Hangzhou Peeps: For Real, You ALL Like This?!
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Oh wow, what an amazing trip to Hangzhou! I must share it with everyone!
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Budget Tour Group, Destination Hangzhou!
- It was in the off-season (the tourist low season - fewer people, possibly cheaper prices), and my sisters and I were brainstorming where to enjoy a trip. Since we are budget travelers with limited budgets, we set our sights on Hangzhou!
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Arriving at Hangzhou East Station, High Impression Value!
- We just got off the train and arrived at Hangzhou East Station (a major station in Hangzhou). First impression? A+!
- In contrast to the chaos at Nanjing South Station (another major city in China) when we waited for a Didi (ride-hailing service using third-party apps like taxis or private cars that are summoned by the app), full of aggressive solicitors, Hangzhou East Station was quiet. During our walk to the Didi pick-up point, we only encountered one person asking if we required a ride. After refusing, we didn't have any further trouble. Goodwill instantly skyrocketed!
- The driver who picked us up was also super friendly! He enthusiastically recommended places worth exploring in Hangzhou. We later encountered a small mistake with the navigation set-point, but the driver, using his experience, skillfully transported us to our destination without getting flustered at all. Our good feelings towards Hangzhou rose again!
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A Sweet Incident at Wulin Square!
- At night, we walked around Wulin Square (a famous commercial district in central Hangzhou). Three girls walking side-by-side probably obstructed the path of a delivery rider, commonly seen in Chinese cities, riding electric scooters.
- Feeling his urgency to deliver food, he did not rage or honk recklessly; instead, sweetly shouting, "Ladies, quick sprint, run run run!" like jesting with us in a friendly manner — so cute! Our love for Hangzhou increased once more!
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The Blessings for the Forgetful: High Mores of Hangzhou Residents!
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We three young women are rather forgetful. When something goes missing during our walks, we have no choice but to return to search.
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However! Every time! We find our lost items returned to their original location, absolutely untouched — the residents of Hangzhou's high spirit is extraordinary! Our love extends towards the sky!
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Travel Tip (and Praise): If you happen to lose something while traveling in Hangzhou, don’t despair yet! Quickly retraverse your route and search because the people there are great — very likely your item will still be waiting for you.
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Warmhearted Guide Beside the West Lake!
- On the second day, we headed for the West Lake (the most famous tourist attraction in Hangzhou, a vast lake with stunning scenery). While on the bus, we were unsure about the correct stop to get off as we kept looking at the route map.
- A friendly passer-by (locals often call strangers they perceive as older men "brother" to show respect and friendliness) approached us, asked about our destination, and advised us which stop to alight from. Are all residents of Hangzhou such warm-hearted people? So moved!
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Warm-hearted Reception Again at the Station's Luggage Storage Service!
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On the last day, prior to heading out for sightseeing, we planned to store our luggage at a locker facility inside Hangzhou East Station. As we were at somewhat of a loss navigating our luggage into the storage facilities, another nice fellow appeared!
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After observing our box, he said we could easily rent a large compartment and fit all the luggage inside it. To our surprise, he even offered to assist us load the luggage!
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Reminder (From a Helpful Resident): If facing confusion about locker sizes at stations or tourist sites, don’t hesitate to approach nearby staff for guidance or politely ask locals around; warm-hearted helps are more readily accessible than expected.
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Oh my goodness! Why are the people in Hangzhou all so kind and warm?
After traveling multiple times, I’ve never met a city with this many kind souls! The overall pace of life in Hangzhou feels tranquil, unpressured, unhurried. Only can I say that Hangzhou truly deserves its fame as a tourist marvel!
If you’re undecided where to travel next, I genuinely recommend Hangzhou! You Hangzhou people are simply too good and undemonstrative — allowing me to loudly acknowledge it!
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Hangzhou, a tourist city that doesn't actually make its money from tourism.
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Hmm... come to think of it, that actually seems true.
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Haha, the cost of living is pretty high, huh?
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Okay, but I don't quite get the logic behind 'Since we're budget traveling, we decided to head to Hangzhou...'
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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.
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Plus, cars yield to pedestrians... I actually got fined last year for not yielding.
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Yeah, it wasn't until I came to Zhejiang that I realized drivers here yield to pedestrians, regardless of whether there are traffic lights or not.
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Finally, someone who isn't trashing Hangzhou or calling it a 'food desert'! Welcome to Hangzhou~
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I wouldn't even have thought of the 'food desert' label if you hadn't brought it up.
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As a Hangzhou local, I'm thrilled when people praise our city. But just a few days ago at Huagang Park, I had to stop a tourist (not from Hangzhou) from throwing orange peels into West Lake. She actually tried to argue it wasn't litter, saying she was 'feeding the mandarin ducks.' I told her you're not supposed to feed wild animals. She and her family then got all defensive and embarrassed, flipped the script, and accused me of bullying outsiders! They even started filming me, threatening to post it online. It made me furious! We really don't welcome tourists like that.
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A few days ago in Wuhan, I saw people shaking cherry blossom trees and pulling at the branches. I couldn't help but step in and stop them. People from Hangzhou just can't stand it when others don't respect flowers, plants, and our beautiful environment.
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So many people complain about Hangzhou being a 'food desert,' so seeing a post praising it feels really heartwarming. I'm not from Hangzhou myself, but as someone also from Zhejiang province, I definitely want to see our provincial capital being loved by tourists. I really like Hangzhou too and visit quite often for fun.
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Totally! As a Hangzhou native, I genuinely love everything about my city – its name, its style, its scenery. It's so moving, it brings tears to my eyes, to see such a positive post that isn't swayed by all the online bashing. I make it a point to comment 'Thank you for loving Hangzhou! Everyone is welcome to visit!' on every post that praises our city.
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And despite all this, there are still loads of people complaining that Hangzhou is unwelcoming to outsiders... Seriously? Excuse me?
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Hangzhou is one of the least exclusionary cities, if you ask me. More than half its population are migrants, myself included.
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Friendly tip: Don't eat the West Lake Vinegar Fish (Xi Hu Cu Yu)!
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It's actually pretty tasty!