Taking the Long Way Home: An Unexpected Adventure from Shanghai to Hangzhou

On a self-planned or guided tour of the People’s Republic of China, one will run up against the need to visit Hangzhou. Read any guidebook. Ask any Chinese person. Undisputedly, Hangzhou, known for its extravagant natural beauty and thousands of years of tea and silk culture, is simply the most traditionally elegant city in China. Its scenery and natural delights have been praised by the greatest Chinese poets and its landscape lovingly cared for through multiple dynasties, empires and governments. While everyone will tell you that Hangzhou is a “must see” among the cities of China, few will warn against the troubles that can plague you in getting there.