Xi'an China: A Chinese New Year Adventure

People warned me not to visit China…🇨🇳 (FIRST TIME IN XI’AN)

Destination:ChinaCity:XiAnPopulation:13 million
People warned me not to visit China…🇨🇳 (FIRST TIME IN XI’AN)
JetLag Warriors2024-02-1034 min

We are back in China with another 144-HR visa free transit. This time, we travel to Xi'An, China for Chinese New Year!!! Xi'An is the oldest city in China. So we were hoping to join the festive Spring Festival celebrations. But many people on our comment sections are warning us not to visit China during the Chinese New Year because travelling in China is a nightmare during this holiday season. And many cities will become like a ghost town. But we really want to see what China is like during the new year. So we flew to Xi'An to find out. Travelling to China was not what we expected. China surprised us! Is China dangerous? Is China safe? What's China really like? Check out our vlog! Travelling to China was not what we expected. China surprised us! Is China dangerous? Is China safe? What's China really like? Check out our vlog!

--- JetLag Warriors
February 10, 2024, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Returning to China for the 4th time :)
  2. 1:22NERVOUS FOR THIS TRIP? What to expect from Xi'an during CNY?
  3. 3:53Very friendly and helpful hotel staff
  4. 5:25NO BATHROOM DOOR on 66 USD HOTEL (full tour)
  5. 6:23Xi'an is PHOTOGENIC
  6. 8:10Are all Chinese food sellers this friendly? I think so
  7. 10:44WE MIGHT NEED A BATHROOM DOOR ASAP
  8. 11:36Please encourage Ivana to wear the costume for photos!!
  9. 11:50What am I eating right now (IT'S GOOD!)
  10. 15:29Chinese food makes my mouth bleed? INSTANT REGRET
  11. 16:04Mysterious/intriguing Chinese street food
  12. 18:15Xi'an has LOTS TO OFFER! (busy trip coming soon)
  13. 18:51Officially married = Time to buy ANG POW!
  14. 20:31To kung hai fa choy or not to kung hai fa choy?
  15. 21:03CHINESE NEW YEAR VIBES!
  16. 22:36Is this a BURGER or a SANDWICH?
  17. 24:375 STAR FOOD! (but it could use some mustard)
  18. 27:01Is China the best in the world at light shows?
  19. 29:32Making friends in CHINA is EASY
  20. 30:40China's cities are all different, and unique, and... wow
  21. 32:33FINAL REVIEW OF XI'AN (it's good :D :D)

JetLag Warriors' Xi'An Chinese New Year trip surprised them! Delicious street food, stunning city walls, and warm local encounters made for an unforgettable adventure.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Use Alipay or credit cards for transactions in China. It's advisable to have both options available for seamless payments. (2:16)
  2. Tip 2Red lanterns are a common sight in China, even outside of Chinese New Year. Don't be surprised to see them year-round. (4:40)
  3. Tip 3During Chinese New Year, give red envelopes ('angpow') with money inside to children and relatives. It's a traditional custom. (19:25)
  4. Tip 4The phrase for Happy New Year in mainland China is different from what is used in other regions. Learn the local greeting. (20:34)
  5. Tip 5The Xi'an City Wall is 14km long and offers stunning views. Plan your visit accordingly, as it's a large attraction. (28:32)
  6. Tip 6To manage crowds, the Xi'an City Wall uses a ticketing system that divides the wall into sections. Be sure to purchase the right ticket for the area you want to visit. (32:45)

JetLag Warriors' first foray into Xi'An during Chinese New Year proved unexpectedly delightful, defying the warnings of their YouTube commenters. Their 144-hour visa-free adventure unveiled a city brimming with festive cheer, delicious street food, and surprising cultural encounters. From navigating the bustling streets to discovering hidden culinary gems and marveling at the illuminated ancient city walls, their journey was filled with unexpected delights and heartwarming interactions with locals. This is a captivating story of cultural immersion and the unexpected joys of exploring China.

More about the current video:( 17 / 20 )

People warned me not to visit China…🇨🇳 (FIRST TIME IN XI’AN)

JetLag Warriors, seasoned China travelers, embarked on another 144-hour visa-free adventure, this time to Xi'An during Chinese New Year. Despite warnings from their YouTube audience about potential overcrowding and disruptions, they were excited to experience the festivities firsthand. Their arrival was smooth, with efficient immigration and helpful English-speaking staff. The initial exploration of Xi'An revealed a city that pleasantly surprised them. They found a blend of modern architecture with traditional elements, creating a visually stunning backdrop. The streets were filled with women adorned in beautiful hairstyles and makeup, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Their quest for the elusive "Xi'An burger" led them on a culinary adventure, instead discovering a variety of local treats. They sampled pastries, noodles, and even a mysterious sweet treat that resembled honey candy. Interactions with friendly street vendors were frequent and heartwarming, showcasing the kindness and hospitality of the locals. They also encountered a unique street food scene with an abundance of pickled garlic, a surprising culinary discovery.

The exploration continued with a visit to a bustling temple, where they observed traditional Chinese New Year decorations and purchased red envelopes ("angpow") to distribute to children. They learned about local customs, including the pronunciation of "Happy New Year" in mainland China, and observed the vibrant atmosphere of the city as people prepared for the upcoming festivities.

Their journey took them to the ancient city walls, a historical landmark beautifully illuminated at night. They walked along the walls, enjoying the panoramic views of the city and the creative light displays. The experience was enhanced by the festive atmosphere and the friendly interactions with fellow tourists. They even had a spontaneous photo opportunity with some friendly tourists from Guangdong.

Finally, their search for the Xi'An burger concluded with the discovery of a delicious pork sandwich, a simple yet satisfying meal. Their first day in Xi'An was a resounding success, filled with unexpected discoveries, delicious food, and heartwarming interactions, leaving them eager for the rest of their Chinese New Year celebration.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most memorable food experience?
A: Definitely the pork burger! It was so tender and juicy, although it would've been even better with some sauce.
Q: What surprised you the most about Xi'an?
A: Probably how many friendly people we met who said hello in English, even though we didn't know each other!
Q: What was the city like during Chinese New Year?
A: It was really festive and busy, but not overwhelmingly so. People were out celebrating, and there was a great energy everywhere!

Xi'an China: A Chinese New Year Adventure

JetLag Warriors explored Xi'an during Chinese New Year, discovering delicious food, friendly locals, and stunning city lights. A surprising and memorable China adventure!

Xi'An Travel Vlog: Chinese New Year Festive Exploration

JetLag Warriors returned to China for a 144-hour visa-free transit, celebrating Chinese New Year in Xi'an, China's oldest city. Despite warnings about travel difficulties during this holiday, they decided to experience the festivities firsthand. Their journey was full of surprises, from friendly hotel staff and photogenic streets to delicious, albeit sometimes spicy, street food. They explored bustling markets, witnessed stunning light shows, and even made new friends. The trip showcased a vibrant, unexpected side of China, leaving them with a positive and memorable experience.

Attractions in this video: Ancient City Walls, Terracotta Warriors