Hangzhou Exploration: West Lake, Night Markets & Local Culture

We Can't Believe China Looks Like This!

Destination:ChinaCity:HangzhouPopulation:12.4 million
We Can't Believe China Looks Like This!
Eoin and Aisling2024-09-1517 min

Join us as we explore the stunning city of Hangzhou, China! We start our day with a boat ride on the iconic West Lake, visiting the picturesque Three Pools Mirroring the Moon island. After soaking in the serene beauty of the lake, we wander through the enchanting Lotus Garden, despite being a bit early for peak bloom. The day doesn't end there! We dive into the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling night market near West Lake, indulging in a variety of delicious street foods. From sizzling chicken to the adventurous bullfrog, we try it all! Enjoy the breathtaking city skyline and get a taste of local culture as we navigate through Hangzhou's scenic spots and lively markets. Don't miss out on our adventures and join us for an unforgettable experience in this beautiful city.

--- Eoin and Aisling
September 15, 2024, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Hangzhou exploration begins
  2. 0:13West Lake boat ride
  3. 1:12Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
  4. 4:37Arrival at the island
  5. 7:12Lotus Garden visit
  6. 13:00Woolen night market
  7. 14:39Night market food
  8. 15:01Sizzling chicken and frog

Eoin And Aisling explore Hangzhou's West Lake, enjoying a boat trip and vibrant night market. Delicious street food and stunning views create an unforgettable Chinese experience.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Explore West Lake by boat; various boat options are available, from traditional houseboats to smaller rowboats. Consider your budget and preferences when choosing a boat. (0:28)
  2. Tip 2Visit Three Pools Mirroring the Moon island in the middle of West Lake. It's the most popular spot on the lake and accessible only by boat. (1:14)
  3. Tip 3Explore Three Pools Mirroring the Moon island. It's larger than it appears and offers several attractions, including stone pagodas. (4:44)
  4. Tip 4Visit the Lotus Garden near West Lake, preferably in summer when lotuses are in full bloom. Be aware that some areas might be closed for evening shows. (7:15)
  5. Tip 5Walk or cycle around the 7km loop trail surrounding West Lake. Consider renting city bikes, but you'll need a local Chinese mobile number and app. (11:00)
  6. Tip 6Explore the Woolen night market near West Lake for a diverse range of street food and shopping options. Note that it can get crowded, especially in the evenings. (13:02)

Eoin And Aisling's China adventure begins in Hangzhou! Their journey starts with a serene boat ride on the iconic West Lake, culminating at the stunning Three Pools Mirroring the Moon island. Despite a slightly early visit for the Lotus Garden, its beauty still captivated them. The day concludes with an exhilarating exploration of a bustling night market, where they sample an array of delicious street food, including the adventurous bullfrog. Get ready for breathtaking skylines and authentic cultural experiences!

More about the current video:( 14 / 28 )

We Can't Believe China Looks Like This!

This vlog by Eoin And Aisling documents their captivating exploration of Hangzhou, China. Their adventure begins with a boat trip across the iconic West Lake, a journey highlighted by the breathtaking views and the charming traditional architecture of the boats themselves. The highlight of the boat trip was undoubtedly the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon island, a picturesque location that exceeded their expectations in both size and beauty. The island offered a tranquil escape, filled with well-maintained paths, soothing traditional music, and stunning stone pagodas. Despite the crowds, the serene atmosphere and the unique blend of nature and man-made structures created a memorable experience.

Their exploration continued to the Lotus Garden, although slightly early for peak bloom, the lotuses still added to the charm of the West Lake. They discovered, to their surprise, that lotuses were abundant throughout the lake area, not confined to the garden. This unexpected discovery led to a delightful walk along the beautifully paved loop trail around the lake, a path perfect for cycling or walking, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding mountains. The contrast between the modern city and the natural beauty of the lake left a lasting impression.

The day concluded with a visit to the vibrant Woolen night market, a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and smells. Eoin And Aisling sampled a variety of street food, including sizzling chicken and the adventurous bullfrog, which, while delicious in flavor, proved a bit challenging due to the abundance of bones. The market's well-designed covered areas provided a welcome respite from the rain, adding to the overall positive experience. The vlog captures not only the stunning sights of Hangzhou but also the authentic experiences and personal insights of Eoin And Aisling, offering viewers a glimpse into the beauty and vibrancy of this Chinese city.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the cost of the boat trip?
A: It was 70 yuan per person, which is really affordable.
Q: What's the best time to visit the Lotus Garden?
A: Summer is the best time to visit because the lotuses are in full bloom.
Q: What was the bullfrog like?
A: It was tender and juicy, but there's a lot of bone and not much meat.
Q: How much did the food at the night market cost?
A: All that food was only 68 yuan!

Hangzhou Exploration: West Lake, Night Markets & Local Culture

Hangzhou adventure: West Lake boat ride, night market delights, and cultural immersion leave Eoin and Aisling amazed!

Hangzhou West Lake: Boat Trip, Island Exploration & Night Market

Eoin and Aisling's China adventure begins in Hangzhou! Their journey starts with a serene boat ride on West Lake, taking in the iconic Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. They explore the Lotus Garden, despite it not being in full bloom, and then dive into the vibrant energy of a nearby night market. Foodies will love their street food adventure, from sizzling chicken to adventurous bullfrog. Get ready for breathtaking city views and a captivating glimpse into local culture!

Attractions in this video: West Lake, Three Pools Mirroring The Moon, Lotus Garden