Star Avenue, First-Stage
Today, Hangzhou's Binjiang District is home to Chinese Internet giants such as Alibaba and Netease, as well as offices for international corporations like Bosch and Huawei, and many high-tech enterprises.
But 20 years ago, this area south of the Qiantang River was largely farmland. Beginning in the mid-1990s, plans were launched to turn Binjiang into a new economic development zone, similar to Pudong New Area in Shanghai. Today it is a major hub of China's high-tech sector featuring wide roads, smooth traffic, new infrastructure, modern office buildings and even a few colleges.
Of course, for the roughly 300,000 people who work, live or study in Binjiang, the area is home to a wide range of restaurants, with options ranging from high-end dining to fried noodle stalls. Today, let's take a stroll through some of the area's major dining spots.
Where there's a school, small eateries offering inexpensive grub to hungry students are usually not far away.
With several colleges in Binjiang District, it's little surprise that Laxi Street, a street connecting these institutions, has been a magnet for food vendors and restaurants.
In the past, many stalls operating along this strip lacked proper licenses. In fact, it developed the nickname "rubbish street" because of the unsanitary conditions of its small-scale vendors.
Good news came a few months ago, when the local government tore down the illegal buildings, widened the street, and installed public tables and seats, among other improvements.
About 100 vendors are back in the revitalized Laxi Street, all of whom possess relevant licenses and clean kitchens.
Must-try snacks include clams in tinfoil, ice cream on pie, grilled pig feet and fried yogurt — actually frozen yogurt pieces with raisins inside. All items are offered at affordable prices, mostly ranging from 5 yuan (75 US cents) to 30 yuan.
There are over 100 tables lining the street, most of which are sure to be full during dinner time. With patience though, you should be able to grab a free spot.
