What You Only Realize After Visiting Shanghai \n\n**#RecordNow #WhyVisitBigCities #BroadenYourHorizons #Youth #ModernYouth #LifeInBigCities #LifeLessons #ReasonsToStayInThisCity #YouthConsumerism #InterestingFacts** \n\nShanghai, a city that's as bustling and vibrant as it is diverse, has a lot to offer. But there are some things you only truly understand once you've been there. For instance, the city is a melting pot of cultures, with a significant number of people from all over China and even the world, making it a unique blend of traditions and modernity. \n\nOne interesting fact is that despite its cosmopolitan nature, Shanghai still retains a strong sense of local culture. The city is filled with hidden gems, like the small alleys (called 'longtangs' in Chinese) that give you a glimpse into the traditional way of life. \n\n> Warning: Be cautious when navigating the crowded streets and public transportation. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of pickpockets, especially in touristy areas. \n\nOverall, Shanghai is a city where you can experience both the fast-paced lifestyle of a global metropolis and the charm of old-world China. It's a place that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the country and its people.

What's the address for the Chuanyan (Boat Banquet)?

Actually, Taiwan is quite similar to mainland China's tier-1 cities, such as Shanghai. While the official minimum wage there is 2,690 RMB, it's likely that hardly anyone actually earns that little. It's uncommon to find someone in Shanghai earning less than 10,000 RMB a month. Graduates from regular universities might start around 150,000 RMB annually, while those from top universities could earn between 300,000 to 600,000 RMB per year.

Wow, I was truly shocked! Can you believe it? Even at the taxi stand right outside Guangzhou South Railway Station (a massive railway station where many high-speed trains stop), we were taken advantage of by a legitimate taxi driver!

Here’s how it happened:

• We arrived at Guangzhou South Railway Station via high-speed train during the May Day holiday, an important public holiday in China when many people go out for travel.
• After exiting the train platform, I turned right and went to the official taxi queuing area to wait for a ride.
• We got into the car at 3:11 PM, and arrived at our hotel at 3:25 PM—an approximately 14-minute journey.
• However, the driver charged us 45 RMB! And he collected the money using a Didi payment code—Didi is a very popular ride-hailing app in China, but properly licensed taxis should charge based on the metered fare and allow passengers to pay via cash or payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay. This payment method didn’t seem right at all.
• The driver didn’t give us a proper receipt either—the type printed from the fare machine. When I asked why the fare was so expensive, he said that prices were just high there.
• At the time, since I had two kids with me and needed to check into the hotel quickly, I didn’t argue with him much.
• Later, with help from my hotel, we looked up the surveillance footage and found the taxi’s license plate number.
• I had already filed a complaint by calling 12345—it’s China’s municipal service hotline—but so far, I haven’t received any reply. This is really beyond belief!

This is the first time in years of traveling I’ve encountered such a thing, especially in Guangzhou…It’s simply too chaotic!

️ A reminder for those planning to use taxis at Guangzhou South Railway Station, especially foreign friends:

• Be wary of overcharging when taking a taxi: Even at officially designated taxi sites, you may encounter dishonest drivers.
• Insist on the meter reading: Once seated, make sure the driver starts the meter before starting the trip. If he decides not to use the meter or quotes a flat rate, it’s preferable to switch to another taxi.
• Request an invoice: Upon disembarking and paying the fare, be sure to demand a printed receipt (fapiao). This will serve as proof if any issues arise later.
• Beware of personal QR Code payments: If the driver asks you to scan his personal Alipay or WeChat QR Code or the ‘Didi Payment Code’ which doesn't follow a proper payment processing procedure within the Didi app, beware! Usually, this indicates passenger exploitation.
• Take down information: If something feels off, make note of the taxi’s license plate number and the driver’s identification number (usually displayed near the dashboard).

Thanks for everyone's concern! ️ Actually, my original intention in sharing was to give a heads-up to friends interning in a new city, not to start a fight or criticize Guangzhou. I've read every comment carefully, and whether it's agreement or criticism, I respect everyone's opinions! But I'd much rather see the comments section discuss practical tips like how to avoid pitfalls or workplace survival skills. Let's help each other grow together~

Because most of Hangzhou's attractions are free. You can make it as budget-friendly or luxurious as you like. For budget travel, you just need to find reasonably priced hotels and food. Even transportation within scenic areas can be very cheap if you're willing to spend a bit more time – sightseeing buses and public buses are sufficient.

Here's my translation:

Sure enough, I'll share with you this account of our visit to the West Lake in Hangzhou in a way that's both easy to understand and accessible to our foreign friends.

