Beijing First Impressions: Forbidden City & Hutong Exploration

Our FIRST DAY In China 🇨🇳 People Warned Us Not To Visit China…

Destination:ChinaCity:BeijingPopulation:21.5 million
Our FIRST DAY In China 🇨🇳 People Warned Us Not To Visit China…
Jay and Karolina2024-09-2133 min

Our FIRST DAY In China 🇨🇳 People Warned Us Not To Visit China…

CHAPTERS

Forbidden City

Jingshan Park

Nanluoguxiang (Ancient Beijing Hutong)

Chinese Meat Pies

Lvdagun (Rolling Donkey Cake)

Smoked Plum Drink (Suan Mei Tang)

Subway

Temple of Heaven

Ordering DIDI

Peking Roast Duck

We Didn't Expect That!

--- Jay and Karolina
September 21, 2024, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Intro
  2. 0:39Forbidden City
  3. 4:36Jingshan Park
  4. 8:56Nanluoguxiang (Ancient Beijing Hutong)
  5. 9:30Chinese Meat Pies
  6. 11:36Lvdagun (Rolling Donkey Cake)
  7. 13:22Smoked Plum Drink (Suan Mei Tang)
  8. 15:16Subway
  9. 16:56Temple of Heaven
  10. 23:10Ordering DIDI
  11. 24:08Peking Roast Duck
  12. 29:38We Didn't Expect That!

Jay And Karolina's Beijing adventure: Forbidden City, Peking duck feast, and unexpected street food delights! An incredible first day in China.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1To avoid high prices, book Forbidden City tickets directly on their website 7 days prior to your visit, at 8pm Beijing time. (4:05)
  2. Tip 2Ensure you have Alipay set up for easy and convenient payments throughout China. (15:32)
  3. Tip 3The Alipay app offers translation features, helpful for navigating various situations. (15:50)
  4. Tip 4Use apps like Dianping to find restaurants and other services, although some may be limited for foreigners without a Chinese bank card. (24:25)
  5. Tip 5When eating Peking duck, use pancakes, sauces, and vegetables to create the perfect bite. (26:00)

Jay And Karolina's first day in China is a whirlwind of vibrant sights, sounds, and tastes! From navigating the Forbidden City's 9,999 rooms to conquering Jingshan Park's stunning views, they embrace the unexpected. Their culinary adventure includes delicious meat pies, unique donkey cakes, and the unforgettable experience of Peking duck, a true Beijing highlight. This is a must-watch for anyone planning a trip to China!

More about the current video:( 2 / 14 )

Our FIRST DAY In China 🇨🇳 People Warned Us Not To Visit China…

This vlog documents Jay And Karolina's first day in Beijing, China, exceeding expectations despite initial reservations from others. Their journey begins at the Forbidden City, where they marvel at its scale and historical significance, noting the symbolism of the yellow roof tiles and the symmetry in its design. They efficiently obtain tickets online, emphasizing the importance of booking in advance.

Following their Forbidden City exploration, they ascend Jingshan Park for panoramic views, highlighting the contrast between the park's calm and the bustling Forbidden City. They then venture into Nanluoguxiang, a famous hutong, sampling local delicacies such as meat pies and a unique red bean pastry. Jay And Karolina share their candid tasting notes, revealing preferences and observations about the food's temperature and flavors.

Their exploration continues with a refreshing smoked plum drink and a brief subway ride. They document their experience using Alipay for various purchases, showcasing the convenience of mobile payment in China. At the Temple of Heaven, they enjoy a unique 3D ice cream and learn about its historical significance as a site for imperial prayers. The vlog captures their interaction with friendly local students who offer shoe-cleaning services, demonstrating a genuine cultural exchange.

The highlight of their day is undoubtedly their Peking duck dinner. They meticulously order the whole duck, showcasing the preparation and explaining the traditional eating method. Jay And Karolina enthusiastically describe the taste and texture, emphasizing the exceptional quality and value for money compared to similar meals in their home countries. The vlog concludes with a heartwarming interaction with a friendly insect brought to their table, further emphasizing the unexpected charm of their Chinese experience. Throughout the video, Jay And Karolina's infectious enthusiasm and genuine curiosity shine, offering viewers a captivating glimpse into their unique first-day adventure in Beijing.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: How did we get tickets to the Forbidden City?
A: We booked them online, 7 days in advance, directly from their website at 8pm Beijing time to get the best prices.
Q: What's the best way to pay for things in China?
A: Alipay is super convenient! It's like having your wallet on your phone, and it even has a translator.
Q: What was the Peking duck like?
A: Absolutely amazing! The skin melted in your mouth, the meat was so tender, and the sauces were incredible. It was way better and cheaper than anything we could get back home.
Q: What was the most surprising thing we encountered?
A: Probably the guys cleaning our shoes with a pen, or maybe that friendly insect at dinner!

Beijing First Impressions: Forbidden City & Hutong Exploration

Jay & Karolina's first day in Beijing: Forbidden City, delicious street food, and unexpected cultural discoveries! A truly unforgettable experience.

Beijing Exploration: Forbidden City, Peking Duck & Hutong Delights

Jay and Karolina's first day in China was full of surprises! Their Beijing adventure began at the majestic Forbidden City, followed by serene moments in Jingshan Park. Exploring the ancient hutongs of Nanluoguxiang, they indulged in delicious Chinese meat pies and unique treats like the Rolling Donkey Cake and Smoked Plum Drink. Navigating the efficient subway system, they visited the Temple of Heaven before enjoying a memorable Peking Roast Duck dinner. Get ready for unexpected twists and turns as they share their initial impressions of this captivating country!

Attractions in this video: Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Nanluoguxiang Hutong, Temple Of Heaven