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Hangzhou definitely tops my China travel bucket list now

Dec 17, 2024

Hangzhou  

Hangzhou
Two weeks ago, a Chanel fashion show displayed the dazzling beauty and picturesque scenery of Hangzhou's West Lake to the world.

Three weeks ago, an event titled "Hangzhou, A Window to China’s 5000 Years: Serial Overseas Promotion Activities of Hangzhou League of International Students" at New York University resonated deeply with Gao, a Hangzhou native who is studying in the United States. "After viewing the Hangzhou promotional video, I felt completely satisfied!" Gao exclaimed, "Hangzhou is abundant with beautiful locales. As a local, I am genuinely proud and wish for more people to discover the charm of my hometown."

Since November 25th, the "Hangzhoufeel and the Returned Overseas Chinese Federation of Hangzhou" have embarked on an international promotional tour, touching down in New York, Waterloo in Canada, Brisbane in Australia, and London in the UK. In partnership with GaGro and local student unions, they have been spreading the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and showcasing Hangzhou's distinctive historical legacy and contemporary allure to a global audience of students. This initiative has not only provided a balm for the homesickness of individuals like Gao but also introduced many new friends to the multifaceted allure of Hangzhou through a series of engaging activities.

The Multifaceted Charm of Hangzhou in Light and Shadow
Gao, a first-year graduate student at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, has spent half a decade in the United States. When it comes to describing his hometown, Hangzhou, he often finds himself in awkward situations. "Hangzhou boasts a rich culture and breathtaking scenery, a blend of classical elegance and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. Yet, when I mention its geographical location, people draw a blank," Gao laments, feeling his beloved city is unjustly overlooked.
Following the inaugural event at New York University, Gao experienced a sense of triumph. Alongside more than 70 students from various corners of the globe, he savored tea and delicacies like West Lake lotus root powder, and immersed themselves in high-quality video programs that showcased Hangzhou's diverse allure, revealing the city's multifaceted charm to an appreciative audience.

"Hangzhou, for a Better Asia" is a captivating city promotional video that invites viewers to journey alongside athletes, exploring Hangzhou's seasonal landscapes and its distinctive local offerings. By following Hangzhoufeel to the third Global Digital Trade Expo, one can discover the technological wonders and conveniences that innovation brings to life. The video also allows us with a visual tour to experience the timeless scenery of Lin'an, the promising development in Linping, the aromatic Jingshan tea in Yuhang, and the smooth whiskey crafted from the pristine waters of Thousand Islands Lake in Chun'an.

From sweeping vistas to the intimate details of daily life, the video captures the essence of Hangzhou through the eyes of its residents. The playful squirrels by West Lake, the majestic red walls of Deshou Palace, the little kids hiding among the lush screens of the Hangzhou Branch of the National Archives of Publications and Culture (affectionately known as "Wenrun Pavilion"), and the Damalong market blanketed in snow are just a few of the scenes that paint a vivid picture of the city's diverse "faces." These award-winning images from the Hangzhou Citizen Photography Festival were looped playback at the event venue, offering a glimpse into the multifaceted soul of Hangzhou.

These award-winning images from the Hangzhou Citizen Photography Festival were looped playback
After the screening, Lee, an Indian volunteer in New York, sighed with relief, saying he was healed by the scenery of Hangzhou. "I when you want a break from city life, I think Hangzhou could be a very therapeutic place to visit.”
"Beauty" is Kate's first impression of Hangzhou. After watching a series of Hangzhou videos at the University of Waterloo in Canada, this Canadian girl who had lived in Suzhou for two years felt a little "annoyed": "I lived in Suzhou for about two years. But I didn't realize that Hanzhou was so close yet so beautiful !" As a software engineer, Kate also noticed the technological development of Hangzhou, focusing on its vitality and innovative environment
Carina, also in Canada, said she was broadening her horizons: "At the beginning, I honestly didn't know much about Hangzhou at all. Attending the event really definitely open my eyes and it was really informative.But now I've seen from the videos about its technological innovation, tea culture, fashion industry, and sports events... This city really has many facets!"
Tasting Dim Sum, Watching Song and Dance, Drawing Ink Portraits Experiencing Creative Chinese Culture
The event is a feast for the senses, with delectable cuisine, enchanting music, and the artful strokes of ink painting. It's a celebration where traditional Chinese elements are given a creative twist, bringing them to life in a modern contex
At the New York event, the star attraction was undoubtedly the ink portrait painting booth. Nancy, a Mongolian girl donning her traditional attire, arrived with her friends and took a seat, eagerly awaiting her turn. The artist, Duncan, focused intently, his brush dancing across the paper with ink, deftly capturing the spirit of his subjects with just a few masterful strokes.

The star attraction was undoubtedly the ink portrait painting booth.

In addition, there was the engaging and ancient Liangzhu-themed coloring game, which featured the most iconic sacred human-animal motif from the Liangzhu culture. Participants could unleash their creativity by coloring in the motifs according to their personal preference, resulting in a one-of-a-kind Liangzhu logo. This New York event coincided with the second "Liangzhu Forum" in Hangzhou, creating a fascinating dialogue between two cities situated at opposite ends of the globe.


In Brisbane, Australia, the event offered a taste of Hangzhou with the aromatic Longjing tea and the delicate flavors of mung bean cake, accompanied by the enduring beauty of classical dances and the melodic performances of Jiangnan silk and bamboo music. Wang Yanan, a biology Ph.D. candidate studying in Australia and a classical dancer, captivated the audience with her performance of "Longing," her movements fluid and full of emotion, vividly portraying the protagonist's profound yearning for her beloved.

Sunny, a junior at the University of Queensland, savored the Longjing tea and mung bean cake, and with that, the name "Hangzhou" transformed from a distant concept into a vivid reality. Having relocated to Australia at the age of 13 with her parents, she had always been fascinated by the stories of Chinese cities. "For eight years in Australia, I've heard tales of Hangzhou's stunning landscapes and delectable cuisine," she remarked. "The experience at this event was every bit as wonderful as I had imagined. Hangzhou definitely tops my China travel bucket list now."

At the London event, which concluded on December 12th, Fred, a student from Burma, captured his vision of Hangzhou on a blank fan with a painter's touch. His artwork featured a steaming cup of aromatic Jingshan tea, the expansive waters of West Lake with its sweeping bridges, a cutting-edge robot dog symbolizing technological progress, and the serene pleasure of cycling through bamboo forests. Reflecting on his creation, Fred said, "Hangzhou boasts not only the picturesque West Lake but also a modern cityscape, brimming with vibrancy and offering a cultural experience distinct from my own hometown. This has heightened my anticipation for what Hangzhou has to offer."
Welcome to Join "Hangzhou Overseas Students League Embark on a Journey of Discovery in Hangzhou
" Hangzhou League of Int'l Students " is a warm and supportive  sharing platform launched by Hangzhoufeel. We welcome Chinese students abroad and international students in Hangzhou to follow @hangzhoufeel on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or to sign up to become a member of the league by emailing to hangzhoufeel@126.com. Join us and experience a unique Hangzhoufeel.
Source: Hangzhoufeel

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