Hangzhou: Tourist Hotspots Packed, Malls Ghost Towns - What Gives?
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Hello, fellow travelers!
After spending just two days in Hangzhou, I couldn't help but share some interesting observations that caught my attention during my visit.
Firstly, as the saying goes, “above there’s heaven, below there’s Suzhou and Hangzhou,” the reputation of Hangzhou truly reflects its renowned fame!
However, during these two days, I visited the exceedingly popular Lingyin Temple, a very famous Buddhist temple, and the well-known West Lake. To my absolute astonishment (no exaggeration), the crowds were overwhelming!
I was genuinely puzzled: it's still not weekend, why are there practically no limits to how many people gathered here? It struck me that most visitors were young adults—full of energy yet slightly cramped, ha-ha.Additionally, I strolled through the downtown area malls last night in search of some shopping.
Much to my amazement, the clothing stores were deserted, completely abandoned. On the contrary, restaurants seemed rather lively, with everybody intently enjoying their meals.
That left me pondering; if the nighttime shopping scene was lackluster, then where do locals go for some fun afterward?
️ Travel Tips / Heads-up:Crowded popular landmarks:
Even on weekdays, popular spots like Lingyin Temple or West Lake are jam-packed with tourists. Those who dislike crowds may face some psychological pressure, or perhaps wish for a few tranquil shots.To tackle this issue, one might try visiting these locations early in the day (before the arrival of tour groups); otherwise, embrace the bustling atmosphere with a relaxed mindset (despite the clamor).
Hopefully, my little discoveries will help you plan your Hangzhou trip better and enjoy your stay more effectively. Moreover, any Hangzhou locals out there are welcome to shed light on what locals enjoy in the evening!
#HeavenOnEarthSuzhouAndHangzhou #JiangnanSceneryInRainLooksLikeAPainting #TheBeautyOfWestLakeScenery #TourismViewCrowddingHead #OnePersonRelaxationSight#EverywhereIsCrowded
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I went last weekend and visited Xiaohe Straight Street in the evening. Honestly, it was a bit of a letdown.
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Xiaohe Straight Street is truly... something else now. It used to be our go-to spot for a relaxed evening stroll after dinner. Now, thanks to Xiaohongshu, it's an influencer hotspot, overrun with people doing the 'flower hairpin' trend and the whole vibe is just chaotic.
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Last weekend, I couldn't even squeeze through the entrance of the Intime Mall in the evening. And after wandering around for ages, I had to wait over 20 minutes just to use the restroom!
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Wow, really? Maybe I just live too far out. The Intime Mall at Wulin Square looked completely empty when I saw it.
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West Lake is like Hangzhou's superstar, complete with its own 'fan club' photographers. They'll camp out all night just for the perfect shot. If they see an ugly new sign put up, they'll immediately complain online, blasting it for bad aesthetics and 'damaging the image' of Hangzhou's beloved 'idol' – West Lake.
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Going out in Hangzhou is basically all about eating.
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Oh, really? Any good food recommendations then?
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A lot of malls close around 9 PM, but you'll still find plenty of people strolling by West Lake in the evening.
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True, it gets super crowded. It's a shame the night boat tours aren't running yet.
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Well, you can find malls anywhere. Who takes a high-speed train or a plane to Hangzhou just to go shopping in a mall? Aren't they all here for West Lake?
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Right now, the attractions are showcasing that classic Jiangnan scenery, so of course, they're crowded. Malls probably get busy during meal times too. For regular clothing brands, you can buy them at any nearby mall; no need to go to the touristy areas. Hot brands might draw crowds periodically due to their popularity. Hangzhou seems to be all about hype – a burst of marketing, a period of long queues, and then nothing once the buzz dies down.
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Attractions are usually free or just cost an entrance fee. But step into a mall, and you could easily spend anywhere from hundreds to thousands, even tens of thousands. Young people aren't foolish; it's tough for working folks to save money.
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Well, just head home in the evening then.
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Malls these days are pretty much just places to grab bubble tea, eat, or watch a movie.