You get all the way there and you see the sign. It was heartbreaking for me as I had carried my tripod all across China.

Good results can be obtained however by using a slow shutter speed, resting the camera on a ledge and keeping it steady.

I went on a sunny day in January so there may be more natural light shining through the windows when the sun is higher in the sky.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If time is limited perhaps the best way to see the city is by blue
tricycle taxi. There are plenty by the railway station and they
comfortably seat two.

Many would class the ride as white knuckle but most will admire the way veteran drivers skillfully maneuver their vehicles through the city traffic.

If you have a little more time a boat is better giving a view of the older buildings which contrast the new development in both Shaoxing and the region as a whole.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

There is a specialist foreign language college in Shaoxing and many people study English so in term-time at least there is a good
chance of finding someone to give you directions although none of the taxi drivers speak English so a good phrase book with Chinese characters is essential.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Much of the nightlife takes place in restaurants. There is a bar street and one or two clubs but the canny local people are put off by expensive beer prices which strangely are triple those charged in restaurants. Perhaps this is why sometimes people make more noise in restaurants than bars here although private rooms are available for this purpose at no extra charge.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The West Lake is one of the most popular but stress-free tourist attractions in China and is a great day out if you want to get away from the crowds of Shanghai.

The lakeside has a distinctly European atmosphere reminiscent of the south of France with many of the younger local people dressing up in locally produced fashions to promenade by the water.

There are Italian and French restaurants with many of the old colonial-style houses being converted into cafes. Some are expensive by Chinese standards but worth the price if you feel like a change from Chinese food.

There are usually musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments on the shore of the lake.

Boat trips and bicycle hire are also possible. On good days it is worth hanging around for the sunset.

Take a taxi to the West Lake (Xi Hu) from Hangzhou main railway station for the flat fare of 10 RMB.

Hangzhou East railway station is some distance away with the cab ride costing around 25 RMB. You can take a bus to the less crowded north side of the lake.

The lake gets crowded at weekends, particularly if the weather is good but weekdays are much quieter.

www.cof.org.cn/ENGLISH/2005ioc/images/travel/map/big.jpg

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Dong Hu is a water park created from old quarry workings.

It offers an escape from the crowds of the Yangtze Delta Region and a chance to relax and enjoy a short boat trip on this man-made lake.

Take the train to Shaoxing. Come out of the station and turn right to the bus terminus. Get on bus number 1 and tell the driver or conductor you are going to Dong Hu.

Dong Hu is in the main guidebooks and you can point to the Chinese characters in the book if the driver or conductor does not understand you.


The staff will tell you when to get off the bus which takes around 20 minutes depending on the traffic but it is just as you feel you are going out of the city.

Just in case, look for a big brown sign for Dong Hu in English pointing to the right as you head out of the city.

www.sx.gov.cn/enportal/article_list.jsp?catalog_id=20050811000009

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If coming to Shanghai for the Grand Prix check to see if there is a shuttle bus running from Shanghai Stadium (Metro Line 1). There was for the A1 Grand Prix in April. The circuit is on the outskirts of the city and although a taxi is quite cheap (100 RMB) not all the drivers know where the circuit is. Formula One is Eff ee in Chinese by the way. Say that and flash your ticket if you do decide to go by taxi.

There were plenty of people selling binoculars and fake Rolex watches but I only saw one person selling earplugs so bring your own if you can.

Always carry a card with the name and address of your hotel in Chinese just in case you get lost and want to jump into a taxi. Not many speak English but they will understand if you point to the card.

You can save money by sitting on the grass on one of the hairpin bends. There is plenty of action there but you may need a new lens for your camera as the action is a bit further away – but this can be paid for by the money you save on the ticket.

Take an umbrella. If Westerners get a cold here it lasts for three weeks when the locals shake it off in a couple of days.

www.icsh.sh.cn/english/node/node_9603.htm

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

An oasis of calm for weary travellers in China!

Four Streets of hotels, bars, restaurants and budget travel agents.

An excellent, clean, air-conditioned room (with shower) cost me CNY 60 (GBP 4) per night. Beer is CNY 6 a pint! Internet use is free all over town in bars and hotels.

You can get an English breakfast and yes a sandwich. I was caught staring at one for too long because I have been away for a long time. I just about got away with it as the shopkeeper spoke good English.

You can also revamp your traveller's wardrobe as the shops offer clothes in Western sizes and most people speak good English here.

Come here by tourist boat (CNY 400) or bus (CNY 20.) Stay here and not Guilin as it is much cheaper (see above.)

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends