🌟 Hangzhou Tourist Traps: I Cried So You Don't Have To!

[Dr. Mandy Walter-Reichert]

Hey, everyone! Hangzhou is a place so beautiful it makes you want to cry, but honestly, there are still some pitfalls. As an old-timer who's been duped plenty of times in Hangzhou, I've scoured up this【Ultimate Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls】, from transportation to shopping. Read up and get smart!

8 PITFALLS TO DEFINTELY AVOID

• 1️⃣ Hefang Street: Take a stroll, not out your wallet!
  • The dragon well tea, lotus root powder, and silk sold here are more often cargo from Yiwu (a large wholesale market) than true local specialties.
  • Want something authentic? Try:
    • "Daxing Gao Tan: Their freshly steamed 'Success Cake' (a type of sweet glutinous rice cake) is tasty.
    • "Lake Bank Residence" Tea House: Buying canned dragon well tea is relatively reliable.
• 2️⃣ West Lake Vinegar Fish: Think twice before ordering!
  • Local residents might only eat this dish once every ten years (the flavor may not be for everyone).
  • Craving fish? Give these options a try:
    • Restaurant "Jin Zhu:" Two ways to enjoy black fish.
    • At "Fu Yun Ju," a taste of crispy intestine is cheap and scrumptious.
• 3️⃣ When taxi drivers say they’ll take you to "drink tea at a peasant's house", stay alert!
  • Demand fare charges per the meter.
  • The tea farmers recommended by the taxi driver nine times out of ten receive kickbacks.
  • Want to experience tea culture instead? A visit to Mei Jia Wu or Long Wu Tea Town is much better.

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LOCAL TASTES REVEALED BY A CONNOISSEUR

• Breakfast:
  • Bao Mei Steamed Dumplings: Their pan-seared buns (small meat-filled buns with crispy bottoms) are amazing, each costing just 70 cents!
  • Hui Xin Snack Shop: Egg yolk wontons are worth a try.
• Authentic Hangzhou-style Cuisine:
  • No.23 Wall Gate: Average spending is around 50 yuan, excellent value for money.
  • Jin Zhu: Stinky tofu fried rice is their specialty dish. It's delicious!
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BUDGET-FRIENDLY TIPS

• Take the "West Lake Circular Tour Line" bus boat to sail around the West Lake, one station costs only 6-8 yuan, much cheaper than a major cruise ticket of 150 yuan.
• (Note the validity period) Prior to the end of March, many Hangzhou scenic spots may offer free activities. Look up "Hangzhou Cultural and Tourism Discount Card" for the latest policies and reservation methods.

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[Lucille Borer]

You missed a crucial point: where to buy silk and avoid getting ripped off.