all the way to “Ligongdi West Station” (Lǐgōngdī Xī Zhàn).
• Exit: Exit from Gate 4.
• On foot from station: Walk about 300 meters, not too far at all.

️ Travel tips and precautions (must read!):

• Best time for visit:

  • Visit during evenings with late sunset, when views look best and when your photos look most beautiful! After nightfall when the lights are on, the scenery is also quite splendid.

• Crowd flow reminder:

  • To avoid large crowds: Since it has good views and is in the city center, weekends and holidays tend to be busy. If you wish to admire the scenery leisurely and quietly, it is suggested to visit on weekdays after work.

• Culture background mini-teach (Kobo):

  • Jinji Lake's Identity: Unlike the Suzhou ancient relics dating hundreds and thousands of years old, Jinji Lake is the centerland scenery of the city’s high-tech and new urban district, a true showcase of urban prosperity and modernity. Do not expect to see the ancient temple, pagoda-like structures here!

Exactly! I'm just here to see how deep the 'well' they're living in really is.

China's grand stage – step right up if you've got the guts!

I came here because I genuinely love this city, and after arriving, I found many others who came for the same reason.

I stayed at a Home Inn.

I got ripped off too. It seems like there's no regulation for taxis in that area. I'm never going back.

Isn't it possible you just didn't go to the right spot?

Ah, sounds like you've been through that too, huh?

I used to dislike visiting museums, but ever since turning 35, I've become a huge fan. It's a shame that on my first trip to Beijing, I couldn't explore them enough as our tour guide had us on a tight schedule. This time around, I couldn't even manage to book a slot for the National Museum of China.

Qingzhiwu, Manjuelong... guesthouses (B&Bs) are everywhere in those areas.

Listen up, friends visiting Hangzhou! I want to give you an earnest dining recommendation!

• If you're looking for genuine local flavors, you must venture into the "fly-infested cafes" which are frequented by the locals!
  • Don't be misled by their small storefronts or slightly outdated appearances. The taste they offer is remarkable – a true reflection of everyday life among the local citizens.
  • While upscale restaurants in beautiful malls may provide a pleasant ambiance, they are not the best choice if you're seeking distinctive Hangzhou cuisine.

Warning! Friends, pay attention!

• Hangzhou's celebrated dish: West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy: This famous dish is considered one of the top representatives of Hangzhou cuisine, being mentioned almost everywhere that introduces the city's culinary delights, especially due to its association with the famous West Lake scenic area.
  • However! Listen to me, resist any temptation to order this dish when any friend suggests it.
  • Why? This dish has very demanding requirements for cooking temperature and seasoning. Many restaurants, particularly those popular with tourists, fail to meet these standards, leading to overcooked fish meat and even off-tasting sauces with an unappealing sweet and sour flavor. Numerous out-of-towners as well as some young locals have voiced how difficult it can be to appreciate this dish. Trying it could be like stepping into a potential tourist trap.
  • What can you do then? If your curiosity gets the better of you and you still wish to try, go ahead. Just prepare yourself with a tempered expectation, or seek advice from seasoned local food enthusiasts about their trusted establishments serving this dish satisfactorily. Otherwise, spending money on this may be somewhat frivolous in hindsight.

Hangzhou's food seems tastier???!!! Seriously, blogger...?

Xiaohe Straight Street is truly... something else now. It used to be our go-to spot for a relaxed evening stroll after dinner. Now, thanks to Xiaohongshu, it's an influencer hotspot, overrun with people doing the 'flower hairpin' trend and the whole vibe is just chaotic.

Shanghai has so many great spots perfect for a 'city walk' – just strolling, shopping, eating, drinking, and snapping photos. It gets super crowded during the May Day holiday, so I made all my reservations in advance – things like a facial or enjoying the hotel buffet. The elevated highways are super congested tonight. So, May Day is incredibly busy; it's best to plan ahead.

If you buy tickets online, you just scan a QR code to enter. If you want a physical ticket, you absolutely have to go to the ticket window and pay with cash.

My itinerary is all about food!

Plus, during the week, many are at the factories, haha.

Spitting and smoking are really exhausting to deal with. You encounter it whether you're walking by West Lake or the Qiantang River. It's so frustrating.

It's very clean and aesthetically pleasing.