Hangzhou: Tourist Hotspots Packed, Malls Ghost Towns - What Gives?
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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.