• It was still early morning at six on Saturday when we got up, got in the car and headed to the West Lake in Hangzhou. The total distance is about 140 kilometers, and it took around an hour and a half to reach there.
  • In terms of parking, we visited a parking lot recommended by many - "Zhejiang Provincial People’s Great Hall Parking Lot".
    • We paid seven yuan per hour for parking, which is reasonable.
    • Notice: With us getting there early, the parking space was ample. However, if you get there during the afternoon, you may have difficulty finding a spot!
• After parking, we headed to a nearby noodle shop for a quick bite.
  • The taste and price were decent. The dishes ordered are as follows:
    • Shredded pork dry noodles (Rousi Ban Chuan - a local Hangzhou dish)
    • Noodles with a big pork chop (Dapai Mian)
    • Hangzhou Three Delicacies soup noodles (Hang San Xian)
    • At a cost of 68yuan in total.
  • The locals also seemed to frequently patronize this shop.
  • However, I would like to complain about that Hangzhou Three Delicacies!
    • There’s no shortage of servings: shrimp, chicken, meatballs, pig-skin slices and a lot more.
    • But that pig skin… It’s simply awful! A lingering oily smell, mixed with some detergent-like scent, tainted the entire bowl of noodles!
• Following lunch, we started exploring around the West Lake!
  • We first walked along the eastern line of the lake.
    • Surprise! We saw little squirrels! (We later discovered that they don't seem to be found along the western line.)
    • We even fed them.
    • ️ Attention parents: A child was seen placing food in the palm to feed the squirrel but ended up being bitten. Please be cautious if you plan to bring your kids!
  • Then we arrived at the “First Park” ferry dock. If not native in Hangzhou, a boat ride to the “Hangzhou Hotel” costs only 15 yuan. It’s quite near the famous Su Causeway (Su Causeway - a beautiful walkway across the lake)!
• Since the elders and kids started lagging behind, we had to resort to taking a taxi back to the parking lot and then drive them back to the hotel.
  • Our choice of lodging is somewhere close to the Olympic Sports Center.
  • We had dinner at “Imprint City Mall”, “Waipo Jia” (a super popular and budget-friendly restaurant), on Saturday evening.
    • Let’s avoid the bustling crowds around the West Lake.
    • A special offer of restaurant combo meal online was surprisingly good! High-quality, substantial and delicious!
• During the afternoon, we returned to the convention center parking lot from the hotel.
  • This time, we headed down the western line.
    • Noticeably lesser crowd than the previous.
  • Then we walked to the ferry dock, again.
  • Planning to catch the 7:30 PM light show of the West Lake, we headed over “Third Park”.
    • About 2 meters away according to Google map, we nearly walked till our feet couldn’t bear. Hence, we took a “West Lake Inner Loop Line” shuttle bus instead.
    • Slightly congested roads made bus a lifesaver for us who were tired. Only three stations away from there.
  • We made it just before the music fountain show.
    • Pretty girls in fine outfits, posing alongside the lake.
    • When we finally reached the site, there was already a sea of people, all raising their phones to take photos.
    • After watching a few minutes, we concluded it unnecessary to endure the chaos. Frankly speaking, if you’ve visited Jinji Lake Music Fountain Show in Suzhou, this one wouldn’t be worth squeezing into anymore.
• By checking online reviews, we decided to solve our dinnertime problem at “New White Deer” (another popular, affordable Hangzhou restaurant).
  • From the musical fountain to this restaurant was merely a couple hundred meters' walk.
  • We enquired in advance, which told us a wait of 77 tables on front. The lady in charge greeted us warmly, stating that it would take about one hour but promising they will serve us after the waiting number handed to us.
  • While waiting, a clever idea struck me: order takeaway to save time. Yes, you're right! It was a wise decision indeed!
    • In fact, an option to order takeaway did exist! All we needed was scanning and paying 20 minutes later.
    • A salute to the cashier lady!

      •  She helped us with a packed leak-proof set of dishes. She meticulously cleaned the soup box, wrapped it in cling film, and wiped any residual soup from inside the bag. Also gave us extra napkins.
        

      • Such customer care is incomparable to negative online reviews we have seen. We may be just lucky!
• Picking up takeaway, we drove back from the park and then to the hotel. Opening the containers, we began digging in.
  * Sweet and sour pork ribs
  * Soy sauce duck
  * Dried bamboo shoots with broad beans
  * Three delicacies soup (The Three Delicacies soup, distinct form noodles served earlier)
  * Total Cost: 114 yuan. Fantastic value, with yummy taste!
• A full day of exploration with about 20,000 steps completed.

Well, just head home in the evening then.

Definitely don't go to People's Square or The Bund – they're insanely crowded. If you want to experience having no phone signal, then sure, head over.

I'm from out of town, blank passport, married, own property. Had to submit an additional resume, and got a 'semi-smooth' approval.

I don't want to go anymore.

It's 'bros,' actually.

It really is.

Alright. It's been pretty cold these past few days, so maybe people are just staying in.

...So, what's actually fun to do in Suzhou? Why does it have such a huge appeal...?

It's right near my home.

Hello, friends visiting Suzhou, here are some of my real experiences and little tips that I hope can help you!

