While the 19th Asian Games electrifies Hangzhou with cutting-edge sports action, Dutch vlogger Tomas traded stadium seats for a bicycle seat to explore the city’s timeless charm. 🌸 His morning ride around West Lake—a UNESCO World Heritage site—revealed a mesmerizing blend of centuries-old traditions and 21st-century energy.
Pedaling along the Spring Dusk on Su Causeway, Tomas marveled at willow-lined paths where ancient poets once wandered. ‘It’s like cycling through a living ink painting,’ he said, capturing mist-shrouded pavilions on camera. Nearby, joggers in techwear zoomed past tea houses serving Longjing brews, proving history and modernity share the same trail.
The journey took a mythical turn at Leifeng Pagoda, where locals shared the Legend of the White Snake—a love story that’s inspired operas and TikTok trends alike. ‘Hearing folktales where they actually unfolded? That’s next-level cultural immersion,’ Tomas remarked, as augmented reality displays nearby brought the tale to life for digital-savvy visitors.
From dawn tai chi sessions to AI-guided tour bots, West Lake’s magic lies in its harmony. As the Asian Games showcases China’s modern ambitions, Hangzhou reminds us that innovation grows best when rooted in heritage. 🎋
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Ancient buildings coexist with modernity at West Lake in Hangzhou
cgtn.com