5. Hangzhou - 农家村

Very kampong style...bamboo tables and chairs

No drinks served.

Only pomelo, sugar cane and black melon seeds

Sugar cane....but not sugar cane juice

....and this is the result

Woo...nourishing!
Must try! 麻婆豆腐

Must try! 猪蹄

Hangzhou's local products - 藕粉

Comes in powder form, becomes starchy

after adding in hot water.

Tastes a bit like strawberry jam.

Wine made from lotus
There's a huge pool of lotus by the westlake.

Note: Lotus blooms during June.

Don't be like this blogger. Brought high hopes with her travellers to the westlake in the cold Febuary, only to see the withered lotus from last bloom.

农家村's food is superb! A definitely must go place. Ambience is very 'earthy' but one feels the relaxed sensation when there. Price is cheap. Not easy to locate, have to take a taxi. However, such 农家村's cooking can be found easily in Hangzhou. Just ask around, the locals are friendly.

4. Hangzhou - Youth Hostel

Cross the bridge, walk through the gate...

the youth hostel is just ahead.

2-storey youth hostel

Recreation area 1

Dining Area

Recreation area 2

Recreation area 3

American Breakfast
British Breakfast
Spanish style breakfast
Unique washing area

If one ever visits Hangzhou, the youth hostel is highly recommended for accomodation. It is very valued for money. Only RMB50 per bed per night per pax. Plus the living conditions is well above standard. Friendly staffs and 24hrs reception. The only troublesome thing is rooms are to be reserved at least 3 days before arrival. Reservation of the rooms is only confirmed after the money is transferred to them.

3. Hangzhou - 太子楼

Another local delicacy-糖醋鱼

Condiments for the peking duck

Flour wraps for the peking duck

龙井虾仁
Hangzhou is famous for its 龙井茶 椒盐土豆

In china, 土豆means potato and not peanuts

This restaurant is located in the city of Hangzhou. Easy to locate. Many levels for dining. The first level is for those 1 dish-1 rice, a bit like our economic rice. So, the price is also economic. For restaurant service, it will be level 2 onwards....or even VIP room which I was in. No extra charge. Price is restaurant price (in China). Food tasted so-so.

2. Hangzhou - 知味馆

Hangzhou - 知味馆

They have a few branches in parts of Hangzhou.

A must try! 东坡肉

雪露 Mochi-alike desserts

A must try! 酒酿圆子

Local delicacy - 猫耳朵

Food at 知味馆 was valued for money. They serve dim sum and local chinese cuisine. Reasonably priced plus the food tastes nice. It is a well known restaurant and has been visited by many tourists. Tech-savvy waitresses take down your orders with a PDA. Cool~