Unexpected China Return: Exploring Hainan's Hidden Gems

I’m Back in China (but not where you expect) 🇨🇳

Destination:ChinaProvince:HainanCity:Haikou
I’m Back in China (but not where you expect) 🇨🇳
josie vlogs things2025-09-1324 min

I’m Back in China (but not where you expect) 🇨🇳

--- josie vlogs things
September 13, 2025, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Exploring Hao old street
  2. 0:21Ebikes and old buildings
  3. 1:09Historic building age
  4. 2:21Local market visit
  5. 4:51Driverless car sighting
  6. 6:33Seeking healthy McDonald's options
  7. 7:32North Face Outlet discovery
  8. 8:00Introduction to Hainan Island
  9. 13:32WeChat payment issues
  10. 16:04Eating beef ramen noodles
  11. 18:44Hotel room tour
  12. 24:05Train to Sanya

Josie Vlogs Things explores Hainan's old streets and markets, encountering driverless cars and payment challenges. She shares a hotel room tour and anticipates her trip to Sanya.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Explore old streets with a mix of traditional and modern architecture for a unique cultural experience. (0:07)
  2. Tip 2Visit local markets to find fresh produce, seafood, and experience the daily life of the community. (2:21)
  3. Tip 3Observe innovative technologies like driverless cars, a glimpse into China's advanced urban development. (4:51)
  4. Tip 4When seeking food, be prepared for menu variations and potential language barriers, especially in fast-food chains. (6:33)
  5. Tip 5Ensure your payment methods, like WeChat, are fully functional for foreigners, or have alternative payment options ready. (13:32)
  6. Tip 6Local food is often more affordable and authentic than options in tourist-oriented establishments. (15:34)
  7. Tip 7Hotel room tours can offer insights into accommodation standards and amenities available to travelers. (18:44)
  8. Tip 8Traveling by train is a common and efficient way to explore different cities and regions within China. (24:05)

Josie Vlogs Things returns to China, this time exploring the charming old street of Hao in Hainan. The video offers a glimpse into a unique blend of traditional architecture, some buildings over 100 years old, nestled alongside modern life. Josie navigates the local market, experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of fresh produce and seafood. A surprising encounter with a driverless car in the city sparks curiosity and wonder. The journey also includes a visit to a McDonald's, seeking healthier options, and a brief exploration of a factory outlet. A significant portion of the video details the challenges of payment methods in China, specifically with WeChat, and the traveler's personal experience with this common hurdle. The narrative culminates with a detailed room tour of the Renaissance hotel, highlighting its amenities and the traveler's gratitude for the sponsored stay, before heading off to the next destination on Hainan Island.

More about the current video:( 1 / 4 )

I’m Back in China (but not where you expect) 🇨🇳

Josie Vlogs Things is back in China, specifically on Hainan Island, exploring the old street of Hao. This area presents a fascinating mix of historic buildings, some dating back over a century, coexisting with contemporary elements. The traveler notes the prevalence of ebikes and observes the traditional architecture, learning that many buildings are over 100 years old, with some even reaching 700 years. The streets are lined with small shops and a local market, offering a vibrant display of fresh produce, meats, and seafood, a testament to the area's designation as a 'village in the city.'

A particularly intriguing moment is the sighting of a driverless car navigating the streets, prompting questions about its technology and safety. Josie attempts to find healthier food options at a local McDonald's, encountering the common challenge of limited English menus and the absence of desired items like salads. This leads to a discussion about the difficulties foreigners can face with payment systems in China, particularly WeChat, recounting a past experience in Kunming where a local paid for her order due to payment incompatibilities. Despite these minor setbacks, she eventually finds a delicious bowl of beef ramen noodles, though not without some initial confusion and stress.

The video also features a comprehensive tour of her room at the Renaissance hotel, which is hosting her stay. She describes the spacious bathroom with a rainforest shower, the comfortable bed, and the balcony with a view of a golf course. Josie reflects on the balance between her travel content creation for her main channel and this secondary channel, emphasizing the focus required for her primary filming obligations. She mentions her upcoming train journey to Sanya, another beach town on Hainan Island, anticipating the contrast with the capital city she is currently exploring. The experience highlights the blend of cultural immersion, everyday challenges, and the personal journey of content creation that defines her travels in China.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What is the age of the buildings on the old street?
A: Many of the buildings are over 100 years old, with some dating back as far as 700 years!
Q: What was the most surprising thing seen on the street?
A: A driverless car! It was really weird to see it driving without anyone inside.
Q: Were there healthy options at McDonald's?
A: Unfortunately, no salads or chicken options that fit the healthy criteria were available.
Q: What happened with the payment methods?
A: My WeChat wasn't working for payment, which has happened before. It seems foreigners can't always pay with personal WeChat accounts, only business ones.
Q: How was the beef ramen?
A: It was surprisingly delicious, slightly spicy, and very soft. I had no idea what I was ordering but I'm glad it turned out so well!
Q: What are the hotel amenities like?
A: The room is spacious with a massive rainforest shower, double sink, a big bed, and a balcony with a golf course view. The only downside is the air conditioning doesn't get cold enough.
Q: What is the main purpose of this trip?
A: The main purpose is to film a video for my main channel, so everything is focused on that.

Unexpected China Return: Exploring Hainan's Hidden Gems

Josie returns to China, exploring an unexpected region. A journey filled with unique sights and authentic experiences awaits.

Hainan Old Street Exploration: Markets, Driverless Cars & Travel Tips

Embark on an unexpected journey back to China with Josie vlogs things! This vlog dives into a side of China that might surprise you, venturing beyond the usual tourist trails. Prepare for stunning visuals and authentic experiences as Josie shares her return to the Middle Kingdom. Discover hidden gems and unique perspectives that redefine your understanding of this captivating country. Join the adventure and see China through a fresh lens!

Attractions in this video: Old Street, Local Market, Rainforest Shower, Golf Course