Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Hotel prices in China are surprisingly affordable, sometimes cheaper than Southeast Asian countries. Beautiful accommodations can be found for the price of a bunk bed in a European shared dormitory. (1:51)
- Tip 2Many hotels use cute little robots to deliver takeaways and packages to rooms. This is a common sight, and locals are unfazed by their presence. (2:48)
- Tip 3Beijing's public transportation is massive, combining subway lines, light rails, trams, and even a magnetic levitation line. It's efficient but travel times can still be long due to the city's size. (4:45)
- Tip 4China is incredibly digitalized. You can do almost everything with your smartphone, from payments to public transport and ordering food. This digitalization is far more advanced than in many Western countries. (9:47)
- Tip 5China offers a 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of several European Union countries, including Germany and Spain (check the description for the full list). This policy started in November 2023 and is set to end in November 2024. (10:21)
- Tip 6Be prepared for squat toilets in public restrooms. Practice your squat position before your trip! (11:56)
Feeding Foca's first impressions of Beijing are nothing short of surprising! This German traveler shares her unexpected encounters with a modern, efficient, and surprisingly affordable city. From robot hotel deliveries to electric vehicles dominating the streets, Beijing's transformation is captivating. Join Foca as she navigates the vibrant Hutongs, explores the Temple of Heaven, and discovers a city that defies Western perceptions.
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This travelogue follows Feeding Foca's journey through Beijing, offering a unique perspective on China's capital city. The video begins by highlighting China's newly implemented 15-day visa-free policy, which facilitated Foca's trip.
Her stay in a modern, affordable hotel chain, "Crystal Orange," is detailed, showcasing the surprising value for money available in China's accommodation sector. The inclusion of robot delivery services within the hotel further underscores the country's technological advancements.
Foca's exploration of Beijing includes a visit to the Wangfujing District, a pedestrian shopping street with a blend of international and domestic brands, and a historic Catholic church. Navigating the city's extensive public transportation system, which includes subways, light rails, and even a magnetic levitation rail line, proved to be an experience in itself.
Her exploration extends to the traditional Hutongs, contrasting the bustling tourist areas like South Luogu Xiang with quieter, more residential areas like Wu Dao Ying Hutong. A visit to the Temple of Heaven park, despite the temple's closure, provided further insight into Beijing's blend of old and new.
Throughout her journey, Foca repeatedly emphasizes her surprise at the city's cleanliness, quietness, and efficiency, particularly concerning the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. This near-total electrification has resulted in a significant reduction in noise and air pollution, a stark contrast to her previous experiences in the city. She also highlights the pervasive use of digital technology, with smartphone payments and QR code menus being commonplace, even among older generations.
The video concludes with reflections on China's rapid economic development since the 1980s and the contrast between its image and its economic reality. While acknowledging some aspects of daily life, such as public toilets, might seem outdated, the overall impression is one of a rapidly evolving and technologically advanced nation.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What is the visa situation for visiting China?
- A: There's a new 15-day visa-free policy for several European countries, including Germany and Spain. It started in November 2023 and is scheduled to end in November 2024, but it's unclear if they'll extend it.
- Q: How is the public transportation in Beijing?
- A: It's massive! There are so many subway lines, light rails, and even a magnetic levitation train. It's efficient, but because the city is so big, it still takes a while to get around.
- Q: What surprised me the most about Beijing?
- A: How clean, quiet, and organized it is! And the fact that almost everything is electric, which makes it super quiet and clean. It's so different from what I expected!
- Q: How easy is it to pay for things in Beijing?
- A: Super easy! Almost everyone uses their smartphones to pay for things. Even the older people are using QR codes!