Traffic Chaos at weekends.

There are so many people in China that it is overwhelming for us at times.

Weekends even in Shaoxing city proper can be chaotic. Tour buses arrive, but people come by car, bike, or bus to visit the tourist spots with their friends and families. Great for the tourist spots, but it creates chaos on the roads around these places, and as Saturday and Sunday are big shopping days, it is good to stay away from these busy places at weekends. Hard for us to do, as our days off are Saturday and Sunday!

We have experience this challenge of moving thousands of people all at once in Shanghai and Hangzhou. Shanghai has good Metro or underground rail system, but it is on the roads, and on the footpaths like the Nanjing Walking Street and the Bund at these busy times. Public holidays are chaotic!

I think if you are visiting any of these big cities you need consider this. If you can rest in your hotel at the weekend or public holiday, and do your touring during the week you will find it easier.

All Chinese cities are the same. With a population of 1.3 billion, you can see one of the challenges they face.