Quickly: 10 days. Hangzhou or Chengu?

[studychinese]

I will go to China and need to decide today whether I will spend ten days in Hangzhou or Chengdu. This is next month, in March.

I need some quick answers. Cheers!

[abcdefg]

Is the main goal of the trip tourism or informal language study?

 

If the latter, "Speech on the street" is probably better in Hangzhou than in Chengdu. Both cities offer lots to see and do. Neither offers enough for 10 days unless you also do day trips or side trips. In the case of Hangzhou, best bet for a side trip would be Huangshan. In the case of Chengdu, do a loop down to see Leshan and Emeishan.

 

That's for "thumbnail" starters. Consider also asking on Tripadvisor and Thorntree.

[Mr John]

They're both nice. But I'd say go with Chengdu. Why?

 

1. The food is really good.

2. Fun to explore, without being so large that you get lost all the time.

3. Public transport is good.

4. It has a reputation for beautiful woman.

5. There are some awesome tea houses there.

[dramxia]

Chengdu! For delicious food!

[michaelS]

Hangzhou, find a hostel in Baileqiao (白乐桥). Tea fields, mountains, little cafes and tea houses. Walking distance of West Lake and all the best parks but also feels like you're in the middle of the countryside

[JustinJJ]

 

They're both nice. But I'd say go with Chengdu. Why?

 

1. The food is really good.

2. Fun to explore, without being so large that you get lost all the time.

3. Public transport is good.

4. It has a reputation for beautiful woman.

5. There are some awesome tea houses there.

 

I agree with all of the above - Chengdu wins hands down in my opinion. Hangzhou is nice but more of a 'day trip' city so after ten days you might get bored. 

I'd recommend spending going to 九寨沟 while in Sichuan.

[studychinese]

Thank you all! Chengdu it is!

[jackcwhite]

Chengdu, definitely Chengdu!

[GotJack]

Hangzhou! Also can take a day trip to Shangers

[Angelina]

OP has already decided.

 

It's better to visit Hangzhou in March. This is not the best time to visit 成都 and 九寨沟, while the 江南 region is beautiful in March. 

[889]

I love walking around West Lake and the surrounding parks. There's nothing close to that experience in Chengdu. And Chengdu the city, like Hangzhou, lost nearly all its intrinsic charm in urban redevelopment. There are plenty of interesting spots within a day's travel of both cities. 

[Angelina]

I love living within walking distance of West Lake. 

 

However, there is more urban redevelopment coming and my department is going to be moved to Suburbia in a couple of years. 

[Chris Two Times]

I love walking around West Lake and the surrounding parks. There's nothing close to that experience in Chengdu. And Chengdu the city, like Hangzhou, lost nearly all its intrinsic charm in urban redevelopment. There are plenty of interesting spots within a day's travel of both cities. 

 

...but the true intrinsic charm of Chengdu lies in her people.

 

True, Chengdu may not have one area like West Lake, but it does have richness found in many, many neighborhoods all throughout the city.

 

Chengdu! Try it and see and get to know her people--you won't be disappointed!

 

DISCLAIMER: I lived in Chengdu from 2000 to 2003 and then again from 2012 to 2014.

 

Warm regards,

Chris Two Times

[studychinese]

OK, got all my tickets in order!

 

What to do in Chengdu?

[zhouhaochen]

First go hiking on some holy mountain, go drink some tea and then eat spicy hotpot.

Next day repeat, but feel free to change the order around.

 

Disclaimer: I have only been to Chengdu on business trips and usually spent most of those in the Huaxi dental hospital, so there might be some other activities there as well I have not heard of yet.

[Mr John]

Personally, I spent three or four days just walking around the city, taking it all in. If that interests you, make sure you get off the main roads and check out the alleys etc. I also really liked the music park, it used to be a factory for making televisions I believe, but now it has a lot of bars and restaurants, as well as preserving and incorporating many of the old machines they used to use. I went during the day, so most of the bars were closed, but I'd imagine it'd be pretty happening at night. I've got to run off, I'll add more later.

[jbradfor]

IMHO, "What to do in Chengdu?" is a bit broad, given the easy availability of travel information.  May I recommend you take a look, pick some items that look interesting, post a draft itinerary / list for feedback?  I think you will get more help that way.

 

That said, I do have a suggestion :-)  We went to a nearby "old town", about a 45 min bus ride.  Forgot the name, if that interests you I can try to find it again.  My understand is that it is an authentic old Hakka town, part of which has been "spared" redevelopment" is is not basically a tourist area.  Somewhat touristy, of course, but if you are into older Chinese culture I recommend it.  Err, I would attached a photo to give a bit of the feel, but I can't figure out how to upload images (as opposed to providing a URL).