Cycling Hangzhou– a South African touring their Chinese city

Oh, what to do for the holiday. As we do not want to go home or anywhere too far because we are saving for that particular trip for the July holidays. We decided to traverse the city on bicycles. From the lower southern edge of Hangzhou all the way north to Lingping mountain. We planned it for the three-day holiday. Each day carefully calculated as to the distance and the sights to be seen. Where to stop for a rest, where to stop for lunch. Carefully planned a detailed route which included over which bridge we are going to traverse the river. Some of the bridges are not very bicycle friendly whereas others are just perfect.

The day arrived. The bicycles are packed, tyres checked, and we are off down the road. Before the first kilometre we decide that we needed more water and juice. We get the water but nowhere do we find a cold cola. Unperturbed we decide that it is not important and carry on the cycle to the first bridge. Upon getting to the bridge we find that it is a good bridge for cycling. A nice almost gentle climb to get onto the bridge and then the track is wide enough for my wife’s tricycle and for someone to be able get past her comfortably. Then I saw the views from the bridge. Just stunning. The perfect place for some sunset and or sunrise photos. I am sure the fishermen would not mind if I stood carefully between their fishing rods. To have the sun shining its golden rays down the length of the river must be amazing.

After getting over the bridge, we were on a little high. It was quite an amazing experience and the first time for us to go over that bridge. As we approached the bottom of a hill, we came across this building. It was all twirls and swirls. It reminded me of a movie about cars that lived in traffic cones. I was so amazed by the building that we had to make an investigative stop. That is the appeal behind riding bicycle. You can make these snap decisions and explore a place just because you are there. The building was called Dragonfly Park. It seemed a little deserted even though we went all the way to the rooftop. We did find a family on the top and they even had a child trying to fly a kite. We thought that it was an amazing place to fly a kite. The whole top area was deserted and had enough space for the children to run around. Even over the sections of glass floor ways, which my wife avoided. Through the glass, you get to see all the way down. After we had been there a while and taken some photos, we resumed our cycle.

After that we had a very uneventful ride, stopping for lunch at a 7-11 and stopping for a rest at a place that had the most amazing statue of horses and a long wall mural. We also passed some elevated highways that had all the creepers growing over them and looked a little like Tarzan territory.

Later that afternoon we made it to the edge of Lingping mountain. We remembered the swans that we used to visit had a dam there. We stopped and had a look and a rest. Imagine our surprise when we saw the black swans again after more than a year. And they had babies with them. All the people and children were feeding them bread and lettuce. There was even enough food for the fish as well. After that we did a short cycle to catch the little bus to take us up the mountain. We had to see if the flowers were ready to be photographed yet. We did get some very nice photos but I also thought that it would be much better in a week or two.
By that time, it was getting a little late so we decided to park our bicycles and go home. But the best plans are not always followed. We did park the bicycles for the night and we did get on the metro towards home, but, then we decided to have a look at the Hangzhou beach at night. It was a simple matter of taking another train, not the one going home, but one going east. When we arrived there, it was just starting to get a little dark and the lights were coming on. I was very happy with our timing as I was all set to get some evening photos with the lights and practice my skills with the long exposure.

It was going so well until it happened. More people started arriving, it was getting crowded and then we found ourselves in front line seating for the Musical Water Fountains. It was such a good surprise to end the day. The fountains are just spectacular. I would recommend them for anyone. Even though there were a lot of people, it was nowhere near what West Lake must have been. The fountains were just amazing.

After the show we were so buoyed up that we decided to try a burger place we heard about from a friend. Boff Burger. We walked around until we found the place near the lake. Seating was very limited but we got in and ordered some very reasonably priced burgers. The service was great and the burgers and fries were just absolutely perfect. Did I mention that the price was just perfect, like the ending of our day?

After that we went home and made it all the way. Tired but very pleased with the day’s outing.
The next day we woke up at our leisure and made the way to our bicycles. We did stop at the 7-11 to get some sandwiches and drinks. Our bicycles were safe and sound as we expected them to be. We did a walk around the mall that we knew about. It had had a facelift and was truly stunning. Much improved from when we used to go there. After that we started the long way home. The day’s trip was quite uneventful as we were still reliving the fantastic trip of the previous day. We stopped at a few very nice flower parks along the way, to rest and to have a sandwich for lunch. We called an early end to the day due to overdoing it on the first day. But that is ok. We stopped and parked just a 24 km short of home. We parked the bicycles for the night and took a metro home. Went to bed early to recover our strength for the final day.

The next day we rose early and went on our way. We had new energy. After our obligatory stop at 7-11 we got to the bicycles and started on the way home. We stopped at a river crossing that had a few people looking out towards the river. We stopped to see what was happening. Lo and behold it was a lock. It was something that I always wanted to see. We got there a little late and the gate was already up and the first of three boats was coming through. I was so excited. Like a kid at Christmas. I was taking photos as the event unfolded before us. After the three boats passed through the gate closed. I was so happy to be able to see the whole spectacle. One of those things that you may not get to see, but with cycling we just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

A short while after that we arrived at a mall that we wanted to go in to see the décor. We were not disappointed as it was all forest style with real plants and fake trees and an amazing flowing light emitting diode waterfall. It was really a sight worth seeing. I was quite disappointed that there were only a few people there. Such a lot of effort was put into the décor and only a handful of people were there to enjoy it. We did enjoy it. After that we headed home once more. We made it to the river and loved riding along the esplanade. One of my favourite places to ride. Then we got to the bridge to get us over the river once again. At the start there is a very short very steep spot. After getting up the steep spot it was plain sailing across. Thinking the whole time that it will be wonderful to get some sunset photos from the bridge. After that it just a short trip home.