Where Time Disappears—A Day Inside China’s Most Loved Supermarket

#springitinerary #discoverchina #shopping
I came for groceries. I stayed until the moon rose.

Pangdonglai in Xinxiang isn’t just a supermarket — it’s a phenomenon. On a regular weekday, I found myself shoulder to shoulder with crowds, not in chaos, but in cheerful awe. Locals weren’t rushing through aisles. They were enjoying them. Exploring. Tasting. Taking photos like they were in an art gallery.

And honestly? I was, too.

Every section feels designed with thoughtfulness — from perfectly arranged produce to cozy seating corners and staff who greet you like friends. The lighting is soft. The bakery smells like heaven. The food court? I lost track of time there, with options ranging from handmade noodles to fresh sushi.

I started my visit under the afternoon sun. I left under moonlight — shopping bags full, legs tired, heart strangely full.

Travel Tip: Come early. Bring a power bank. And don’t expect to “just look around” — Pangdonglai has a way of turning a 20-minute stop into a 6-hour experience. If you’re nearby, it’s a must-see showcase of how a supermarket can feel more like a community than a store.

Post by _Traveltastic_ | May 30, 2025