Hangzhou Travel Vlog: West Lake, Street Food & Modern City

First Impressions of Hangzhou, China: Where Nature Meets Urban City

Destination:ChinaCity:HangzhouPopulation:12.4 million
First Impressions of Hangzhou, China: Where Nature Meets Urban City
Eoin and Aisling2024-09-0822 min

Join us on an unforgettable journey through the beautiful city of Hangzhou! From the serene waters of West Lake to the lively city streets, we explore Hangzhou’s incredible mix of nature, culture, and modern vibes. We dive into the local street food scene, trying delicious scallion-stuffed bread and our all-time favorite potato snacks! Plus, we take you to Hangzhou's Old Street, witness some stunning traditional Chinese architecture, and check out the futuristic skyline lit up at night. Exploring West Lake & sampling street food. Visiting Hangzhou's version of Shibuya Crossing. Wandering through ancient streets with modern twists. Trying out delicious pork dumplings & noodles. Checking out massive skyscrapers at night.

--- Eoin and Aisling
September 8, 2024, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Arrival in Hangzhou
  2. 0:29Hubin Yintai shopping district
  3. 3:24West Lake sneak peek
  4. 6:25Street food sampling
  5. 8:07Hangzhou's Shibuya Crossing
  6. 12:33Hefang Old Street exploration
  7. 18:36Authentic Hangzhou food
  8. 19:17Hangzhou skyscrapers
  9. 21:27Final thoughts on Hangzhou

Eoin And Aisling explore Hangzhou's stunning West Lake, savor delicious street food, and are amazed by the city's blend of ancient and modern architecture. A memorable first impression!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Observe how people interact differently in big crowds. It's fascinating to watch how they maneuver through each other in busy areas. (2:10)
  2. Tip 2China maintains exceptionally clean public spaces with many sparkling clean bins readily available, making walking around very pleasant. (4:36)
  3. Tip 3Be patient when in China, as getting anywhere quickly or obtaining anything immediately is often not the case. (9:30)
  4. Tip 4Many men in Hangzhou are seen wearing their t-shirts rolled up, perhaps to stay cool in the heat, or it could be a fashion trend. (14:30)
  5. Tip 5Food in tourist areas is often much more expensive than in local areas. It's worthwhile to explore beyond tourist spots to find more authentic and affordable food. (17:49)
  6. Tip 6Always worth taking a walk outside of the main tourist areas to discover more authentic local experiences and better prices. (19:04)

Eoin And Aisling's Hangzhou adventure begins with a captivating blend of modern and traditional. From the bustling Hubin Yintai shopping district with its massive LED screen to the serene beauty of West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site, they experience the city's unique contrasts. Aisling's delight at unexpectedly seeing West Lake early is palpable. They savor delicious street food, including scallion-stuffed bread and Aisling's beloved spicy baby potatoes, and encounter the familiar comfort of Mixue. Exploring Hefang Street, a blend of old and new, and marveling at futuristic skyscrapers completes their whirlwind first day.

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First Impressions of Hangzhou, China: Where Nature Meets Urban City

This video follows Eoin And Aisling as they explore Hangzhou, China, for the first time. Their journey begins in the vibrant Hubin Yintai shopping district, where a massive LED screen and bustling crowds create a lively atmosphere. They navigate the busy streets, observing the unique interactions of people in a large city. The video highlights the unexpected discovery of West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a stunning contrast to the urban landscape.

Eoin And Aisling's exploration continues with a delightful foray into Hangzhou's street food scene. They sample local delicacies such as scallion-stuffed bread and Aisling's favorite spicy baby potatoes, sharing their enthusiastic reactions to the flavors. The video captures their appreciation for the cleanliness of the city and the abundance of readily available bins.

Their adventure takes them to Hangzhou's version of Shibuya Crossing, a smaller-scale but equally captivating intersection. The area evokes a distinctly Japanese atmosphere, surprising and delighting them with its unique blend of sights and sounds. They indulge in refreshing drinks from Mixue, a popular Asian ice cream and tea shop, and reflect on the patience required in navigating busy Chinese streets.

The exploration continues to Hefang Street, known as the old or ancient street, where traditional architecture and modern elements coexist. The video showcases the beauty of the area, with calming music playing in the background. They encounter a surprising discovery – a cleverly disguised store entrance designed to mimic a theme park attraction.

Eoin And Aisling's journey concludes with a visit to the city's modern skyline, where towering skyscrapers light up the night. They share their amazement at the sheer scale of these buildings, particularly one massive apartment block housing thousands of residents, many of whom are reportedly live streamers and social media influencers. The video ends with their reflections on their first impressions of Hangzhou, highlighting its unique blend of nature, culture, and modern life.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was your favorite street food?
A: Definitely the spicy baby potatoes! They were amazing.
Q: What surprised you most about Hangzhou?
A: Probably how clean the city was and how many bins there were everywhere!
Q: What's your opinion on the men's fashion trend of rolled up shirts?
A: I'm not sure, maybe it's to stay cool, or it could just be a fashion trend. I'm curious to know what people think!

Hangzhou Travel Vlog: West Lake, Street Food & Modern City

Hangzhou: West Lake's serenity meets urban energy. Delicious street food, stunning architecture, and unforgettable first impressions.

Hangzhou Travel Vlog: West Lake, Street Food & Modern Skyline

Eoin and Aisling's first impressions of Hangzhou are nothing short of captivating. Their journey takes viewers through a vibrant tapestry of ancient streets blending seamlessly with a futuristic skyline. Foodies will delight in their exploration of local street food, from savory scallion bread to irresistible potato snacks and mouthwatering dumplings. A serene boat cruise on West Lake offers a tranquil escape, contrasting beautifully with the bustling energy of Shibuya-esque crossings. This is a captivating visual story of a city where tradition and modernity intertwine.

Attractions in this video: West Lake, Hefang Street