China: Hangzhou - the city of imperial gardens

[vango]

Comments

[shalfeika]

Beautiful! We're definitely going there.

[vango]

it is quite far from Shanghai, about 2.5 hours to Hangzhou and another 30 minutes to monastery and another 40 to tea villages (and I think you need a special pass to get there). And then you have to go back :) So I suggest staying there overnight

[shalfeika]

thanks
I though Hanzhou was closer! They have lots of day tours -- did you take one of the organized ones, or go by yourself?

[vango]

unfortunately there is apparently only single company (goverment rrun of course :) that does Hangzhou tours for foreigners. Day tour wastes to much time - you will spend like 6-7 hours in the bus

[vango]

also let not my photos decieve you, there are MANY MANY people there. Not foreigners, but local toursits. This is proably #1 tourist place in China, and monastery is number #1 buddhist temple...

photoshop? ;-)

[shalfeika]

We'll try to watch out for them. Thanks for all the advice! Maybe I can reciprocate in other countries, or in parenting advice ;-)