· JetLag Warriors
CHINA WILL BLOW YOUR MIND! (why we keep coming back)
JetLag Warriors return to Shanghai with their seven-month-old daughter, visit Nanjing Pedestrian Street and the Bund, and revisit favorite food stops.
Explore this journey ↗China Travel Guide: China Surprised Me, China trip advice & tips
China Surprised Me
China Surprised Me travel advice: explore real journeys, destination experiences and practical advice from travelers.
- Videos on this page
- 27
- Travelers
- 8
- Firsthand tips
- 54
Firsthand tips
Useful discoveries along the way
Advice from different journeys on this page, each linked to its source video.
Travel collection
All travel videos
32 min2025-04CHINA WILL BLOW YOUR MIND! (why we keep coming back)Shanghai Family Adventure: Exploring Iconic Landmarks and Hidden GemsNegotiate taxi fares when traveling with luggage or a baby, and consider a metered taxi when you want a reliable price for the ride.Set up Alipay before your Shanghai trip for convenient cashless payments. The family uses local services during the visit and finds it useful to have the app reSpring, Shanghai
25 min2025-03Is CHENGDU my new FAVORITE CITY in CHINA?!Chengdu Exploration: Pandas, Temples & Modern MarvelsUse Get Your Guide for booking experiences in China. It worked better than the WeChat mini-program for the Panda Base booking.Always bring your passport when traveling in China; it is essential for all tickets and entry.Spring, Chengdu / Sichuan
19 min2025-02Why Chengdu China Is The MOST Surprising City For ForeignersChengdu Exploration: Relaxed Lifestyle & Sichuan FoodRent bicycles to explore Chengdu's relaxed atmosphere and numerous cycling paths.Use WeChat to order food, but be mindful of portion sizes, especially in Chengdu.Winter, Chengdu / Sichuan
20 min2025-01How Chinese Locals Treat Foreigners in Old ChongqingChongqing Culture: Exploring Old Town CharmVisit the Fuling Underwater Museum, an incredible museum showcasing ancient inscriptions 33 meters below the water. Explore the unique engineering marvel that pLearn about the traditional process of making mustard tuber, a unique pickled vegetable with a rich history and distinct flavor profile. The museum offers a fasWinter, Chongqing
19 min2024-11Beijing Food: A Tour of China's Culinary CapitalBeijing Food Tour: A Culinary Exploration of China's CapitalMix cold noodles with sesame sauce, cucumbers, seitan, chili, garlic, and vinegar for a flavorful dish. It's originally from Shaanxi but found nationwide.If you have the chance, try Lahmacun. This Beijing dish is similar, with pita bread, filling, salad, and meat options.Autumn, Beijing
1 hr 2 min2024-11Kind Locals Buy us Dinner in Small-Town China (Datong, Shanxi)Datong, Shanxi: Yungang Grottoes & Local EncountersTry Datong's local food, which includes vinegary dishes. The city is known for vinegar production, and Jack recommends tasting dishes that use it.Ask local people what Datong residents eat for lunch. Jack found that conversation can lead to authentic recommendations and a chance to learn about everyday foAutumn, Beijing
1 hr 29 min2024-1024 Hours Living in Beijing's Backstreets24 Hours in Beijing Hutong: Authentic Courtyard LifeConsider renting a traditional Hutong home for an authentic Beijing experience. It offers a unique perspective on local life, different from typical hotel staysHutongs are alleyways between main roads. Explore these side streets to discover the true heritage of Beijing, with centuries-old houses and a unique community Autumn, Beijing
1 hr 22 min2024-10Incredible First Experience of a Chinese Concert (Hua Chenyu 华晨宇 LIVE)Hua Chenyu Concert: Beijing Bird's Nest ExperienceTo learn more into Chinese culture, consider experiencing a live concert featuring a popular Chinese artist. This provides an immersive way to understand the coPlan your concert experience in advance. This includes securing tickets, arranging transportation, and familiarizing yourself with the venue and local customs. Autumn, Chongqing
27 min2024-10First Experience on China's "Hard Sleeper" TrainChina Sleeper Train: Shanghai to Beijing AdventureNavigating security at Chinese train stations involves passport checks and ticket verification. Foreigners should be prepared to present their passports.Chinese train stations offer a wide variety of food and drink options, from local snacks to full meals. Explore the station's shops before boarding.Autumn, Beijing
32 min2024-10OUR not SHOCKING ARRIVAL in CHINA (it's WHAT WE EXPECTED)Shanghai Exploration: A British Couple's Honest Travel ExperienceDownload Alipay and Didi before traveling to China if you plan to use them for payments and rides. Jack and Paige use both during their Shanghai visit and descrUse Trip.com to look for hotel deals in China. Jack and Paige find a surprisingly affordable place to stay in Shanghai, showing that city accommodation can fit Autumn, Shanghai
27 min2024-07
58 min2024-0534 Hours on China's LOWEST CLASS Train (STANDING TICKET to Xinjiang)34-Hour Train Journey: Chongqing to ÜrümqiPrepare for unexpected problems on a lower-class train and keep a backup plan in case seating or services change.Basic communication can help when talking with fellow passengers, train staff or authorities, even when using translation apps.Spring, Urumqi / Xinjiang
41 min2024-05ULTIMATE Chongqing STREET FOOD Tour (China's Best Food?)Chongqing Street Food Tour: Cyberpunk City & Culinary DelightsUsing Alipay or WeChat Pay is prevalent in China, even for street food. Scan the QR code on the app for easy and cashless transactions.Street food in China generally maintains good hygiene standards, so you don't have to worry too much about food safety.Spring, Chongqing
