Finally, I can vent about my experience in Hangzhou. First off, a big shoutout to AutoNavi Maps (@AutoNavi) for their quick response and support. After I reported an issue, they contacted me right away, making sure I was safe and comfortable before diving into the details. They even offered to waive the fare and penalize the driver, while also reassuring me that my personal information would be protected.\n \(TL;DR: I had a bad experience with a ride-hailing service in Hangzhou, and AutoNavi handled it well.)\\n \(Background: In China, ride-hailing services like Didi are very popular, but experiences can vary widely. The West Lake is a famous scenic spot in Hangzhou, known for its beauty and cultural significance. However, navigating the city, especially for those unfamiliar with the area, can be challenging.)\\nSo, here's what happened: On my first night, I wanted to visit the West Lake. I followed some travel tips from Xiaohongshu (a popular Chinese social media platform) and headed to a nearby subway station. But when I got there, I realized the route involved a lot of stairs, which was a problem because I was still recovering from a knee injury. I decided to take a taxi to the hotel where I had some packages delivered.\\nThe taxi driver started asking me why I was alone, and I explained that I had taken the wrong subway exit. He didn't push further, but then he started complaining to his wife or girlfriend about having to cook and eat instant noodles. This made me a bit uncomfortable. He then asked if I was in Hangzhou for tourism or living there. I ignored him, and as soon as we were close, I asked him to stop and let me out. I strongly advise avoiding this driver and his license plate number. It's scary to think what might have happened if the trip was longer or if I looked more vulnerable.\\n#RideHailing #HangzhouTravelWarning
Edith Friesen
Posts
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Rant About My Experience in Hangzhou -
My Suzhou trip? Pretty much JUST these 9 pics... (Locations included 🥹)No. 65 Fangji Shang, Baigong Temple, Shantang Street (next to the pleasure boat dock).
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Quanzhou: The Mainland City That's Basically Taiwan.Quanzhou is essentially the ancestor of Taiwan. Think about it: how many years of history does Quanzhou have compared to Taiwan's relatively recent history?
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Why's Taiwan So 'Run-Down'? The Realest Take I've Seen.[Its] GDP is higher than Shanghai's. So, who's really the one with high aspirations here?
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Why's Taiwan So 'Run-Down'? The Realest Take I've Seen.It's the difference between 70-year land use rights and permanent property rights.
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Guangzhou Weather Lately: Freaking Disgusting!! 🤢I think it does impact outdoor activities somewhat. The main issue is the unpredictable weather. Even when it's not raining, it's often overcast. The sun might only peek out for a bit, or conversely, it could be intensely sunny and hot.
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Dafu Mountain Hike: My Crusade to Talk EVERYONE Out of It.Oh, really? Then why don't you make a post 'encouraging' people to go?
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Hangzhou Grad Runs the Travel Agency Gauntlet: Day X (Still Standing!)Envision? Red flag, avoid.
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Warning! Came for a good time sightseeing... LOL, NO. 😢I've been to Hangzhou countless times, always on my own. There's really no need to join a tour group for any destination.
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China's Toilets: Prepare for an Adventure You Didn't Ask For 🚽 #SquatGoalsOrNightmaresDon't go to Yu Garden! Don't go to Yu Garden! Don't go to Yu Garden!
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Lion Grove Garden: Shen Fu Said 'Meh,' Kids Say 'Awesome Maze!'I took some photos too!
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Suzhou: Just Got Here & Already Want Out 🥲I'm so spontaneous that I hopped on a trip to Suzhou on the spur of the moment... without doing any research!
Hey everyone who has been to Suzhou, save me! Please recommend the places and foods that you must try – the local flavors are exactly what I am looking forward to!
A few things about my preferences (basically a list of things to avoid):
- I'd prefer to skip those highly hyped "must-visit" hot spots that seem to only serve generic, forgettable food.
- And kindly don't throw in any establishments that are clearly well-advertised, as they usually don't interest me.
The kind of stuff I really want:
- Authentic, down-to-earth, and affordable dining spots often frequented by local gourmands.
- Have heard there are plenty of hidden gem noodle joints or local eateries scattered around the narrow alleys, have any recommendations?
- Unique local street foods; the more unique and unusual looking, the better!
- Like those humble food vendors that look inconspicuous but regularly attract a long line of anxious customers. (Of course, cleanliness will be one thing I would secretly keep an eye out for, hahaha!)
- Also traditional, delicious desserts and pastries that are part of daily life for a local person.
- I've heard that sticky rice-based dumplings from Suzhou are quite renowned, can anyone recommend a trusted brand that's been around for ages?
#Suzhou #SuzhouCuisine #TravelTipsinSuzhou #WeekendGetaway
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Pingjiang Road? Hard Pass. THIS is Where You *Actually* Wanna Be.I think Pingjiang Road is definitely worth a stroll
! I used to live in Suzhou for a few months, and after dinner, I would often go for a walk around Pingjiang Road!
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Lingyin Temple: Hard Pass Incoming!The Caishen Temple ticket is sold separately. You buy it at the temple entrance when you reach the summit.
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My Shanghai vs. 'Prosperous' Shanghai: What Gives?I grew up in Beijing, and when I went to Shanghai for university, it felt so much more prosperous. It made Beijing seem a bit plain in comparison (though maybe it's because I grew up in Xicheng; kids from Chaoyang might not feel such a strong contrast).
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My Brain Cells in China: "Please Translate!" #chinatravelwtfChongqing hotpot is so delicious!
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Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Taiwan (Seriously, Don't Be *That* Tourist)Why can't you bring outside food in?
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So Long, Shenzhen: The City That (Actually) Spat On Me.Pretty good, actually. The subway still has seats – I've never been on one this empty before!
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So Long, Shenzhen: The City That (Actually) Spat On Me.You should find someone to go with you.
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Beijing Travel: Don't Get Got! (Tourist Trap Edition)For the Summer Palace, I'd suggest not buying the combo ticket. You can always buy specific entry tickets on-site if needed. Learned this the hard way today – the place is huge, and you really can't cover it all. My combo ticket basically just got me through the main entrance.