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Jiayi and Julie's Chinese New Year adventure in Hangzhou is a lively mix of busy markets, ancient architecture, and heartwarming encounters. From exploring the oldest mosque in East Asia to discovering hidden side streets and charming temples, their journey is filled with unique details and personal insights. Witness their interactions with locals, their delight in handmade crafts, and their humorous mishaps along the way, all captured in this engaging vlog.
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The visit
Join Jiayi and Julie In China as they embark on a engaging exploration of Hangzhou's Chinese New Year markets, a lively celebration of the Year of the Dragon. Their journey begins at a busy market near an ancient mosque, where Jiayi's short dress prevents them from entering, leaving a promise to return another day. The vlog then takes us through a charming street filled with old buildings, quaint shops, and cafes, showcasing the unique blend of old and new in Hangzhou. Jiayi's passion for Chinese pottery is evident as she browses a vintage clothing store, filled with unique finds and band t-shirts. Julie's playful declaration of wanting to live in the hallway adds a touch of humor to their adventure. Their exploration continues with the discovery of handmade marshmallows, a quirky Peppa Pig-shaped treat, and a fascinating paper-cutting art booth. A significant moment is their purchase of handmade stamps, hand-carved with their names in Chinese characters, a personalized souvenir of their trip. The vlog then shifts to a more touristy area, where they offer a balanced perspective, suggesting that while it's worth a visit, purchasing items there might not be the best idea. They navigate a side street leading to a beautiful church, only to find it closed for the day, but they still manage to enjoy the festive atmosphere and the surrounding tanghulu (candied fruit) stalls, though they caution against purchasing burnt ones. Next, they visit a location near the old city drum tower, admiring the dragon decorations, and Jiayi humorously recounts a moment where Jay was secretly filming her instead of taking pictures. Their culinary adventure continues with a disappointing attempt at a marshmallow-covered ice cream snack, highlighting the importance of avoiding tourist traps when trying local cuisine.
What stands out
Their journey then takes them to the serene West Lake area, where they explore a temple New Year's market, admiring the early-blooming flowers and the temple's beautiful architecture. Jiayi even shares a candid moment of fixing her dry lips on camera, adding a relatable touch to the vlog. The vlog continues with more market explorations, highlighting the similarities between markets, but also pointing out the unique spiritual elements and local snacks found in this specific market. Jiayi notes that she was possibly the only foreigner there, adding to the authenticity of the experience. They encounter the famous West Lake squirrels, playful creatures that add a touch of unexpected charm to their day. The vlog showcases more dancing moments from Jiayi, a recurring theme throughout the video, reflecting her fun-loving personality. Their journey then leads them to the canals of Hangzhou, where they admire the traditional wooden houses, Hanfu photo studios, and the cozy atmosphere of the area. Jiayi's childlike wonder towards lights and sparkly things is endearingly showcased. The night scenes along the canal are striking, offering a different perspective on the city's beauty. They encounter a friendly cat, and the vlog concludes with a visit to a small shrine where they observe cats and a turtle, further enriching their cultural immersion. Overall, Jiayi and Julie's vlog provides a delightful and informative glimpse into the lively culture and festive atmosphere of Hangzhou during Chinese New Year.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What did Jiayi and Julie find at the New Year markets?
- A: They visited markets near an old mosque and the West Lake temple area, and saw food stalls, handmade crafts and festive decorations.
- Q: What handmade souvenir did the travelers buy?
- A: They bought stamps hand-carved with their names in Chinese characters from a paper-cutting art booth.
- Q: What can visitors see beside Hangzhou’s canals?
- A: The evening walk includes traditional wooden houses and Hanfu photo studios, as well as small shrines with cats and a turtle.
