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What’s China REALLY like?! | First time in HANGZHOU travel vlog 🇨🇳
Hangzhou Travel Vlog: Lingyin Temple & Leifeng Pagoda Views
In this video we're blown away by the history of Hangzhou, China. We explore mountain cave carvings at Lingyin temple and take the escalator up to Leifeng Pagoda to enjoy the panoramic views of the West Lake and Hangzhou's mountains.
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In this video we're blown away by the history of Hangzhou, China. We explore mountain cave carvings at Lingyin temple and take the escalator up to Leifeng Pagoda to enjoy the panoramic views of the West Lake and Hangzhou's mountains.
We’re Dom and Emma! For over a decade, we’ve been traveling the world together, turning our love for adventure into a way of life. We started out backpacking through Southeast Asia, but in 2016, vanlife became our thing—partly so we could bring our pug, Percy, along for the journey.
Since then, we’ve lived out of everything from a tiny kei car camper during three months of vanlife in Japan to larger vans exploring Europe, with highlights in the Alps, Dolomites, and Germany. We’ve also spent years living in Thailand, working as teachers and digital nomads in Chiang Mai and Phayao, soaking up the culture and making it our second home.
Join Dom and Emma as they embark on an unforgettable adventure in Hangzhou, China! Prepare to be captivated by the ancient history and breathtaking scenery. Witness the awe-inspiring mountain cave carvings at Lingyin Temple and ascend to the Leifeng Pagoda for stunning panoramic views of the West Lake and surrounding mountains. This vlog promises an immersive experience into the heart of China's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
In this video we're blown away by the history of Hangzhou, China. We explore mountain cave carvings at Lingyin temple and take the escalator up to Leifeng Pagoda to enjoy the panoramic views of the West Lake and Hangzhou's mountains.
We’re Dom and Emma! For over a decade, we’ve been traveling the world together, turning our love for adventure into a way of life. We started out backpacking through Southeast Asia, but in 2016, vanlife became our thing—partly so we could bring our pug, Percy, along for the journey.
Since then, we’ve lived out of everything from a tiny kei car camper during three months of vanlife in Japan to larger vans exploring Europe, with highlights in the Alps, Dolomites, and Germany. We’ve also spent years living in Thailand, working as teachers and digital nomads in Chiang Mai and Phayao, soaking up the culture and making it our second home.
This video takes viewers on a journey through the historic and vibrant city of Hangzhou, China, as experienced by the traveler Always Away. The visit coincided with a major holiday, resulting in unprecedented crowds, particularly at Lingyin Temple. Despite the throngs of people, the sheer age and artistry of the temple's cave carvings, some nearly a thousand years old, were profoundly impressive, with the guide providing invaluable context about the statues and their significance.
The guide explained the symbolism behind various figures, like the Tibetan Buddha of Wealth adorned with a crown and accessories, and the significance of the goddess of mercy. The group learned about the temple's 1700-year history, its original entrance, and the tradition of receiving free incense sticks, each representing Buddha, teachings, and monks. They also observed the four heavenly kings guarding the temple and the practice of walking clockwise around sacred spaces.
Later, the exploration moved to the Leifeng Pagoda, which, despite being a modern rebuild after its destruction in 2002, offered stunning panoramic views of the West Lake and the surrounding mountains. The convenience of escalators and lifts made the ascent accessible, allowing for a more relaxed appreciation of the scenery. Inside, the third floor was dedicated to ancient stone carvings depicting a local fairy tale, adding a layer of cultural depth to the visit.
The journey also included a stop at a Starbucks, where the travelers noted the surprisingly lower prices for merchandise like mugs, likely due to local manufacturing. They also received a unique, oversized fabric bag as a freebie, a quirky souvenir. The video highlights the efficiency and helpfulness of TripO, a tour company that aims to make travel in China stress-free by providing knowledgeable local guides who assist with navigation and cultural nuances.
Finally, the group visited the Jingci Temple, an emperor's temple dedicated to Emperor Kwani. Here, they learned about the symbolism of the stone lions guarding temple entrances, with the female lion distinguished by a ball and the male by a cup, representing authority. A notable feature of this temple is its large bell, gifted by Japan, which the travelers rang for good luck. The temple also featured a "shower Buddha" ritual, where cleansing Buddha statues is believed to purify the soul, performed in multiples of three for good fortune. The experience underscored the rich history, intricate cultural practices, and surprising modern conveniences found in Hangzhou.
