Hangzhou with the 'Rents (Late March): My Trip Debrief - The Real Scoop (Pt. 3)

[Franklin Weimann IV]

Certainly, let me continue the story about Hangzhou in English:

Here are some thoughts about the Botanical Garden and the Art Museum:

• The Botanical Garden feels more like a large warehouse for plants with an incredible variety of specimens, perfect for plant enthusiasts who would undoubtedly enjoy it. However, to be honest, there was no evident design for scenic planning, and as the garden is quite large, navigating it can be quite strenuous.
• The Han Meilin Art Museum, the exhibition hall of artist and designer of the Olympic mascot, Han Meilin, has a presence of solemn Buddha statues. However, people taking photos are constantly obstructing, making it difficult to get a picture without some human activity in the frame.
  • (P.S. When we visited, it had just rained, causing many flowers to fall, leading to a bit of disappointment in the scenery and a desolate appearance.

Difficulties with Lingyin Temple:

• Caution: Lingyin Temple Traffic Guide:
  • If you take a taxi to Lingyin Temple, GPS normally only guides to the "Lingyin Temple Parking Lot." Drivers usually claim they can't drive further.
  • But actually, if arriving before 8 AM, their cars can pass by a place called “Lingyin Market,” which is much closer to the temple entrance after leaving the parking lot.
  • Some drivers might not know this shortcut, so make sure to confirm with the driver that his destination should be “Lingyin Market,” saving you from walking a substantial distance. We were fooled into walking unnecessarily.
• Tip on purchasing tickets for the Flying Peak Scenic Area:
  • Buy your ticket at 6:30 AM, as generally only one ticket booth is opened during those hours, with security guards guiding.
  • We encountered people cutting the queue, which was truly annoying.
  • If you don't have a particular affection for paper souvenir tickets, strongly recommend purchasing them using the QR code of the scenic area online to avoid long lines!

Some regrets from this trip can be remedied next time:

1. Improper planning for temple travel:
   • We visited in sequence—Lingyin Temple, Yongfu Temple, Faxi Temple—but later found out that the stamina was not enough, leading to the omission of the popular San Dian Temple (a temple dedicated to Kwan Yu with abundant incense activity).
   • Reference travel plan: If wishing to visit the San Dian Temple, it's best to start with a taxi to Lingyin Temple and take a cable car up to San Dian Temple while visiting Taoguang Temple and Yongfu Temple downhill towards Lingyin Temple. This way, most of the travel will be downhill, much easier!
   • If planning only for Faxi Temple, we recommend visiting there initially during the calm morning hours; the lack of crowd offers perfect conditions for worshiping Buddha, taking photos, enjoying Buddhist vegetarian food dishes served at the temple; before going to Lingyin Temple which is always crowded.
2. Hupu Park, renowned for its beauty, but unfortunately not visited.

Learnings shared from this trip:

1. Thoroughly research before traveling! Investigate the conditions at your travel destination during the specific period. We experienced less scenic appeal at Jiuxi Eight Streams in March, and after rain on the 27th, the Botanical Garden had fewer flowers, with trees lacking adequate greenery, quite disappointing.
2. Caution: How to choose the bus stop at Leifeng Pagoda!
   • After Leifeng Pagoda (the pagoda from the White Snake legend), if planning to take a bus, don't go to Su Causeway, an iconic long embankment on West Lake! On Tuesday afternoon, we waited there but couldn't board any of over a dozen buses due to full capacity.
   • Alternative solution: We walked back to the start station near the foot of the Leifeng Pagoda Mountain. Beware of congestion around the entrance as people are piling up to get on the bus; securing a seat depends on your speed!
3. Bicycles for rent truly work wonders in Hangzhou!! Hangzhou’s rental bikes are indeed very convenient! Consider transportation planning this way to avoid traffic jams or parts taxis cannot enter.
4. On the use of public transport vs. taking a taxi:
   • I read a post on Xiaohongshu (a widely popular social media app in China), believing the ride on public transport could feel better when it rains. I joined Bus No.1314, named after a Chinese phrase meaning eternal marriage, but was sorely disappointed because the severe movement in the bus made me seasick, and eventually I still needed to walk further even after dropping off the bus, exhausting indeed.
   • Personal experience: Only by careful time-planning to avoid peak hours, Hangzhou does not often experience traffic jam. Even when it occurs, most drivers have excellent driving skills and navigate freely. Taxi service can help shorten traveling hours and reduce physical fatigue, giving room for more sites to visit!
5. West Lake has more than Broken Bridge and Winter Lotus! Pay proper attention to the west side of West Lake when you visit the lake, like inside of ‘West Lake’ beyond Su Causeway, Mao Jiabu, Guo Gong areas, these ‘heavenly scenes’ which are less crowd and tranquil.
6. Looking for a memorable boat trip? Choose early morning Gondola (hand-powered boats) or Yachting (traditionally crewed wooden boats slowly propelled by oars) from Crossing Bridge Dock, available right after 7 AM, potentially earlier like 6:30 AM later in April, check Xiaohongshu update in advance.
   • Benefit: No queue, no wait!
7. Taking photos of Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon (backmarked on RMB note)? Don't necessarily have to travel to the island! Gondolas will navigate close to the site, providing a great spot for relaxed photo-taking, or simply ask the boatman to your desired location.
8. Don't worry about budget too much! Visiting other tranquil spots like Yanggongti (another axis line on West Lake, more serene than Su Causeway) or Guo Gong (a classic Jiangnan garden), scenery is magnificent and free enjoyment!
9. Wake up early! Early-birds have an advantage:
   • Traffic is not busy in the morning!
   • Earliest bird catches the first bus (no lines)!
   • Beautiful pictures are better taken then (less crowd)!
   • No queue for attractions!

Little surprises on the journey... Ha-ha, to be continued! #Rain in West Lake can be so beautiful #Traveling with Elders