China's 'So-Called' Influencer Cities: Wallet-Friendly or Tourist Trap?

[Kevin Harris]

Here you go, let me explain it clearly so that even foreigners can understand what's happening!

• Xian:

  • I lived in Xian for over a year, and overall, I felt that the food, drinking, entertainment, and leisure activities were just average.
  • You could see many tourists wearing Hanfu (a traditional Chinese style of clothing, many people like to wear it to take photos against the background of the ancient city walls) everywhere. The whole city gave me the impression of being a huge shopping street where every few steps, there was a mall.
  • As for the food, I don't think it's particularly good. It's said that the local 'mo' (a kind of flatbread), is rather good, but I never had one. As for noodles, opinions vary widely. The good ones were definitely distinct and flavorful, but I tasted some really bad ones that made me want to spit it out right away (I guess it was mixed with good and bad).
  • It also didn't have any decent amusement parks.
  • Advantages:
    • Honestly, the metro system was very convenient, and you could get almost anywhere you wanted to go.
    • There are quite a few concerts and sports games as well.
  • Travel suggestions:
    • If you have a deep interest in Chinese ancient capital culture, Xian will do just fine, as several dynasties have declared it their capital, and many historical sites are located here, such as the terracotta Warriors;
    • Note: However, if you are not particularly interested in history and culture, it might disappoint you.

• Hangzhou:

  • Going to Hangzhou in summer, one word describes it best : hot! The first time I went there, I arrived at midnight around 11 o'clock, so hot that I couldn't even smoke outside, I had to hide in the car because I felt like I would be cooked every second outside. This was the first time I got sun-sensitive dermatitis in my life and yes, it was all in Hangzhou.
  • Transportation complaints (in 2021): The subway system was inconvenient. Large areas like Gongshu District and Yuhang District had poor coverage. (There may be improvements now; if you want to go, please check the latest information.)
  • The food wasn't particularly special either. I would say it was "a desert of deliciousness" (nothing delicious there).
  • But, there are many fashionable and charming young men and women on the streets here.
  • Travel suggestions:
    • If you are working in the internet field or looking for opportunities in this industry, Hangzhou is worth trying because it has many technology companies.
    • Otherwise, I wouldn't really recommend it as a pure travel destination.
    • Warning: Be sure to take precautions against heat stroke during the summer season and beware of the strong UV radiation!

• Chengdu:

  • Chengdu feels like a city with youth, vitality, and a bit like a huge community. It’s known for its slow-paced lifestyle and giant pandas.
  • There are plenty of night life and entertainment choices, and many young people live there too.
  • In terms of food, there weren't any particularly surprising delights (I can find similar tasting food in many good restaurants) .Mainly due to its overhyping online, first-time visitors may end up with higher expectations followed by some disappointment.
  • Travel suggestions:
    • Aside from "the filters of internet influencers" (overly glamorized impression), everything else here is great.
    • Travel cost is relatively fair here as well, where you would only need to spend minimally to enjoy it fully. Many scenic places around Chengdu are notable, such as the Leshan Grand Buddha and Emei Mountain.
    • Note: Don't set too high expectations before coming, that way you can still have a good experience.

• Changsha:

  • The tourist experience in Changsha is just average.
  • The food is not bad, but there really aren't any particularly breathtaking dishes. Mainly because of Hunan cuisine which is known for their spiciness.
  • Travel suggestions:
    • It could serve as a starting point to tour other parts of Hunan, or as your last stop before leaving. I wouldn't say it’s a primary travel destination though I believe nearby cities might be more fun. Say, Zhangjiajie (Avatar Mountains).
    • But! "The color of tea" (a local celebrity restaurant of Changsha) is simply irresistible! Going there just for the sake of that delicious drink is worth it, hehe!

• Beihai:

  • The place called 'Shili Yintan' (a famous beach), is actually rather dirty.
  • Warning: Street-side seafood restaurants can often be overpriced gouging tourism, you must be careful! Asking for the price before ordering is a must.
  • I went there during my high school days and felt the seafood was indeed cheap yet delicious. Accommodation costs were affordable too; renting out a small villa didn’t break my bank.
  • Suggested activities:
    • You can rent out an electric bike (small motorcycle) along the coast and ride while enjoying the sea breeze, which is particularly comfortable.
    • This seaside resort is pretty decent with great value if you don't usually see the ocean living inland like us.
  • PS: When I first arrived at Nanning (Capital City of Guanzhou, not far away from Beihai), the city air had this special smell, so I thought the environment was a bit weak. Later, I got to know it was the 'Snail Rice Noodles' flavor. Ha Ha! (It's a famous local delicacy from Jiangxi and has a distinct flavor, although not everyone likes it.)

• Guangzhou:

  • Unquestionably a shopping heaven! Countless items sold at lower prices and with countless shopping options.
  • The zoo and amusement park are also quite decent.
  • Food advice: Cantonese Cuisine (local Guangdong cuisine) is typically mild with fresh flavors. If you usually like spicy or heavy-tasting dishes, you won't get used to this easily at first. I visited for over half-a-month and I ended up eating chain-hot pot all the time just to satisfy the craving of spicy food!
  • This is probably the most inclusive city out of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen (large cities here in China) where I've been to, so far!
  • In terms of travel costs, this is a median choice depending on your budget level. If not sure where to go yet, perhaps consider Guangzhou!