Always Away's first-time adventure in Hangzhou, China, is a captivating dive into history and culture, despite being overwhelmed by holiday crowds. From the ancient cave carvings at Lingyin Temple to the modern ascent of Leifeng Pagoda offering breathtaking West Lake views, the journey is filled with discovery. Joined by a guide and a new travel companion, they explore sacred traditions, symbolic statues, and even enjoy a Starbucks with unique local finds, all while appreciating the blend of old and new.
First-time visitor explores historic Hangzhou, China, marveling at ancient temples, pagodas, and cultural traditions despite holiday crowds. A journey of discovery and appreciation.
Hangzhou Travel Vlog: Temples, Pagodas, and West Lake Views
1:33 Statues holding bowls are used to catch and imprison dragons, a common motif in the caves.
2:37 Rubbing the foot of the Tibetan Buddha of Wealth is believed to bring good luck for your finances.
4:53 The large, smiling Buddha is placed at the front of temples to greet visitors warmly.
6:01 Temples often offer free incense sticks, typically three per person, symbolizing Buddha, teachings, and monks.
14:47 Stone lions guard temple entrances; the male has a ball (authority), the female a cup (nurturing).
17:04 The 'shower Buddha' ritual involves cleansing Buddha statues, believed to cleanse the soul, done in multiples of three.
1:33 Statues holding bowls are used to catch and imprison dragons, a common motif in the caves.
2:37 Rubbing the foot of the Tibetan Buddha of Wealth is believed to bring good luck for your finances.
4:53 The large, smiling Buddha is placed at the front of temples to greet visitors warmly.
6:01 Temples often offer free incense sticks, typically three per person, symbolizing Buddha, teachings, and monks.
14:47 Stone lions guard temple entrances; the male has a ball (authority), the female a cup (nurturing).
17:04 The 'shower Buddha' ritual involves cleansing Buddha statues, believed to cleanse the soul, done in multiples of three.
0:13 Overcrowded but worth it
1:18 Exploring Lingyin Temple caves
2:34 Tibetan Buddha of Wealth
4:35 Lingyin Temple's 1700th anniversary
6:01 Free incense sticks
9:31 Leifeng Pagoda and West Lake
12:27 Ancient fairy tale carvings
14:25 Jingci Temple exploration
15:12 Temple's famous bell
17:01 Shower Buddha ritual
0:13 Overcrowded but worth it
1:18 Exploring Lingyin Temple caves
2:34 Tibetan Buddha of Wealth
4:35 Lingyin Temple's 1700th anniversary
6:01 Free incense sticks
9:31 Leifeng Pagoda and West Lake
12:27 Ancient fairy tale carvings
14:25 Jingci Temple exploration
15:12 Temple's famous bell
17:01 Shower Buddha ritual
2 passports 1 dream上海中国travel vlogair chinachinese airlinecheap flightcheapest travelfirst time chinabritish chinakara and natechinese travelchina travel vlog中国美食chinese street foodtourist chinatravel to chinawhat does china look likefake market chinacan i visit chinachina 144 visachina first impressionschina train中国初印象夜行夫妇What was the most crowded place visited?
Lingyin Temple was incredibly busy due to a holiday, making it the most crowded place experienced.
What made the cave carvings so impressive?
The carvings were nearly a thousand years old and incredibly detailed, making them the most impressive the traveler had ever seen.
Why is the Tibetan Buddha associated with wealth?
He is depicted with a crown and more accessories, signifying wealth and prosperity, and his foot is rubbed for good luck.
What is the significance of the free incense sticks at temples?
Each of the three free sticks represents Buddha, Buddhist teachings, and monks, and they are typically burned together.
What was unique about the Leifeng Pagoda visit?
It featured escalators and lifts for easy access to the top, offering panoramic views of West Lake, and housed ancient carvings on its third floor.
Why are Starbucks mugs cheaper in China?
It's likely because they are manufactured in China, making them more cost-effective than in other countries.
What is the symbolism of the stone lions at temple entrances?
They act as protectors; the male lion has a ball representing authority, while the female has a cup, symbolizing nurturing.
What is the 'shower Buddha' ritual?
It involves cleansing Buddha statues, which is believed to cleanse one's soul. It's performed three times for luck.
