| Hi Jianshuo, about the train fare, it has been adjusted quite a bit to RMB44 since the kinda of train you mentioned (RMB25) is GONE forever, now replaced by the new bullet train; and another problem is about how to get hold of a ticket especially one at weekend. I used to live both in the two cities, I mean returning to Hangzhou in the weekend, and I did not have to buy tickets in advance and I have always known a little secret that Carriage 5 & 6 is always empty(they don't sell tickets on these two carriages), you could lie in the long seat if you like, but now, the whole situation is different: for so many times, I have to go plan B - travel by bus, coz since the new bullet train is only one deck, and with more people are ready to experience the high speed train, getting hold of a ticket becomes so difficult, at least according to my experience. So I would suggest plan B(almost anytime you want it) or go to the spot at least a week before to buy one. And about the returning tickets, ask the service girls in the train (they used to sell it in the train), because you should never expect to get one to return especially on Sunday if you try those ticket offices just a couple of hours in advance. One last problem I would like to share here is about getting a taxi at weekend in Hangzhou. It took me for a while to understand why there are many cases of refusal to take passengers in town, but in one recent trip there, I met a very helpful and kind taxi driver who explained that pretty well for me. He warned me that NEVER expect to catch a taxi around West Lake area especially in the late afternoon of weekends (some other times may not apply), because no such a driver would risk to lose money in that area, too many private cars are driving into and out of that area and no one can actually move fast, so I would say don't waste your time trying to catch one, coz trying luck there doesn't sound practical at all. Allow yourself enough time to walk of the area and you will get one soon. I will be more than happy to help if there are more tips that I haven't thought of to offer. |
Cheap Way to Visit Hangzhou