I didn't know much about Hangzhou before going, but apparently, it's well known in China as home to some of the country's most beautiful women. I was excited to get out of the hustle and bustle of
Shanghai for a day and visit some of the beautiful scenes I’d seen plastered all over Google during my research of things to do there.
The previous day, we'd spent about an hour collecting the train tickets to save time collecting them on the morning. This was definitely a good decision to make. Upon arrival, the station was overwhelmingly huge and filled with herds of people (see above). Annoyingly, I'd accidently booked a standing ticket. But, I was grateful that the journey was relatively short though - only an hour and a half away from Shanghai.
(Brollies out)
We were a little disappointed by Hangzhou because the weather was so awful. Everything was covered in mist including one of Hangzhou's most well known attractions - the West Lake. We arrived and couldn't see much at all. I had to hand it to Chinese tourists though. Despite the awful weather and the fact you couldn't see anything, there were still lots of tourists around.
We didn't let the rain dampen our spirits though. Determined to make the best out of a bad situation, Charlotte, Sam and Elijah thought it'd be amusing to go to one of those costume photography places. For 40RMB (about £4), you were able to choose from a wardrobe of traditional Chinese dress and have your photo taken and printed as a souvenir. It was really hilarious to see Charlotte dressed up as a pink princess, whilst Elijah and Sam went for the Chinese warrior look complete with sword and staff.
The previous day, we'd spent about an hour collecting the train tickets to save time collecting them on the morning. This was definitely a good decision to make. Upon arrival, the station was overwhelmingly huge and filled with herds of people (see above). Annoyingly, I'd accidently booked a standing ticket. But, I was grateful that the journey was relatively short though - only an hour and a half away from Shanghai.
(Brollies out)
(A 'view' of the West Lake)
We were a little disappointed by Hangzhou because the weather was so awful. Everything was covered in mist including one of Hangzhou's most well known attractions - the West Lake. We arrived and couldn't see much at all. I had to hand it to Chinese tourists though. Despite the awful weather and the fact you couldn't see anything, there were still lots of tourists around.
We didn't let the rain dampen our spirits though. Determined to make the best out of a bad situation, Charlotte, Sam and Elijah thought it'd be amusing to go to one of those costume photography places. For 40RMB (about £4), you were able to choose from a wardrobe of traditional Chinese dress and have your photo taken and printed as a souvenir. It was really hilarious to see Charlotte dressed up as a pink princess, whilst Elijah and Sam went for the Chinese warrior look complete with sword and staff.
(Blue Steel, eat your heart out!)
(Historically accurate footwear from the boys)
I found it even more hilarious when crowds of Chinese tourists began to encircle them during the photo shoot, taking photos of their own. Charlotte, Sam and Elijah because tourist attractions themselves!
Hangzhou is also famous for it's many historical buildings. Later, we ventured towards the Qinghefang Old Street to visit some of the nearby museums. The street was a good place to kill some time. There were lots of souvenir stalls and places to try out some of the local snacks. It took a little circling around before we actually tracked down the Hangzhou Chinese Medical Museum, a place full of interesting smells. We also took a trip to the Drum Tower, and I made friends with one of the guards at the entrance...
After this, we took a random turn and headed uphill. We did a little climbing and came across a few temples which has a good view point of Hangzhou from the top. It was still misty so looking at the view required a little imagination to really take in the beautiful views.
Although we didn't really do a great deal, we did actually have a nice day out. This was clearly the case when as we waited for our trains back to Hangzhou and Elijah got more than comfortable with the floor. Our little trip really tuckered him out...
Hangzhou is also famous for it's many historical buildings. Later, we ventured towards the Qinghefang Old Street to visit some of the nearby museums. The street was a good place to kill some time. There were lots of souvenir stalls and places to try out some of the local snacks. It took a little circling around before we actually tracked down the Hangzhou Chinese Medical Museum, a place full of interesting smells. We also took a trip to the Drum Tower, and I made friends with one of the guards at the entrance...
(Drum Tower)
(Making friends in Hangzhou)
After this, we took a random turn and headed uphill. We did a little climbing and came across a few temples which has a good view point of Hangzhou from the top. It was still misty so looking at the view required a little imagination to really take in the beautiful views.
Although we didn't really do a great deal, we did actually have a nice day out. This was clearly the case when as we waited for our trains back to Hangzhou and Elijah got more than comfortable with the floor. Our little trip really tuckered him out...
All in all, I think I've already decided that I'll have to visit Hangzhou again when the weather is a little less unpredictable so I can really appreciate how beautiful the place can be. Until then Hangzhou!
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