You Need To Add Hangzhou To Your China Itinerary

Even though Hangzhou has a population of 9 million, chances are you haven't yet heard of it. Which is a shame, because being in this city is like walking through a fairy tale. Though a modern city, Hangzhou still contains its traditional Chinese roots. It is the "capital of green tea," has the naturally beautiful West Lake, and famous Buddhist temples.

If a picture's worth a thousand words, here are a few thousand reasons why you need to add Hangzhou to your China itinerary:

Hangzhou Boat Lanterns

Hangzhou Boat

Hangzhou Buddha Rock Carving

Hangzhou Flower

Hangzhou Lanterns

Hangzhou Lillies

Hangzhou Monks

Hangzhou Pond

Hangzhou Tree Scenery

Hangzhou Trees

GOING TO CHINA SOON?

Book a place to stay - my all-time favorite booking website is the well-known Booking.com - I’ve used it for years all over the world.

It is the easiest way to search and find the best hotels (hostels too!), especially based on reviews. I always check the reviews on Booking, even if it’s a name-brand hotel. You never know!

READ NEXT:

China Travel Guide

10 Foods You Must Try in China

A Few Things That Surprised Me About China

10 Foods You Must Try in China

10 Foods You Must Try in China

Chinese Street Meat

One of the most exciting aspects of traveling is trying new food, typically different from what you're used to back home.

Whether it's completely new or the authentic version of the replicas in your home country, eating in China is definitely an experience.

Here are 10 foods you must try while in China:

Hot soup dumplings (xiao long bao)

Fried Hot Soup Dumplings

The most famous are in Shanghai, though you'll find them at many restaurants. I especially enjoyed a lightly fried version I had (pictured above) in Hangzhou!

To eat the dumplings without having the soup explode everywhere, simply take a small bite of the dumpling to make a hole, suck out the soup, and then eat the rest.

Black rice crackers

Black Rice Cake Crackers

These light, airy black rice cakes (this kind is actually purple) are some of the best snacks I've had! Both sweet and salty, they satisfy any snack craving.

Hot pot

Hot pot is great any time of year, but this would be especially good in the cold winter months. The pot is full of boiling broth, to which you add meat, noodles, and vegetables and let them cook. Then you take out what you'd like from the pot and dip it into some sauce.

Lychee-flavored popsicles

Chinese Popsicle

You'll find these all over the streets and see a ton of people eating them on a hot, summer day.

If you're a foreigner, the street seller will most likely try to charge you a higher price - our Chinese co-worker told us that the seller literally told him that if he weren't with us, she would've charged us many times what we paid!

We got these for 1 yuan each (super cheap, that's about $0.16 USD).

Peking duck

Peking Duck Carving

Beijing is known for Peking duck and you are bound to stumble upon restaurants specializing in it. Take freshly carved duck slices and wrap them up in a small, thin rice "tortilla" with a small selection of vegetables or even rice.

Ice Monster (shaved ice)

This is not your average dessert. Originally from Taiwan, the shaved ice is not like a snow cone, rather it is much lighter and sweeter.

The shaved ice tops ice cream and fruit - we tried the most popular mango version, which came with mango shaved ice, mango sorbet, and actual slices of mango.

Here's a photo of what it looks like. It's huge, so make sure to share with a friend or two (or get a container to have leftovers).

Sweet and sour pork

The Chinese eat more pork than every other country in the world combined, so you'll find no shortage of it in this country.

Sweet and sour pork is a safe option for those less adventurous, though very delicious all the same.

Green tea

Green Tea

Green tea originates from China so you are bound to find the best, freshest green tea here. Visit a tea plantation (they're incredibly beautiful!) to learn more about the process of green tea.

Watermelon

Chances are you've already tried watermelon in life and it's not a surprising food to see in many places. However, you're bound to find watermelon served at many,  if not all, meals of the day, and even served sliced fresh in bowls on the street.

It makes for a sweet break from spicy, sauce-heavy options during a meal.

Frozen froyo popsicle

Froyo Popsicle

Okay, so this froyo shop is originally from Australia (Melbourne) but if you find yourself at the Jiuxianquao Indigo mall in Beijing you HAVE to try it. Seriously such a great invention.

For the extra adventurous...

Fried scorpions, frog legs, and chicken feet are a few other food options you may come across. If that's new to you and you're willing to try it, then go for it! Who knows, you just might find your new favorite food.

Also, some restaurants serve smelly tofu. This is literally labeled "smelly tofu" on menus because of its supposedly strong, unbearable stench. Order only if you dare!

These are just a few of many foods to try in China. Feel free to add your suggestions in the comments below!