1 hr 3 min2024-05World's SPICIEST Hot Pot in Chongqing, ChinaChongqing Hotpot: Cyberpunk City & Spicy DelightsNavigating a large hub like Chongqing West Railway Station can be challenging for first-time visitors. Allow ample time, expect crowds, and use an app such as DFinding a hotel in a large city like Chongqing can take care. Keep the address and nearby landmarks handy, and ask hotel staff or local people for help if needeSpring, Chongqing
1 hr 8 min2024-05First Impressions of Chengdu, ChinaChengdu Exploration: Spicy Food, Luxury & TraditionFor around $75 a night, you can enjoy a comfortable hotel stay in downtown Chengdu with amenities like a king-size bed, a workspace, and a smart toilet. RemembeIn China, Alipay is a unified app that connects to various services, making it easier to navigate transportation and payments.Spring, Chengdu / Sichuan
44 min2024-04
1 hr 2 min2024-04The Side of China You've NEVER SeenBeijing Hutongs: A Cultural ImmersionExplore the historic Hutongs of Beijing, the ancient alleyways where people have lived for centuries. These narrow streets offer a glimpse into traditional BeijUtilize Beijing's efficient and user-friendly subway system to navigate the city. The system features English announcements and signage, making it easy for tourSpring, Beijing
35 min2024-04This Is How They Treat Foreigners In ShanghaiShanghai Exploration: A Foreigner's China JourneyExplore Shanghai on foot when you can. Walking helped Emeka experience the city's character and find places to eat beyond relying only on transport. Walking alsLong lines at restaurants can be a sign that a place is popular with local diners. Emeka notices busy food spots while looking for dumplings.Spring, Shanghai
34 min2024-02People warned me not to visit China… (FIRST TIME IN XI’AN)Xi'an China: A Chinese New Year AdventureUse Alipay or credit cards for transactions in China. It's advisable to have both options available for seamless payments.Red lanterns are a common sight in China, even outside of Chinese New Year. Don't be surprised to see them year-round.Winter, Xi'an / Shaanxi
35 min2024-01Our EMOTIONAL Moment at The Great Wall of China... (This Changed Us) BeijingBeijing Great Wall: A Transformative China AdventureConsider a shared bus transfer to Mutianyu instead of hiring a private car. The travelers find the shared option more affordable and say it leaves time to exploVisit in the winter off-season if you want shorter waits for activities such as the toboggan ride.Winter, Beijing
12 min2024-01We've never felt so scared in China...Chongqing Skywalk: A Thrilling China AdventureAppreciate the unique architecture in Chongqing, Shanghai, and Singapore. The buildings are especially beautiful when lit up at night.The couple describe the Skywalk and Sky Swing at Raffles City as unique, memorable and well supervised during their visit. Their experience included visible safWinter, Chongqing
23 min2024-01INSIDE CHINA’S MONSTER CITY: ChongqingChongqing Megacity Exploration: Unique Infrastructure & CultureExplore Chongqing's extensive metro system, known for its efficiency and cleanliness. Pay attention to the unique features and design elements that make it stanWitness the marvel of a train line running through a residential building. Observe how the infrastructure is designed to minimize noise and vibration for resideWinter, Chongqing
36 min2024-01This is how Chinese people treat tourists in Chongqing, ChinaChongqing Market: Culture, Fashion & BargainsExpect some unexpectedly high prices in Chinese markets. Bargaining is common and sellers may expect customers to negotiate before agreeing on a final price.Practice bargaining before shopping, since even a small negotiation may lower the amount you pay. Compare offers and decide what price feels reasonable to you.Winter, Chongqing
1 hr 9 min2024-01SHOCKED by this crazy city in China (FIRST TIME IN CHONGQING)Chongqing Exploration: Hongya Cave & Unexpected DiscoveriesJetLag Warriors describe their 144-hour visa process in Chongqing as organized and efficient, with helpful English-speaking border agents. Their experience inclThe travelers find taxis readily available and a convenient, affordable way to get around Chongqing. They initially have some difficulty finding a bus or taxi aWinter, Chongqing
9 min2024-01Why China is THE BEST travel destination in 2024Exploring Modern & Traditional China: A Captivating JourneyExplore Macau's historic Portuguese fort and compare it with the modern Grand Lisboa casino. The contrast between colonial-era architecture and contemporary buiVisit Shanghai for its skyline, and consider exploring smaller riverside villages beyond the main tourist areas for a quieter view of local life.Winter, Harbin / Heilongjiang
21 min2023-12THIS is how Chinese people welcomed us (First time in Shanghai, China)Shanghai Exploration: Friendly Locals & Delicious FoodBe open to trying local sauces and condiments, even if you're unsure what they are. Embrace the unexpected flavors.Don't be afraid to ask questions about the food. Even if you don't understand the language, gestures and smiles can go a long way.Winter, Nanjing / Jiangsu
43 min2023-12Why nobody wanted us to visit China... (FIRST TIME IN CHINA!)Shanghai Exploration: First Impressions of a Modern MetropolisThe travelers found clear English signs while navigating Shanghai's 144-hour transit process. They say the steps were easy to follow, although they did not receThe Shanghai Metro impressed the travelers with its cleanliness and efficiency. They describe the trains as quiet and well maintained, making a strong first impWinter, Shanghai
There are 27 China travel vlogs/videos about China Surprised Me. Get travel tips, rules and advice for "China Surprised Me". China Travel Guide: China Surprised Me