Hangzhou vs. Nanjing: My Unfiltered Impressions
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Let me try to explain briefly. Often, what might be perceived as our 'pettiness' actually stems from a strong sense of personal boundaries (this is a neutral term). It means we generally don't like to trouble others, and similarly, we rarely expect 'others' to trouble us. So, when interacting with people from other places, differences in perspective can sometimes lead to discomfort.
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We in Nanjing don't tend to fight or scramble for things...
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As a southern provincial capital, just 'not fighting or scrambling' isn't enough. You also need to be able to proactively generate resources for others to benefit from.
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I'm from Hangzhou and worked/studied in Nanjing for 5 years. I agree with most other points, but Nanjing's food is truly amazing. I ate so much there! When I returned to Hangzhou, I lost over 10 jin (about 5kg/11lbs). Nanjing duck is just too good.
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I also think Nanjing's duck is absolutely fantastic – perfectly seasoned.
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There isn't much great food in Hangzhou... Every time I go out to eat, it takes me ages to decide what to have. However, the infrastructure is excellent, and it's very clean.
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So, if you can't get used to the food, it just means Hangzhou is terrible, right? Brilliant deduction!
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I studied in Nanjing for 5 years and have been working in Hangzhou for 6 years now. Food-wise, Nanjing is slightly better. Jiangsu province itself has Huaiyang cuisine, and other regional cuisines in Nanjing aren't 'fused' like they often are in Hangzhou. Personally, I feel the most authentic local restaurants in Hangzhou are surprisingly Tonglu cuisine places! Hangzhou is full of fusion restaurants – the kind where you eat and still don't quite know what you had. Prices are noticeably higher in Hangzhou for everything: food, clothing, housing, transportation. However, salaries in Hangzhou are indeed higher than in Nanjing. For transportation, Nanjing is definitely less congested. Hangzhou's roads are narrower, with more traffic lights and cars, making driving in the main city during rush hour very time-consuming. While Hangzhou has the West Lake scenic area, I personally prefer Nanjing's historical and cultural atmosphere, though Hangzhou as a city is generally tidier and more organized. Overall, Hangzhou is more expensive for everything, but offers more job opportunities, higher income levels, and is more competitive. Nanjing's food is slightly better, Hangzhou's traffic is a bit worse. Scenery-wise, they're about on par, with Nanjing having a stronger historical and cultural feel.
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Nanjing is somewhat like a faded nobleman, while Hangzhou is like a nouveau riche entrepreneur.
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Hangzhou's food seems tastier???!!! Seriously, blogger...?
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Maybe it's because you've eaten in Nanjing so much. Eating in Hangzhou occasionally might feel really nice as a change! Nanjing has a ton of super delicious snacks!
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Hangzhou has so many cuisines from all over China and even the world, available anytime! What's all this talk about it being a 'food desert'? Just the restaurants in Hangzhou Center alone would take ages to try if you ate at a different one each meal!
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You can't eat out at fancy restaurants every day. After work, many people can only afford or have time for pre-prepared meals.
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Any recommendations for natural scenery in Nanjing? I'm heading there in a few days.
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Yuzui Park (Fish Mouth Park) has beautiful sunsets.
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Exactly! Super astigmatism-friendly.