Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1If you're a foreigner visiting China, don't assume that everyone dresses in the "Shaun Shu" style, as shown on TikTok. It's a minority, even in Hangzhou, much less in other cities like Nanjing. (2:10)
- Tip 2Taxi drivers in Nanjing are significantly calmer and less aggressive than in Hangzhou. This is a major plus for tourists. (3:44)
- Tip 3Hangzhou is remarkably clean despite its size and tourist crowds, while Nanjing's streets are less organized, offering a different vibe. (4:47)
- Tip 4Nanjing locals are more respectful of personal space than in Hangzhou, where unwanted photos are a common issue. In Nanjing, people are more likely to ask before taking pictures. (6:00)
- Tip 5The Nanjing dialect is easier to understand for Mandarin learners than the Hangzhou dialect, which can be challenging due to local variations. (7:37)
- Tip 6While Hanfu is popular in some areas, Hangzhou has a much larger Hanfu community than Nanjing. In Nanjing, many Hanfu outfits seem to be rented for photoshoots. (9:00)
- Tip 7Be aware of counterfeit goods, especially in Nanjing, where the vloggers found fake M&Ms and other brands. This is less common in first-tier cities like Hangzhou. (10:37)
- Tip 8In tourist areas of Nanjing, be wary of scammers who might try to prevent you from taking a taxi and instead offer their own services at inflated prices. (13:08)
Jiayi and Julie, a mixed couple, share their unique travel experience comparing two prominent Chinese cities: Hangzhou and Nanjing. While battling a flu, Julie provides a witty and insightful contrast, highlighting unexpected cultural nuances and personal observations. From the prevalence of plastic surgery to differing fashion styles and even the demeanor of taxi drivers, their journey unveils surprising details about each city's distinct character. A must-watch for anyone planning a trip to China's Yangtze Delta!
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This travel vlog by Jiayi & Julie In China offers a unique comparison between Hangzhou and Nanjing, two significant cities in China's Yangtze Delta. The vloggers share their personal experiences and observations, highlighting surprising cultural differences between the two cities.
In terms of appearance, Julie notes a stark contrast in the prevalence of plastic surgery and the popularity of specific fashion styles. Nanjing, she observes, has fewer people with obvious plastic surgery and less visible adherence to the trendy "Shaun Shu" style prevalent in Hangzhou and Shanghai. This difference is attributed to the higher concentration of influencers in the latter two cities.
The food scene also receives attention. While both cities offer delicious cuisine, Jiayi and Julie express a preference for Nanjing's culinary offerings, highlighting specific dishes they enjoyed. This section provides a personal and subjective insight into the food culture of each city.
Beyond aesthetics and food, the vlog touches upon the behavior of taxi drivers, cleanliness, and social interactions with locals. Julie notes that Nanjing taxi drivers are considerably calmer and less aggressive compared to those in Hangzhou. Cleanliness is another point of comparison, with Hangzhou emerging as the cleaner city, despite its larger size and tourist population. Interestingly, Julie also highlights a difference in how locals approach personal space, finding that people in Nanjing are more respectful of personal boundaries than those in Hangzhou.
The vlog further delves into the local dialect, noting that Nanjing dialect is easier for Julie, a Mandarin learner, to understand compared to the Hangzhou dialect. The prevalence of Hanfu, traditional Chinese clothing, is also discussed, with Hangzhou presented as a more prominent hub for Hanfu enthusiasts. The vlog also mentions surprising encounters with counterfeit goods in Nanjing, contrasting with the relative absence of such displays in Hangzhou.
Finally, the vlog concludes with a reflection on the overall experience, emphasizing the unique charm of Nanjing and the welcoming nature of its inhabitants. The vloggers' personal insights, subjective experiences, and emotional responses contribute to an engaging and memorable travel narrative. The video offers a valuable perspective for viewers considering a trip to either city, highlighting the distinctive features and experiences each location provides.