Let me share my 1 week experience in China.
I took PAL flight at 1130am and reached Shanghai at 230pm. Similar to HK's airport, Shanghai's is really big. It has walkalator, very spacious. For me, It's not as smelly as HK airport (I went to HK 2006). Their immigration officers process papers quickly and they are very nice.
I went straight to Hangzhou as it's where my training was, which was a 3-hour car ride from Shanghai. I stayed in Four Points Hotel by Sheraton...very new (only 4 months old) and very friendly staff.
Hangzhou is a VERY BEAUTIFUL place! Should anyone be in Shanghai, never ever miss taking a side trip to Hangzhou. It's a serene, laid back place... just like Baguio but offers a lot more. Romantic ambiance which spells beauty. The
West Lake is a sight to behold. Ahhhh... so beautiful. Words aren't enough to express the place's beauty. You can allot the entire day navigating the entire lake. I tell you, it's a big lake and each side has something in store for you and your eyes.
Visit the
Lei Feng Pagoda too. Nice place and when you go up the top level, you'll have a 360 degrees view of Hangzhou.
Don't worry about the 3-hour drive, you may take a train from Shanghai and vice-versa for 1 hour and 20 minutes travel...plus cheaper (only 54RMB for a higher class ride/seat).
People are friendlier in Hangzhou. Cab drivers are more honest than in Shanghai. Prepare for language challenges. Better to have someone write your destination on paper.
For restaurant, try
Lou Wai Lou (built in the 1840s by a Qing Dyansty Noble), the famous restaurant in Hangzhou. Try Hangzhou's specialty,
Dongpu Pork... fatty, I tell you, but very tasty. Another restaurant is
Zhiweiguan Restaurant, the biggest and most modern resto in Hangzhou. Both are just in the West Lake area.
For shopping, buy silk..it's theirs are made of excellent silk. Also, if you don't mind carrying these or adding up space in your luggage, buy Silk Umbrella and Wangxingji fans. Try their Tea as well. Visit the Night Market in Yan'an Road for your souvenir shopping.
TIPS:- Prepare to walk. To explore Hangzhou, especially the West Lake, be prepared to walk, walk and walk. You won't feel tired with the lake's beauty. Should your feet feel sore, walk on the pebbled side of the road, it massages your feet...really!
- Bargain hard! If the seller doesn't agree to your price, just walk away. They'll be likely to give in to your price or at least lower their asking price
- Carpe diem! It's not everyday that you get to experience a place as beautiful as Hangzhou
I'll write about Shanghai in next post.
