Hangzhou
- Thread starter Tupi Guy
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Yeah, I've been to Hangzhou a couple of times. You need to be specific about what is it that you are looking for. What I might like, you might dislike and vice versa.
Its yet another city in China that's fallen to commercialism.
The only reason I went to Hangzhou was to see the West Lake (Xi Hu). Had heard and read so much about it. Was HUGELY disappointed. Tacky, to say the least.
I cycled around the West Lake once and drove around it once. Both are forgettable experiences.
There are lots and lots of hotels, restaurants, massage parlours, cafes, fast food joints, malls, supermarkets, vehicles, pollution and anything else that you would find in a modern so called 'developed' city.
Hope you have a better experience than mine. Good luck.
Its yet another city in China that's fallen to commercialism.
The only reason I went to Hangzhou was to see the West Lake (Xi Hu). Had heard and read so much about it. Was HUGELY disappointed. Tacky, to say the least.
I cycled around the West Lake once and drove around it once. Both are forgettable experiences.
There are lots and lots of hotels, restaurants, massage parlours, cafes, fast food joints, malls, supermarkets, vehicles, pollution and anything else that you would find in a modern so called 'developed' city.
Hope you have a better experience than mine. Good luck.
Thanks for your info. Cos i will pop by shanghai and so thought of visiting some places around Shanghai then Hangzhou was recommended by my friend.
Bro,
That's what is recommended to most people. Suzhou, Hangzhou are not exactly what is written in the book. They are heavily commercialized touristy places. Not really my types, but I went with the flow not to disappoint my friends. I've been to further places like Zhoushan, Donji dao etc. which are not really weekend trips. If you want to go to places off the beaten path, you really don't have much choice around Shanghai (at least none that I know of). Dongji dao was probably the best of the lot with very little civilization - but very troublesome to go from Shanghai.
I believe there are some mountains with nice scenery in neighbouring Anhui province, which I haven't been to.
Huangshan, not a weekend trip (maybe 3-4 days), is another option from Shanghai. But, once again, that too is heavily commercialized
Da Ming shan, though a bit commercialized (they built a resort and a cable car from 3/4th way up the mountain to the top) is a better option. Can be done in a weekend, if you have your own transport. A bit rushed though. Its around 100 kms from Hangzhou.
Enjoy Shanghai.
That's what is recommended to most people. Suzhou, Hangzhou are not exactly what is written in the book. They are heavily commercialized touristy places. Not really my types, but I went with the flow not to disappoint my friends. I've been to further places like Zhoushan, Donji dao etc. which are not really weekend trips. If you want to go to places off the beaten path, you really don't have much choice around Shanghai (at least none that I know of). Dongji dao was probably the best of the lot with very little civilization - but very troublesome to go from Shanghai.
I believe there are some mountains with nice scenery in neighbouring Anhui province, which I haven't been to.
Huangshan, not a weekend trip (maybe 3-4 days), is another option from Shanghai. But, once again, that too is heavily commercialized
Da Ming shan, though a bit commercialized (they built a resort and a cable car from 3/4th way up the mountain to the top) is a better option. Can be done in a weekend, if you have your own transport. A bit rushed though. Its around 100 kms from Hangzhou.
Enjoy Shanghai.
Set ur expection and you won't be disappointed. For me, it's a nice city to relax for 1 or 2 days...
Photos took last year.. http://www.pbase.com/worldwonders/hangzhou
Photos took last year.. http://www.pbase.com/worldwonders/hangzhou
centrino,
you are right. its important to set your expectations. am glad you enjoy Hangzhou. like i said earlier, everyone's preferences are different. when i take a break, i want to get away from the crowds and experience something that i don't normally experience. i didn't have that feeling in Hangzhou, except when i cycled halfway around the lake for some solitude, away from the maddening crowds. But that's just my experience. Hundreds of thousands of people go to Hangzhou and am sure many of them enjoy the city.
Cheers.
you are right. its important to set your expectations. am glad you enjoy Hangzhou. like i said earlier, everyone's preferences are different. when i take a break, i want to get away from the crowds and experience something that i don't normally experience. i didn't have that feeling in Hangzhou, except when i cycled halfway around the lake for some solitude, away from the maddening crowds. But that's just my experience. Hundreds of thousands of people go to Hangzhou and am sure many of them enjoy the city.
Cheers.
Bro,
That's what is recommended to most people. Suzhou, Hangzhou are not exactly what is written in the book. They are heavily commercialized touristy places. Not really my types, but I went with the flow not to disappoint my friends. I've been to further places like Zhoushan, Donji dao etc. which are not really weekend trips. If you want to go to places off the beaten path, you really don't have much choice around Shanghai (at least none that I know of). Dongji dao was probably the best of the lot with very little civilization - but very troublesome to go from Shanghai.
I believe there are some mountains with nice scenery in neighbouring Anhui province, which I haven't been to.
Huangshan, not a weekend trip (maybe 3-4 days), is another option from Shanghai. But, once again, that too is heavily commercialized
Da Ming shan, though a bit commercialized (they built a resort and a cable car from 3/4th way up the mountain to the top) is a better option. Can be done in a weekend, if you have your own transport. A bit rushed though. Its around 100 kms from Hangzhou.
Enjoy Shanghai.
Thanks for so many info. Will take note. Too bad that my limps are not good enough to climb mountains..... Sighz, if not, i will have more places to choose.
Set ur expection and you won't be disappointed. For me, it's a nice city to relax for 1 or 2 days...
Photos took last year.. http://www.pbase.com/worldwonders/hangzhou
Nice shots you have
J
jcryan55
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