10 Foods You Must Try in China

GOING TO CHINA SOON?

Book a place to stay - my all-time favorite booking website is the well-known Booking.com - I’ve used it for years all over the world.

It is the easiest way to search and find the best hotels (hostels too!), especially based on reviews. I always check the reviews on Booking, even if it’s a name-brand hotel. You never know!

READ NEXT:

China Travel Guide

10 Foods You Must Try in China

A Few Things That Surprised Me About China

7 Tips To Help You Prepare For Your Trip To China

Around The World On A Budget

Is traveling expensive? It can be, but it doesn't have to! Instead of getting discouraged immediately after checking the price of flights, start to think outside the box when it comes to planning your next trip. If your dream destination is somewhere warm on a beach, look into Southeast Asia - there are hoards of beaches there. If it's classic European architecture, check out the castles and cathedrals of old-world Eastern Europe. If it's something adventurous or outdoors-y, look into Central or South America. For somewhere totally exotic and different, head to Central Asia.

Below are a few destinations around the world on a budget that will still satisfy your desire to travel that won't drain your bank account. This list can help get you started when thinking about where to go!

Also read: Where To Find Cheap Flights

Asia

Southeast Asia: Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, etc.

Countries in Southeast Asia are extremely inexpensive to travel to. This region is often called a "backpacker's paradise" due to being safe, cheap, and with multiple countries that are easy to get to. Get started with a Full Moon party in Thailand, waterfalls in Laos, pristine beaches in Cambodia, delicious fusion food in Singapore, or bright green rice fields in Indonesia.

South Korea

For an Eastern Asian adventure without the Tokyo price tag, head to South Korea. Sing karaoke, eat Korean barbecue, and take trips through the lush countryside to see this stunning country.

Europe

Eastern Europe and The Balkans: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegonia, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, Romania

This region of Eastern Europe is far cheaper than its western counterpart. While London and Paris are amazing cities, you can find accommodation for days in parts of Eastern Europe that cost the same as one night in the former two. You'll get a more in-depth experience and set foot in parts of Europe that many travelers never get to. The castles and architecture are gorgeous, too!

DSC_0256

Turkey

Istanbul is one of the most interesting cities in Europe, partially due to its influences with both the West and East. It's really cheap, and the farther east you go, the cooler it gets. Hot air ballooning in the Cappadocia region is a popular activity these days, as is taking a cruise along the sparkling Mediterranean Coast.

Greece

Greece is a European country that many people assume is outrageously expensive but is far more affordable than you'd think. Read the Greece section on this post for more reasons why.

Africa

Morocco

Morocco tends to be more on the inexpensive side for tourists, especially if you're getting there from Western Europe (in which case, it will seem very inexpensive). Avoid tourist scams to save your money, and enjoy the beauty and exotic flavor of this country.

Madagascar

If you can get to Madagascar, you'll notice that prices are on the lower range for accommodation, transportation, etc. You never know, it could be worth it to see the Avenue of Baobabs in person, where baobab trees reach heights of about 100 feet.

The Americas

Peru

Peru has Machu Picchu which is already awesome, but you'll also find jungles and beaches in this South American country. Go to Lima or Cuzco for a city vibe, or head out to Lake Titicaca to marvel at this huge lake that sits over 12,000 feet above sea level.

USA

North America in general can get pretty pricey, but if you want to go to the US, shave down the cost of seeing big cities in different parts of this large country by driving instead of flying. This will significantly cut down your costs and allow you to stop at unexpected spots on the way! Popular routes include:

-Historic Route 66 (California-Arizona-New Mexico-Texas-Oklahoma-Missouri-Illinois)

-Deep South (Louisiana-Mississippi-Alabama-Georgia)

-Pacific Coast Highway (Washington-Oregon-California)

-California to New York

-Florida

-I-90 (East-West interstate highway along northern states)

-Southwest loop (Los Angeles-San Diego-Phoenix-Grand Canyon-Zion NP-Las Vegas)

Panama If you're craving Central American beaches but aren't digging the idea of Costa Rican prices, go a little further south to Panama. Rainforest, tropical birds, beaches, diving, and surfing are a few of many great things to see and do in Panama.

Oceania & The Pacific

Islands: Fiji, Northern Mariana Islands

Aside from Australia and New Zealand, which are both notorious for being pricey, look into islands in Oceania. Fiji is a great alternative to the Caribbean if you're looking for a beach getaway. Also check out some other islands, such as the Northern Mariana Islands - Saipan is on the US dollar and is relatively inexpensive (read more about Saipan here and here)!