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July 17, 2014

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Home » City specials » Hangzhou

Grand Canal ferries stop at restaurant hot spots

By Xu Wenwen | July 17, 2014, Thursday | Print Edition

TRAFFIC is not a problem if you take a boat to your destination. Ferries sailing along the Grand Canal are a good option as they are both quick and convenient.

Last month, UNESCO added the Grand Canal to its list of World Heritage sites, making a cruise a good option for those interested in learning more about Chinese history.

Last Thursday, Shanghai Daily listed some stops along the ferry routes that are surrounded by food streets. Today’s column explores more options.

Ferry Route No. 2 starts at Wulinmen Dock, passes Xinyifang, Beixinguan, Hemu, Gucui, Gudun Road, and Zijinghua Road, while Route No. 5 includes all stops along Route No. 2 but also goes to No. 15 Middle School, Zijingang Bridge, and Hangzhou West Bus Station.

As discussed last week, both Wulinmen Dock and Xinyifang Dock are meccas for foodies. But don’t forget the areas around Gucui Dock and Zijinghua Road, where more good restaurants can be found. The dock at Hangzhou West Bus Station is near Xixi Wetland, a popular attraction, and a newly developed commercial area.

Hemu/Beixinguan Dock

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Both docks are near Xiaohezhi Street, which features a mix of restaurants and teahouses. It also boasts traditional two-story black-and-white houses, cobblestone walkways, Oriental style bridges and buildings that reflect the styles of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

Xiaohezhi Street is next to the Xiaohe River, a branch of the Grand Canal. Many residents in the area have opened small teahouses, noodle restaurants or mahjong rooms in their homes. They welcome visitors to experience authentic folk culture.

There’s a Yunnan restaurant offering mushrooms and ham transported daily from Yunnan Province. Xiangyuguan Restaurant serves Mongolian food and Xintengfei specializes in steamed Hangzhou cuisine.

Also, don’t miss the small eateries and teahouses run by locals. Laoqiaotou Noodle Shop is arguably the best. Owned by an old man who has lived in the area his whole life, his noodles come highly recommended by locals.

Gucui Dock

Wantang Road is near the dock. At lunch time, office workers flood out of buildings looking for lunch and they never have to go far.

There are Chinese, Western, Southeast Asian and hotpot restaurants, along with bars and cafes.

Flower Bloom is a Korean barbecue restaurant while Sweet Olive dishes out Thai and Malaysian food. For a late night snack, check out A’San Barbeque.

The dance crowd moves and grooves at Coco Club while Nine Club hosts live music from time to time.

Hangzhou West Bus Station Dock

Most people getting off here head to Xixi Wetland. But newly developed Westbrook Street Commercial Area is well worth checking out.

The area is just starting to generate a buzz as more than half its stores have opened. There’s also hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, youth hostels and a cinema.

Chez Shibata is proving popular already. The famed Japanese patisserie/chocolatier, started by pastry chef and founder Takeshi Shibata, is considered somewhat of a destination in its own right.

Branches of popular local restaurants include Grandma’s Kitchen, Jura’s Town and Emerald Villa. La Pederera serves Spanish cuisine while MangoThai dishes out some spicy favorites from Thailand. Shenma Garden Restaurant has a foosball table and electronic games. Mangos Bar sells reasonably priced cocktails from 25 yuan (US$4) to 50 yuan.

Tips:

All ferries cost 3 yuan a person. Please prepare coins in advance.

Route No. 2 starts daily at 6:20am at Wulinmen Dock and service ends at 5:30pm. The interval between boats is about 30 to 40 minutes. It comes back from Zijinghua Road from 7:30am and stops at 6:40pm. The cruise takes around one hour.

Route No. 5 is only available on weekends and holidays. There are only three boats daily. From Wulinmen stop, it departs at 6:50am, 11:10am and 4pm. It departs from Hangzhou West Bus Station Dock at 8:50am and 1:30pm. The last boat of the day departs at Jingzihua Road at 5:20pm. The trip takes two hours.

Hangzhou


 

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