Beijing Cyclist vs. Hangzhou: My 'Darkest Hour' (WTF Edition)
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Hello, everyone! I've been living in Hangzhou for three years, and this year I started the habit of cycling around West Lake for 80 minutes every day.
However, there was a frustration yesterday - an uncle in front of me was smoking while littering with phlegm on the floor. I couldn't help but say something to him, but he quickly took off. Sigh, let me write this article and share my thoughts hoping that we can work together to make the West Lake area better when cycling.
• While riding by the West Lake, I’ve encountered various situations and would like to share some reminders, especially for those who are visiting Hangzhou for the first time:
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️ Caution! Parking to take photos, be careful with your shared bike!
• Once I tried taking a beautiful photo of West Lake, and left my bike unattended for about 5 seconds, only to realize that it had already been scanned and taken away!
• Therefore, if you are using a shared bike, please remember to lock it after taking pictures. Otherwise, it may be taken away from you.
• The section leading to Hulin Yintai (a bustling area along the West Lake), riders can barely make progress because it is so crowded.
•️ Watch out! The person in front may be smoking and spitting!
• Indeed, their phlegm might seem to be flying towards your face! （I have voiced concerns, and it makes them uneasy. I hope my concern to keep cleanliness has some effect.）
• The road up to Lingyin Temple (a famous mountain temple) features extremely steep incline. If anyone is able to ride up, I find that astonishingly impressive.
• During peak hours (noon and evening), a large number of food delivery guys ride by at high speed. To catch the delivery time, they constantly honk (the “beep beep beep” sound) to pass. Now, I try to avoid these times, and I suggest mutual respect too.
• Sometimes, cyclists may slowly ride side by side, appreciating the scenery and making it hard for others to go through. This can actually drive people crazy.- A friend's reminder is particularly important:
- ️ Friendly Reminder: Protect Your Knees!
- Cycling is very enjoyable, but you should also avoid going all out, since pushing too hard can lead to knee damage. Personally, I keep it slow and steady feeling good. When cycling for a long time, everyone needs to judge their own limits.
Also, hangzhou experienced sudden temperature drop yesterday so winter has finally arrived! Have you worn your caps and gloves to stay warm when heading out to cycle?🧤 It's important to stay warm!
- A friend's reminder is particularly important:
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When it comes to cycling, Xianghu Lake is definitely the top choice.
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That's a bit far for me. I've barely ever been to Binjiang. Are there any more suitable spots in the western part of the city?
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You should try cycling in the surrounding countryside. The rural areas in Zhejiang are incredibly pleasant!
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Haha, okay! I'll get myself a bike first then!
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Back when food delivery wasn't as widespread, cycling around West Lake was truly enjoyable, probably around '13, '14, or '15.
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And I bet housing in Hangzhou wasn't as expensive back then either, haha.
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Get a Dahon, my friend. They're absolutely fantastic!
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Winter's setting in. My hands got a bit chilly while cycling today, haha.
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Lately, most of the people I've seen spitting have been young. By the time I think of saying something, it's already too late. One person even spat three times in a row, and when I confronted him, he just stayed silent. This disgusting habit needs harsher penalties to improve.
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Exactly! He just stayed silent when I called him out, then ran a red light and sped off. I was so furious!
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Many of those who spit are young people, as are those who damage willow trees or pick osmanthus flowers. Their behavior is appallingly poor, and they're completely shameless. As a local, I call out every single one I see.
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Exactly! We shouldn't tolerate such behavior!!!
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I planned to pick up my bike yesterday, but both shops I checked were out of stock.
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Is it one of those trending 'influencer' models? Why is it in such high demand?
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You're living such a comfortable life! I lived in Beijing for a month and a half and visit Hangzhou frequently; I'm practically a Hangzhou local at heart. On weekends, I just drive over, go for a hike, and enjoy the lake.
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Where are you coming from that it's so close by?
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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.
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Sigh. Public etiquette and civic-mindedness still have a long way to go.
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Xixi Wetland, particularly Fu Causeway!