My Whirlwind Day Trip to Hangzhou: A Memory-Filled Adventure
Just got back from Hangzhou, and I have to say, even though it was short, it was an incredibly rewarding trip. What is it about Hangzhou that captivated me so? Let me tell you about it.
West Lake: A Picture-Perfect Paradise
Strolling around West Lake… the moment I stepped out of the car and saw the scenery, I wanted to start snapping photos immediately! West Lake is like something out of a painting – the water is crystal clear, the bridges are ancient and picturesque, and the distant mountains are simply breathtaking. I wandered around the lake, feeling completely detached from the hustle and bustle of the city, just me and nature.
Sipping Longjing Tea by the Lake
One thing is for sure: you can't miss Longjing tea when you're here. I stopped at a small tea house by the lake, sat and admired the view, and ordered a cup of Longjing (around 60 yuan, about 200k VND). The tea was fragrant, subtly sweet, and incredibly delicious. Prices here are generally reasonable, so if you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery without worrying about your wallet, West Lake is the perfect place.
Finding Peace at Fa Hai Temple
After enjoying my tea, I decided to walk a bit further and visited Fa Hai Temple. This place has a very peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those who want to find a bit of inner peace. Inside the temple, the atmosphere was truly sacred and serene, creating a sense of tranquility.
Exploring Qinghefang Ancient Street
Even with only one day, I couldn't miss Qinghefang Ancient Street. I bought a few small souvenirs (a cute wooden keychain for about 30 yuan, 100k VND) and tried the baked egg cakes – a famous local specialty. These cost around 15 yuan (50k VND), were freshly baked, and incredibly fragrant. One was definitely not enough!
A Delicious Duck Noodle Dinner
In the evening, I wandered into a small restaurant nearby and ordered a bowl of Duck Noodles (about 30 yuan – 100k VND). The broth was fragrant, and the duck meat was tender and sweet. If you haven't tried duck noodles here, you absolutely have to. I never expected it to be so good!
Final Thoughts on Hangzhou
The whole day in Hangzhou was truly pleasant and relaxing. Beautiful scenery, delicious food, and prices that weren't too expensive. Even though I only had one day, it felt like enough to experience the soul of this city. Hangzhou is a place that I will definitely return to. If you are planning a trip to Hangzhou, don't forget to visit West Lake, drink Longjing tea, and try the baked egg cakes!
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