• First Day: Pan Gate District Lantern Festival

  • To be honest, I personally don't think this lantern festival is impressive enough to make a special trip for it.
  • If you're still a bit curious, you might consider taking the boat from the Bai Juyi Pier (a pier named after the famous poet Bai Juyi in Tang Dynasty). By doing so, the boat will pass through Pan Gate district, an important water-land gate of Suzhou's ancient city, enabling you to see the lantern festival incidentally. Speaking frankly, besides the center lanterns, which are okay, there really isn't much particular about this tour.

• Second evening: Pingjiang Road

  • This area has left me with an unsatisfactory experience. Pingjiang Road is a very popular old street along the river.
  • The road is particularly narrow, crowded with people, making the overall experiential feeling quite poor. The items sold by shops on both sides of the streets are overwhelmingly repetitive, moreover, these commodities do not represent any genuine Suzhou-themed souvenirs; they could be purchased at other tourist attractions.
  • Special reminder: If you walk around this street with elders and children, expecting to catch a taxi, you may be in for a shock! You might need to travel up and down the entire street to hail one. Should you ask the guards nearby, they would probably lead you through smaller side alleys that promise a better chance; however, they seem not only dark and narrow but also appear to be longer than they actually are, which makes them less safe.

• River cruise around Pingjiang Road

  • Pingjiang Road also goes along a small river. If you wish to try boating here, there is no apparent necessity.
  • The river and boats are quite dim, and it would be difficult to spot anything special during the night.

• Third day: Hanshan Temple

  • A strong recommendation! Hanshan Temple is a highly famous temple with a long history known globally by an ancient poem.
  • When we arrived, there were many visitors, but we could still accept it.
  • Tip: Feeding the Chinese carp (a kind of pretty fish) in Hanshan Temple pond may leave you disappointed. They usually swim around a coffee shop near the entrance pond, but you will have to go to a high pagoda nearby to buy some fish food. When we came here, most carp were lying in the bottom of the pond almost motionless, which may result in some disappointment when buying the fish food without an outcome.
  • Recommendation: Certainly try the vegetarian cuisine (Buddhist vegetarian meals) available in the temple’s monastery during the vegetarian meal hours. The servings are generous, and the prices are reasonable!
    • Particularly recommend "Spicy Chicken" (although it's called chicken, but that's only imitation, made with soy products), which is slightly spicy and enjoyed by kids; Buddhist vegetarian pork and taro cake are also quite delicious!
    • If the first floor is crowded, you might consider heading to the second floor, where people are much less likely to compete for seats. The tables are large round tables; if there are fewer people, you can try splitting the table with other visitors. Our waiters were rather friendly.
  • Sutra Writing Hall: Recommended!
    • There is a particularly tranquil atmosphere inside; visitors first need to wash their hands and then obtain a sutra (Buddhist scriptures), before sitting down at a spot they like and quietly copying them.
    • You can take away your self-written sutras to keep them as souvenir, alternatively, they can be deposited there, all for free.
  • Money-Saving Tip: There are refrigerator magnets being sold at a street nearby Hanshan Temple for only ten Chinese Yuan; very cheap! Similar ones could cost thirty-five to forty-eight RMB at other locations like Pingjiang Street; however, there may be fewer types available here.

• Suzhou Museum West Branch

  • Recommended! The entrance fee is free and no reservation needed in advance with ample room even during peak hours.

• Boat tour at Bai Juyi Pier

  • There are two boat tours being sold: Fifty Yuan and Eighty Yuan respectively. If you wish for a night view, the price increases for that time slot.
    • Tip: Should you opt for the final boat of the day at eighteen o'clock (six o'clock P.M.), the evening view starts then.
  • I chose an expensive boat ticket at eighty Yuan; it claims that they have special storytelling known as "Tai Ping" (a traditional musical drama performed), but it turned out not very exciting; not really recommended to choose the more expensive one purely due to the artistic value.

• Shantang Street

  • It is highly recommended here. If you need to come between Pingjiang Road and Seven-mile Shantang Street (full-length ancient road located near river with reported length of seven miles), I strongly recommend Seven-mile Shantang Street.
  • There is a hotel called “Scholar’s Mansion” within the area, which is characterized by high-end environment and quality accommodation service and delicious cuisine! Highly recommended!
  • We ordered plenty of dishes and thoroughly fill our stomachs by the time we left. It cost less than five hundred RMB, but we received an excellent meal with perfect hospitality. The server would actively offer their concern with the food and service, reaching even five-star standards like those described on Ctrip Travel Website!

I wish this tour tips can really contribute to your experience here and help you enjoy Suzhou most!

To get a park map, follow the 'Shanghai Wild Animal Park' official WeChat account and tap the '野便捷' (Wild Convenience/Quick Access) button at the bottom.

Oh! Personally, I did make some comparisons during my trip, but it was purely because it was my first time here and everything felt so novel. And I absolutely love these street scenes! Even though they're quite retro, they don't affect the convenience or quality of life at all. They just add a bit of charm. That really appealed to me! Mainland China also has many places like this, and now I'm a bit keen to explore them too!

This color scheme... does it look visually comfortable in person? Is it easy on the eyes?