Hangzhou: Loved it! (Never again.)

[Mr. Nathan Waelchi]

Wow, I’d like to share my experience in Hangzhou with you all—overall, it was fantastic!

• The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and stunning.
• Also, people in Hangzhou seem to particularly love growing hydrangeas, also known as “Endless Summer,” as they bloom everywhere in lush, vibrant colors, making them ideal photo backdrops.
• This time I stayed at a Hanting Hotel near Lingyin Temple (a super famous temple).
  • The price was not cheap, but the location was great, being really close to Ma Jiabu.
• Speaking of Ma Jiabu, it’s where my heart lies during this trip!
  • Compared to other areas by West Lake, it was less crowded and more tranquil.
  • During all kinds of weather, whether cloudy, sunny, or rainy, I could easily spend the whole afternoon enjoying the serene ambiance there. It felt incredibly delightful!

However, I would like to draw your attention to a few points—regarded as “pitfall warnings” coming from this veteran traveler:

• Taste of food matters:
  • Hangzhou’s local cuisine (or “Benbang”) is quite sweet, even sweeter than Nanjing dishes.
  • I didn’t dare try the renowned Xi Hu Zhe Yu (West Lake Vinegar Fish, prepared with vinegar) for fear of a disaster and because of its high price.
• Guardedly wary against friendly drivers’ suggestions:
  • Particularly when taxiing towards silk stores or teahouses, drivers are generally eager to direct passengers.
  • There once a driver recommended me with utmost enthusiasm the store named “Dujinsheng Silk” (a well-known silk brand from Hangzhou), touting it as having the best quality as well as service.
  • Noticing that my hotel was close by, the driver asked if I would like to check it out along the way. However, due to fatigue, I declined.
  • Important reminder: Later I learned from “Xiaohong Book” (an app among Chinese people) that if drivers bring you to a specific store and you end up buying anything, they might actually get a kickback.
  • It seems ‘the customer is always right’ does not hold ground here for such aggressive promotion from the drivers.
• Time-tight? Avoid Xixi National Wetland Park:
  • If you have limited time in Hangzhou, you may consider skipping a visit to this popular wetland park.
  • By luck and timing, I visited on the 19th of May which was China Tourism Day and enjoyed free admission that day, while it costs regular tourists 80 Yuan (per person), which is a bit pricey.
  • Although the wetland park was beautiful, but only with regular scenery without striking impression.

[Theresa Sporer]

I highly recommend visiting Yongfu Temple!!! It's absolutely brimming with 'Endless Summer' hydrangeas, and they are stunningly beautiful!!!!

[Kendra Howe]

What does 'Mò xiàng wài qiú' (don't seek from external sources / don't look outward) refer to?