So my introduction into China, what a culture shock. One of which is the freezing weather. Also I don't think I'll ever get used to the open hacking up and spitting in the street.

Was way easier getting through customs and to the train station from HK than I thought. Only because some lovely Chinese people went out their way to help me, to be fair I do stick out like a sore thumb. So after 15 hours, 2 taxi rides, 2 MTR journeys ,one long train and walking round lost, I found my hostel. Hardly any English anywhere, but thankfully the important stuff has English translation so you can get by.

Hangzhou is kind of sleepy, but very cute. It's super clean and has a few Prada and Rolls Royce shops around. I haven't got up to much, had a few day and night time strolls around the little pedestrianised area my hostel is in. Streets are full of little stalls, shops and food places, and full of Chinese.
Went to the West Lake, the main attraction here. It's a pretty huge lake, and was a nice afternoon walking round. However, was a dull and cold day, so it certainly wasn't looking it's best. I far more enjoyed walking round at night with all the light reflections in the water. Also stumbled across a fairly impressive water/light show.

It's been a fairly quiet few days, actually met an English guy. But other than that, most of my interactions have been via a translation app. Made good friends with one Chinese guy in my dorm. Him and another Chinese girl took me out to dinner one night. Just the experience I was hoping for. In a Chinese restaurant, with a menu only in Chinese, with Chinese people that could barely speak English. Even so, we all got to know each other over some nice food (definitely prefer the English version of Chinese food).

Feeling ready to leave now though. Got the rest of my trains and hostels booked, so hoping to just enjoy my last week.

Another train in the morning. The penultimate stop, Shanghai.