I went today too!

Wow! The night view of Jinji Lake in Suzhou is simply breathtaking!
For those who may not be familiar, Suzhou is a famous historic water town renowned for its exquisite gardens and close proximity to Shanghai. Jinji Lake is a major landmark in Suzhou's more modern, newer region of the city.
This place is truly the "romantic pinnacle" level right in the heart of the city!
Hidden Gem Experience Tips:

• I strongly recommend visiting during around evening time when there are beautiful sunset colors, and take a walk along the specially designed "Romantic Route" by the lakeside.
• At that moment, you will feel as if you've entered an Suzhou version of the famous movie La La Land!

Best Photo/Viewing Spots:

- Jinji Yi No.02 
     - "Yi"(驿站), literally means an ancient rest stop for travels or official stations, which here refers to a official scenic spot at the lakeside with stunning views.

How to get there? It’s extremely simple:

- Take the metro to Lǐgōngdī Xī Station (李公堤西站).
     - "Lǐgōngdī"(李公堤) is a well-known long dike within Jinji Lake, also great for strolling, with scenic views.
- Exit from Gate #4, then stroll about 300 meters, and you'll arrive immediately!

Are people still having their car doors (or cars) damaged there? I want to go, but I'm a bit hesitant now.

I wonder... are you, by any chance, exceptionally pretty?

That's why when I'm shopping in Taipei, I always ignore any salespeople who suddenly pop up, and I don't take any free gifts, just to avoid them pestering me relentlessly.

Up! Up! Up!

How much?

Wow, do people in the north always have it this comfortable?

I'd add Shamian Island to that list too.

So envious! I still have another day at the Forbidden City tomorrow, and I can barely walk anymore.

Hi, I was wondering, what do you wear under the skirt?

Food in Wangfujing???? (shakes head disapprovingly)

Which one is that?

So where do locals actually hang out? Any recommendations?

At this time of day, everyone's slogging away at work.

Oh my gosh, fellow ladies and gentlemen, I'm about to vent about a terrible experience at a home-stay called "Encounter Chang Renjia" in Suzhou. It was quite the pitfall during our travels!

• Brief Background: A home-stay is somewhat similar to a B&B or guesthouse in other countries, which are essentially family-hosted lodgings owned by locals. Theoretically, they should be cozy and have distinct features – but this time, I was bitterly disappointed! Located near the famous "seven li mountain stream" section in Suzhou, known for its quaint bridges and flowing water with typical Jiangnan countryside elements, this place usually attracts many tourists.

• My Gruesome Experience:

  • A group of us three friends opted for a two-bedroom suite at "Encounter Chang Renjia" for convenience.
  • Upon arrival, the owner first led us into a bedroom that was completely disheveled and dirty! Disgusted by it, we immediately demanded a room change upon noticing its poor conditions.
  • The owner then offered to show us another room "guaranteed with satisfaction." We agreed to check it out – second bedroom was indeed bright and cleaner on first glance! However, the price was marked up by 150 yuan, and the owner gave us a slightly discounted rate of 20 yuan off. Deeming cleanliness as the primary concern, we paid for the room and ventured out for sightseeing with joy.
  • ️ Warning! The real nightmare begins after returning back home late at night.! ️
    • While preparing for bed, we found all three beds covered with dirty blankets bearing visible hair threads and unknown stains, which made us feel sick.
    • In addition, the sofa was equally dirty; however, I kept my peace since I wasn’t planning on sitting on it.
    • Nonetheless, I couldn’t bear the condition of the beds at all! It is now four o'clock in the morning, the more I lie down, the itchier my skin gets, making it impossible for me to fall asleep!

• My Hard-learned Lessons and Advice:

  • I recommend being cautious when choosing a home-stay! Especially those located near famous tourist sites, the quality may not be consistent.
  • Although living in a two-bedroom, home-stay alongside my friends sounds convenient, my most recent experience tells me otherwise: standard chain hotels have better sanitary conditions.
  • ️ How to avoid such pitfalls (emphasize again!) :
    • Make sure to perform meticulous inspection during入住. Pay special attention to bed-spreads, quilts, and pillows – thoroughly examine each item to ensure cleanliness, and check for any peculiar smells or stray hair.
    • Don't be fooled by what you see at first glance! Some rooms may appear clean and shiny during the day but could reveal underlying issues like soiled beddings or hidden dirt in bathroom corners once examined closely.
    • If any issues are found, contact the landlord immediately, opt to switch rooms or request a refund if necessary – do not put it off until the problem arises, by then it would already be too late!

I hope my experience helps others when they visit Suzhou, yet I am certain I won't recommend this place "Encounter Chang Renjia".

#Pitfall_Avoidance #Suzhou_Home-Stays #Seven_Li_Mountain_Stream #Suzhou_Trip_Venting

I really can't stand the noise and the clapping.

Alright, folks! If you're planning a trip to Hangzhou, I’ve got a few things to share with you. People often call this place "Heaven on Earth." The West Lake, that famous lake—pronounced almost like “Shee Hoo”—is indeed stunning. However, there are some things you should be aware of to avoid falling into potential traps.

What to See and Savor:

• West Lake (Xī Hū - West Lake):
  This is must-see spot! It’s breathtakingly beautiful.

  • Caution ️: This place gets incredibly crowded, particularly during holidays. It’s almost like going there just to see people. Want to avoid the crowds? Go on weekdays or rise early!

• Lingyin Temple (Língyǐn Sì - Lingyin Temple):
  One of the well-known ancient temples, it’s bustling with incense and worth visiting to sense its ambience.

  • Caution ️: Prepare for the sea of people packed into the main halls, especially.

• Hangzhou Cuisine:
  The taste leans slightly sweet here. Try and see if you like it.

  • Recommended Dish:
    • Dongpo Pork (Dōngpō Ròu) - A soft-boiled pork belly dish that melts in your mouth but can be pretty fatty!
    • Longjing Shrimp (Lóngjǐng Xiārén) - Stir-fried shrimp mixed with renowned Longjing tea leaves, quite fresh and delicate in flavor!
  • Quirky Complaint: Restaurants near tourist attractions might look fancy but are often overpriced. Sometimes they don’t deliver as expected. Venture further to find local spots where most locals eat; you might find delicious surprises there!

Nightlife and Drinks:

• Hangzhou has several bars that you can visit and sit in one that catches your eye.
  • Caution ️: Best to review prices before ordering anything because some places, especially those targeted at tourists, can surprise you with their prices.

Tattoos:

• If you plan to get a tattoo in Hangzhou:
  • Severe Warning️️️: This choice needs careful consideration! Look for legal tattoo studios that appear clean, well-reviewed online, etc. Inspect their portfolios; compare different places. Remember: it’s about safety and skill. Don't seek out cheaper options!

General Travel Tips & Warnings:

• Warning – Be wary of these pitfalls ️:
  • If someone approaches you near West Lake or elsewhere to offer "free" tea art performances or guide you to buy "local specialties," they usually have ulterior motives. Just politely but firmly decline!
  • Be sure to "dǎ biǎo" ("use the meter") when taking a taxi. If possible, use your Alipay or WeChat Pay using apps like DiDi.
• Travel Suggestions:
  • Hangzhou’s subway system is pretty convenient, allowing you to travel to many locations.
  • Be extra cautious with your bags and phones in crowded areas such as buses, metro, and tourist spots. Watch out for pickpockets!

When I got to the hotel the night before and opened the map, I was totally overwhelmed. It took me a good half hour to mentally prepare myself, but I still decided to go.