Hangzhou Exploration: West Lake & Hidden Gems of Zhejiang

FIRST time in Hangzhou (Never heard of this city before!) 🇨🇳 | Zhejiang, China Vlog 2024

Destination:ChinaCity:HangzhouPopulation:12.4 million
FIRST time in Hangzhou (Never heard of this city before!) 🇨🇳 | Zhejiang, China Vlog 2024
Pat & Giulia2024-11-1820 min

We are in Hangzhou for the first ever time, we get to experience local food and a UNESCO World Heritage site the West Lake. This city is rarely known by Westerners and we had never heard of it, how silly we were! This was once China's capital!

--- Pat & Giulia
November 18, 2024, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Arrival in Hangzhou
  2. 1:16Hotel view and city exploration
  3. 1:53West Lake boat trip
  4. 2:15Hangzhou food discussion
  5. 3:34West Lake arrival
  6. 4:43Boat ride and views
  7. 6:15Drone footage of West Lake
  8. 7:33Meeting fellow travelers
  9. 9:00Turtle Pond route boat ride
  10. 12:14Lunch at local restaurant
  11. 13:35Trying local dishes

Pat & Giulia explore Hangzhou's West Lake, savor unique local cuisine, and discover unexpected delights in this charming Chinese city. A truly memorable experience!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Hangzhou food is known for being slightly sweet and more bland than traditional Chinese food, often served with sugar instead of vinegar or chili. (2:15)
  2. Tip 2Visit the West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and take a boat ride to enjoy the stunning views and serene atmosphere. (3:34)
  3. Tip 3Use a small, portable drone to capture stunning aerial shots of the West Lake and surrounding areas. (6:15)
  4. Tip 4Take a hand-crank boat ride along the Turtle Pond route for a unique and peaceful experience. (9:00)
  5. Tip 5Dine at a traditional Hangzhou restaurant to sample authentic local cuisine and experience the culinary diversity of the region. (12:14)
  6. Tip 6Try the unique rice dish, where you smash the crispy rice with your chopsticks before eating it. (13:35)
  7. Tip 7Sample the famous osmanthus cake, a Hangzhou specialty known for its delicious and delicate flavor. (17:08)

Pat & Giulia's Hangzhou adventure is a delightful exploration of a lesser-known Chinese city. Their journey takes them from the charming streets to the iconic West Lake, where they experience a traditional boat ride and stunning views. The vlog captures the unique flavors of Hangzhou cuisine, including sweet and subtly spiced dishes, and showcases the city's rich cultural heritage. It's a captivating glimpse into a city brimming with beauty and unexpected delights.

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FIRST time in Hangzhou (Never heard of this city before!) 🇨🇳 | Zhejiang, China Vlog 2024

This vlog follows Pat & Giulia's first-time experience in Hangzhou, China, a city they admit to knowing little about before their visit. Invited by the Hangzhou Tourism Board, they explore the city's captivating beauty and rich culinary scene. Their journey begins with a stunning view from their hotel, showcasing the city's unique blend of modern and traditional architecture. The vlog highlights the pleasant surprise of Hangzhou's cooler climate compared to other parts of China they've visited.

Pat & Giulia's exploration of Hangzhou centers around the iconic West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site. They take a delightful boat ride, marveling at the picturesque scenery and charming boats. The vlog captures the serene atmosphere of the lake, with its beautiful trees and traditional architecture along the water's edge. They also encounter locals, sharing their experiences and insights into the city's unique culture.

The vlog delves into Hangzhou's distinctive culinary landscape. Pat & Giulia discover that Hangzhou cuisine is known for its subtle sweetness and lighter flavors compared to other regional Chinese cuisines. They try various local dishes, including a unique rice dish that involves "smashing" the rice with chopsticks, and a delicious osmanthus cake. The vlog provides a glimpse into the culinary diversity of China, showcasing the unique characteristics of Hangzhou's food.

Beyond the food and scenery, Pat & Giulia's vlog showcases their personal interactions and discoveries in Hangzhou. They use a small drone to capture breathtaking aerial shots of the West Lake. Their conversations with locals and fellow travelers add a personal touch to the vlog, revealing the warm hospitality and friendly atmosphere of the city. The vlog concludes with Pat & Giulia's enthusiastic praise for Hangzhou, expressing their surprise and delight at discovering this hidden gem in China. Their journey highlights the beauty, culture, and culinary delights of Hangzhou, inviting viewers to explore this captivating city for themselves.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What's the weather like in Hangzhou?
A: It's a bit colder than other parts of China we've been to, a nice change from the usual hot weather.
Q: What's special about Hangzhou food?
A: Hangzhou food is known for being slightly sweet and more plain than other Chinese food. They even have sugar on the tables!
Q: What was the best part of our West Lake experience?
A: Seeing it live was even more beautiful than the photos. The little boats and the scenery were stunning!
Q: What's the rice dish like?
A: It's called 'pound rice' and you have to smash it with your chopsticks. It's crispy and delicious!
Q: What was the osmanthus cake like?
A: It's amazing! It's like eating a cloud; so delicious!

Hangzhou Exploration: West Lake & Hidden Gems of Zhejiang

Pat & Giulia's Hangzhou adventure: Exploring West Lake, a UNESCO site, and discovering this hidden gem in China. Unexpected delight!

Hangzhou West Lake: A Charming Chinese City Exploration

Pat and Giulia, a couple from the UK and Italy, explore Hangzhou, China, for the first time. They discover the city's rich history, including its past as China's capital, and visit the stunning West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Their experience highlights Hangzhou as a hidden gem for Western travelers, offering a taste of authentic Chinese culture and cuisine.

Attractions in this video: West Lake, Grand Canal