Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Embrace authenticity by visiting busy local spots where people queue out the door; it's a sign of great food and genuine experience. (0:49)
- Tip 2Don't shy away from sharing large tables with locals in busy restaurants; it's a common practice and a great way to immerse yourself. (1:11)
- Tip 3For a stress-free trip, consider booking a tour with a local company like Tripot, which offers friendly guides who speak good English and assist with navigation. (7:12)
- Tip 4Experience unique villages that are essentially resorts, requiring a bus to access and offering a secluded, distinct atmosphere. (8:31)
- Tip 5Traditional batik workshops offer a hands-on cultural experience, allowing you to create your own souvenir, like a dyed handkerchief. (10:37)
- Tip 6Ancient-looking boats in water towns offer a serene way to explore, providing beautiful views and a refreshing atmosphere. (12:06)
- Tip 7Explore streets lined with food stalls, trying local snacks like pancake rolls with unique edible wrappers made of sticky rice. (13:31)
- Tip 8Some establishments are moving towards sustainability, minimizing disposable cutlery and encouraging guests to eat their packaging. (15:08)
- Tip 9China offers high-quality souvenirs at decent prices, making it hard to resist picking up unique items. (19:04)
- Tip 10Having tour guides is highly recommended due to limited English in many areas, making navigation and communication much easier. (19:46)
Prepare to be amazed by the vibrant local food scene and ancient charm of China! Always Away embarks on a culinary adventure in Suzhou, diving into a bustling, authentic restaurant where unique dishes like squirrelfish and freshwater eel surprise and delight. Then, journey to Wuzhen, the 'Venice of China,' a picturesque water town offering a glimpse into history with a traditional fabric dyeing workshop and a serene boat ride. This vlog captures the essence of genuine Chinese travel, from unexpected flavors to breathtaking scenery.
Next travel video: ( 4 / 6 )
More about the current video:( 3 / 6 )
The video takes us on a culinary and cultural journey through Suzhou and Wuzhen, China, as explored by Always Away. The adventure kicks off in Suzhou at a bustling, authentic local restaurant, packed with people and brimming with a unique, loud atmosphere. It’s clear from the outset that this is a deep dive into genuine local life, with the travelers being the only tourists in sight. The dining experience itself is a communal affair, with large, rotating tables shared among diners, fostering an immediate sense of local interaction.
The food presented is a revelation, showcasing dishes far removed from typical Westernized Chinese takeaways. Standouts include succulent pork belly, a refreshing asparagus lettuce that tastes remarkably like cucumber, and the surprisingly delightful freshwater eel, which is a far cry from its less appealing European counterpart. A particular highlight is the "squirrelfish," a visually striking dish prepared with a sweet and sour sauce that leans more towards sweetness, a flavor profile that becomes a recurring theme and a pleasant surprise.
Another intriguing dish is the preserved duck egg served with silky tofu. While initially met with apprehension due to its appearance, it offers a unique, salty, and firm egg experience that, for one of the travelers, proves to be quite enjoyable. The sheer variety and local authenticity of the Suzhou meal leave a lasting impression, with the pork belly and squirrelfish emerging as firm favorites.
The journey then transitions to Wuzhen, a breathtaking 7th-century water town often referred to as the "Venice of China." This ancient town, accessible only by bus, offers a serene escape with traditional buildings and a unique resort-like atmosphere. Here, the travelers engage in a traditional fabric dyeing workshop, a centuries-old craft that provides a hands-on cultural experience. Despite a minor mishap with a glove, the resulting dyed handkerchief serves as a cherished, handmade souvenir.
The Wuzhen experience is further enriched by a picturesque boat ride along its ancient canals. The tranquil journey offers stunning views and a refreshing sense of peace, living up to and exceeding expectations. The town itself feels like an ancient theme park, a living museum where history is palpable.
As the day winds down, the exploration shifts to the vibrant food streets of Wuzhen. Here, the travelers sample local delicacies, including a unique pancake roll with spring onion and an edible sticky rice paper wrapper. This innovative approach to food packaging, where the wrapper is meant to be eaten, highlights China's resourcefulness and further surprises the visitors.
The final culinary stop is a restaurant specializing in roast duck. While familiar from home, the authentic Chinese preparation offers a richer, more intense flavor. The meal also includes prawn dumplings with vinegar and braised beef with radish, showcasing the depth and diversity of Chinese cuisine. The travelers also reflect on the perceived healthiness of Chinese food compared to their Western diets.
Throughout the trip, the importance of local guides, like Ming from Tripot, is emphasized. Their assistance is invaluable in navigating the language barrier and cultural nuances, making the travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. The video concludes with a reflection on the exhaustion and exhilaration of the day, with Wuzhen leaving an indelible mark on the travelers' hearts.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the pork belly like?
- A: It was really good, with a sweet barbecuey kind of flavor and crispy skin.
- Q: What did the asparagus lettuce taste like?
- A: It tasted like cucumber, nice and cold and fresh.
- Q: How was the freshwater eel?
- A: It was very meaty and in a nice sauce, surprisingly yummy and not like the jelly eels from the UK.
- Q: What about the preserved duck egg?
- A: It's silky tofu with a firm, salty preserved duck egg that some found nice and others just tasted like egg.
- Q: What is Wuzhen known as?
- A: It's known as the Venice of China, a gorgeous 7th-century water town.
- Q: What was the fabric dying workshop like?
- A: It was a 1300-year-old workshop where they did batik, creating a handkerchief souvenir.
- Q: What was special about the food streets in Wuzhen?
- A: They had food like pancake rolls with edible sticky rice paper wrappers and bamboo shoots.
- Q: What was the specialty at the last restaurant?
- A: The specialty was roast duck, which they also had prawn dumplings and braised beef.
- Q: Is Chinese food healthy?
- A: One traveler thought so, with lots of vegetables, but the guide disagreed, especially compared to fish and chips!
