Wuxi Travel Vlog: Exploring Hidden Gems & Ancient Towns

I explored China's Hidden City | Wuxi

Destination:ChinaProvince:JiangsuCity:Wuxi
I explored China's Hidden City | Wuxi
shawneydepp2024-06-0618 min

To be honest, China is not really on my radar when it comes to the list of places I'd like to visit. However, I had the pleasure to shoot a marketing campaign with Jetstar Asia, to promote Wuxi, China as an up and coming destination. This is sort of a behind-the-scenes and my personal experience through this relatively unheard city in China.

This is my personal experience through this relatively unheard city in China.

Hailan Pegasus Water City

Huishan Ancient Town

Best cherry blossom spot in China

Amazing Hotpot

Three Kingdoms City

Lingshan Grand Buddha

Bloody awesome Earth Pot Chicken

Nianhua Bay

Yixing Tea Plantation

Yixing Bamboo Sea

Qingming Bridge Historical District

Daytrip to Suzhou

Overcrowded Garden

Pingjiang Road - so scenic!

Overall Thoughts

--- shawneydepp
June 6, 2024, Summer in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00How I ended up in Wuxi
  2. 1:06Hailan Pegasus Water City
  3. 1:58Huishan Ancient Town
  4. 5:39Best cherry blossom spot in China
  5. 5:59Amazing Hotpot
  6. 7:38Three Kingdoms City
  7. 8:37Lingshan Grand Buddha
  8. 9:16Bloody awesome Earth Pot Chicken
  9. 10:46Nianhua Bay
  10. 11:35Yixing Tea Plantation
  11. 12:13Yixing Bamboo Sea
  12. 12:54Qingming Bridge Historical District
  13. 13:24Daytrip to Suzhou
  14. 13:53Overcrowded Garden
  15. 14:46Pingjiang Road - so scenic!
  16. 16:10Overall Thoughts
  17. 17:03Wireless Mic I've been using

Shawneydepp explores Wuxi, China's hidden gem! From stunning canals to delicious hotpot and the majestic Grand Buddha, it's a captivating journey filled with unexpected delights and local charm.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Observe locals practicing Tai Chi in the park for a glimpse into daily Chinese life. It's a classic and peaceful scene. (2:09)
  2. Tip 2Huishan Ancient Town offers a captivating blend of old-school Chinatown vibes and delicious street food. However, be prepared for large crowds, especially on weekends. (3:40)
  3. Tip 3Indulge in the delicious grilled oysters generously coated with garlic. The succulent oyster flesh and the flavorful garlic create a burst of taste. (4:20)
  4. Tip 4Never underestimate the joy of a hotpot dinner. The variety of ingredients and the communal aspect make it a truly memorable experience. (6:02)
  5. Tip 5Try the Earth Pot Chicken, a traditional dish cooked in an earthen pot, creating a rich and flavorful experience. The chicken is marinated to perfection. (9:18)
  6. Tip 6Visit the Yixing tea plantation for a tranquil escape and learn about the traditional tea-picking process from local experts. It's a peaceful experience. (11:38)
  7. Tip 7Explore the Yixing Bamboo Sea, a serene bamboo forest that offers a sense of calm and tranquility. Remember to respect the environment and avoid damaging the bamboo. (12:16)
  8. Tip 8While the Administrator's Garden in Suzhou is undeniably beautiful, be prepared for large crowds that might impact your overall experience. Consider visiting during off-peak hours. (14:13)
  9. Tip 9Wander through the charming Pingjiang Road historical district with its narrow streets, canals, and boats. It offers a picturesque and authentic experience. (14:56)

Shawneydepp's Wuxi adventure wasn't just a marketing campaign; it was a journey of surprising discoveries. From the Venice-like Hailan Pegasus Water City to the bustling Huishan Ancient Town, Shawneydepp uncovered a city brimming with hidden charm. The video captures breathtaking cherry blossoms, delicious hotpot feasts, and the awe-inspiring Lingshan Grand Buddha. But it's the unexpected moments – like the chaotic yet captivating Huishan Ancient Town and the unforgettable Earth Pot Chicken – that truly elevate this travelogue.

More about the current video:( 1 / 4 )

I explored China's Hidden City | Wuxi

This video documents Shawneydepp's unexpected journey to Wuxi, China, a city initially outside their travel plans. The trip, a work assignment for Jetstar Asia, transformed into a personal exploration of this relatively unknown Chinese city.

Shawneydepp's initial impressions of Wuxi were shaped by its resemblance to Venice, with charming canals and peaceful vibes. The Hailan Pegasus Water City, a highlight of the trip, offered a unique blend of Chinese and Venetian aesthetics. The city's nighttime illumination transformed the landscape into a breathtaking spectacle.

A visit to Huishan Ancient Town provided a stark contrast, showcasing the vibrant energy of a traditional Chinese market. Despite the crowds, Shawneydepp appreciated the authentic atmosphere and diverse street food offerings. The experience highlighted the challenges of balancing work commitments with the desire for a more leisurely exploration.

Among the culinary highlights were the unique salty tea, a surprising taste experience, and an amazing hotpot feast. The Earth Pot Chicken, a traditional dish cooked on the ground, proved to be a memorable culinary highlight.

Beyond the city's urban landscape, Shawneydepp explored natural beauty, including a visit to a cherry blossom spot known for its stunning blooms. Although the timing wasn't ideal for optimal viewing, the beauty of the location still shone through. The trip also included visits to the Three Kingdoms City, a television filming location; the Lingshan Grand Buddha, a significant landmark; and Nianhua Bay, known for its night illuminations.

The exploration extended beyond Wuxi with a day trip to Suzhou, where Shawneydepp experienced both the beauty and the overwhelming crowds of the national gardens. The journey concluded with a visit to the Pingjiang Road historical district, showcasing the charm of narrow streets and canals.

Shawneydepp's overall impression of Wuxi was one of a city with its own unique charm, a local feel, and relatively few international tourists. While acknowledging the limitations of a work trip, Shawneydepp expressed a renewed interest in exploring more of China, both well-known and lesser-known destinations.

Wuxi Travel Vlog: Exploring Hidden Gems & Ancient Towns

Shawneydepp explores Wuxi's hidden gems, from ancient towns to breathtaking gardens, leaving with a newfound appreciation for China's beauty.

Wuxi Travel Guide: Canals, Buddha, & Hidden Gems

Shawneydepp, initially not considering China as a travel destination, unexpectedly found themselves filming a marketing campaign in Wuxi. This vlog offers a behind-the-scenes look and personal experience of this lesser-known Chinese city. The journey includes exploring the Hailan Pegasus Water City, Huishan Ancient Town, a stunning cherry blossom spot, delightful hotpot, Three Kingdoms City, Lingshan Grand Buddha, Earth Pot Chicken, Nianhua Bay, Yixing Tea Plantation, Yixing Bamboo Sea, Qingming Bridge Historical District, and even a day trip to Suzhou's Pingjiang Road. The video concludes with overall thoughts on the trip.

Attractions in this video: Hailang Pegasus Water City, Huishan Ancient Town, Lingshan Grand Buddha, Three Kingdoms City, Nianhuabay, Yixing Tea Plantation, Yixing Bamboo Sea, Qingming Bridge Historical District