• Shanghai:

  • A big red warning! Don't come to Shanghai without enough money️️️ (I'll say it three times because it’s important!) As the cost of living is rather high here.
  • But if you have plenty at hand, Shanghai will be a wonderful destination for you being as modern as you can expect with many international restaurants and scenic spots.
  • However, if you do have limited budget, then traveling here in Shanghai is like a nightmare.
  • Note of Caution:
    • If you're coming to Shanghai for the first time, try to land at something other than Pudong International Airport (PVG)! It’s further from downtown and transportation may be more expensive and time-consuming, likely to confuse newbies. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) would be more convenient.

[April Corwin]

Let's discuss this rationally. These are just my personal opinions, specifically concerning the travel aspects of these cities. I'm not commenting on other aspects of these cities. This is mainly for friends who aren't familiar with these cities or are undecided about where to travel, to serve as a reference. Just figure out your priorities and choose accordingly. Every place has its interesting points; it all depends on whether those points personally appeal to you.

[Sammy Schiller]

I understand that many people feel uncomfortable when their own city or hometown is discussed, but no place is perfect. Some even come to my comments or DMs accusing me of regional bias or something similar, which is really unnecessary. Anyone who has actually visited these places would mostly agree that my points are quite fair. Travel guides are published to help people make choices. If you only want to hear the good and not the bad, you can look for destinations on marketing accounts, where every place is hyped up as a 'must-visit-in-your-lifetime' spot. Not everyone has unlimited money and time, and the objective tourism-related problems in these cities don't just vanish because I don't mention them. I'm pointing out what I consider the biggest pros and cons, and I'll objectively state the flaws even for places I like.

[Joanne Swift]

12. Most recommended—Guizhou: Let's start with the cons: Traffic is a real pain with frequent jams, subway coverage is limited, and attractions are quite spread out (there's not much to do in the downtown area itself). The time investment for travel isn't insignificant, but luckily, the distances aren't too extreme. The winter climate is the harshest and coldest I've experienced in any city, period – I'd be shivering when I woke up and shivering when I went to bed. The biggest plus is the food. Guiyang offers the widest variety, but for specific dishes, Zunyi and other cities might surpass Guiyang in taste and quality. The meat is fresh, vegetables are sweet, and prices are likely the lowest among the cities mentioned. In terms of overall taste, my friends from various places all rank it as number one. It's genuinely cool in the summer (except for Zunyi and Tongren, though even they are milder than many other cities). The distinctiveness of the cuisine means it might not be to everyone's taste, so it's a good idea to ask about specific ingredients or preparation methods when ordering. And I'm not just saying this because I've spent the most time in Guizhou, haha. I recommend visiting from May to September.

[April Corwin]

I disagree with this. Are you only saying that because your IP address is in Guizhou?

[Samuel Kihn]

I stayed in Xi'an for over a year and never tried 'mo' (steamed bun)? If you're truly a foodie who's good at seeking out local specialties, you should at least try it. Out of so many cities, you think Guiyang has the best food? That just shows your personal taste is quite narrow.

[Leland Erdman]

Yes, he said Guangdong isn't suitable for people who prefer strong flavors, but it's actually the opposite. Many people who like strong flavors often have a very inclusive palate and can enjoy both strong and mild tastes. Guangdong food isn't heavy on strong flavors, but it's undeniably delicious.

[Florence Stark]

So Chengdu has no distinctive food, huh? Alright then...

[Kristopher Schultz PhD]

I stayed in Chengdu for over half a year and always ate out with my local university classmates, who are true Chengdu natives. The places they recommended shouldn't have been bad. The food wasn't bad, it's just that there wasn't anything uniquely 'Chengdu' that you couldn't find outside the city.

[Carmen Willms]

8. Xinjiang: Incredibly beautiful if you go during the right season, but because it's so vast, you'll spend a lot of time on the road. Pack several outfits; you'll get enough social media content for two months. If you're short on time, don't consider this destination. It requires a specific season and at least ten days of travel to have a good experience.
9. Tibet: 'A land of Buddhist spirituality' sums it up, but it demands significant financial and time investment. Importantly, two or three women should absolutely not go alone; it's very dangerous (do your own research). People from plains areas might experience severe altitude sickness depending on their constitution, which can ruin the travel experience. The scenery is beautiful, and it's indeed a good travel destination, but I wouldn't go a second time. It doesn't hold a huge appeal for me.

[Lula Turner]

Is it really dangerous for just two or three women to go to Tibet? I was thinking of going by myself.

[Maryann Daniel IV]

Is it true that you can't go to Shanghai without a lot of money? I was thinking of staying in a youth hostel and exploring on my own for a couple of days, without buying much.

[Shawna Keebler-Satterfield]

Shanghai is a city built on consumer experiences. If you don't have money to spend, you can't experience it.

[Justin Zieme]

Hangzhou's subway system was quite decent back in 2022.

[Tanya Bogisich IV]

Compared to cities like Xi'an and Guangzhou, its coverage is still insufficient.

[Israel Koss]

It seems like nothing is good enough in your eyes.

[Pat Pagac]

He recommends his hometown the most.

[Orville DuBuque]

Every place has its downsides, but how come you never seem to discover the beauty?

[Kathryn Heller]

The point of making a guide is to show ordinary people what to focus on in different places, to avoid wasting money, especially for those on a tight budget or students. I'm not a professional travel reviewer; if I only said good things, how would I be different from a marketing account?

[Morris Schneider]

When you said Guangzhou is one of the most inclusive of the four major cities, if not THE most, I got the feeling you haven't actually been to that many places.