And the Story of the Banknotes
Last week, I was chatting with a lovely guest from Australia staying at my place. She was a solo traveler with only one day to explore Hangzhou. And, like most people who try, she was just beginning to realize that a single day is no match for a city of 12 million!
To make the most of her limited time, my mind immediately went to the absolute must-see spots.
“You absolutely have to visit the Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon (三潭印月),” I told her. “It’s the famous view with the three small pagodas on the island in West Lake. You can only get there by boat.”
She had a flash of recognition. “I know that spot! It’s on the one-Yuan note, right?”
“Exactly!” I smiled. “It’s a popular photo-op. Many tourists love to hold up the note for a picture.” I started digging through my wallet to find one for her.
That’s when our conversation took a fascinating turn. She mentioned she’d been to Beijing once, but didn’t know about the scenery on the banknotes back then. In fact, she hadn’t used any cash at all since arriving in China! Like many visitors, she was using her phone for everything and was genuinely curious about the banknotes she had never even touched.
It reminded me of a fun travel challenge here in China—a kind of real-world treasure hunt to match the banknote to the view. I pulled out what little cash I had and gave her a quick, impromptu tour of the Chinese Yuan (RMB).
A Fun Travel Challenge: Many people, both locals and tourists, love to take a photo holding a banknote up against the actual landscape pictured on it. It’s like a real-world treasure hunt!
Here’s a quick guide to the “photo-op” spots on the most common banknotes:
…It was a beautiful moment, sharing a piece of China that is often overlooked by tech-savvy visitors. It also highlighted a huge question I get from so many travelers: Do I actually need cash in modern Hangzhou?
It’s a question I love to answer, because the reality is a little more complex than a simple “yes” or “no.”
So, what’s the short answer?
For 95% of your trip, you won’t need it. China truly runs on two mobile payment apps: Alipay (支付宝) and WeChat Pay (微信支付). However, I always recommend carrying a small amount of cash (around ¥300-¥500) as a backup. Just in case you need to survive a day without mobile payments. Think of it as your safety net.
From high-end restaurants to street food vendors, nearly everything can be paid for by scanning a QR code on your phone. For tourists, the easiest way to do this is with Alipay’s Tour Pass or by linking your international card to WeChat Pay.
But what about those rare times when cash is still king?
Well, there are a few specific situations where having physical Yuan is very useful. I always tell my guests to have cash ready for:
- Small, Traditional Vendors: Some smaller or elderly stall owners might only accept cash.
- Buddhist Temples: It’s always a reliable option for entrance fees or for buying incense.
- Taxis (in a pinch): The perfect backup if a driver’s phone isn’t working or you’re in an area with a poor signal.
- Giving Tips: While not a common custom, a cash tip is a respected gesture for a private guide who has provided exceptional service.
So, my final recommendation it’s a simple, three-step plan. First, set up Alipay or WeChat Pay on your phone before you arrive. Second, when you get here, withdraw a small amount of cash (like ¥500) from an ATM. And third, keep it tucked away for those “just-in-case” moments.
Hope you enjoy your journey,