Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Their coffee experience in China is a testament to the quality, with high demand even in the mornings, exceeding that of other chains like Starbucks. (2:10)
- Tip 2Download Alipay app to pay for almost everything in China and explore other helpful apps like train and hotel booking and translation. (4:39)
- Tip 3Use the DD app, the Chinese equivalent of Uber, for affordable transportation; it's much cheaper than Uber in other countries. (5:06)
- Tip 4Use Olly eSim for unlimited data during your China trip; it's easier and more convenient than buying data packages. (6:30)
- Tip 5Ensure you have the correct paperwork (hotel bookings, flights) for a smooth immigration process in China. (9:51)
- Tip 6China is easy and affordable to travel around using Didi and the cheap train system. First class train tickets are worth the comfort and price. (10:05)
- Tip 7Use Trip.com to book trains and enjoy the incredible value for money in China. Hotels are affordable and of high standards. (16:25)
Adam & Yaz's brutally honest account of their month-long China adventure! They tackle your burning questions: visa processes, top sights (Great Wall, Wuhan, Chengdu!), navigating transport (Didi, trains!), communication hurdles, and safety concerns. Discover their unexpected two-year visa, favorite coffee spots, and the surprisingly affordable travel costs. Find out what they loved (helpful locals!) and what surprised them (the driving!). This isn't your typical travelogue; it's a raw, relatable look at modern China.
More about the current video:( 9 / 9 )
This video offers a candid and comprehensive look into Adam & Yaz's month-long journey across six Chinese cities. The vlog responds to viewer questions, providing a realistic portrayal of their experiences. They detail the surprisingly straightforward Chinese visa application process, revealing their unexpected acquisition of a two-year multiple-entry visa. This discovery underscores their intention to return and explore the vast country further, focusing on more rural areas.
Their suggested two-week itinerary prioritizes iconic landmarks like the Great Wall of China in Beijing and highlights other significant locations such as Shanghai, Wuhan, Chongqing, and Chengdu. The itinerary balances must-see destinations with unique experiences, reflecting their personal preferences and insights.
The vlog addresses practical aspects of travel, including transportation. Adam & Yaz discuss their extensive use of the Didi app, a Chinese ride-hailing service, highlighting its affordability and convenience compared to Western alternatives. They also share their experiences with China's extensive and efficient train system, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness and comfort, particularly of first-class options.
Communication is addressed, acknowledging the challenges of navigating a language barrier. Adam & Yaz rely heavily on translation apps but also emphasize the unexpected helpfulness and patience of locals, often going out of their way to assist them. They share their positive experience with the ease of using Alipay, a mobile payment app, for various transactions.
Safety concerns are directly addressed, with Adam & Yaz emphatically stating their feeling of safety throughout their trip. They share instances of local kindness and assistance, contrasting this with some less positive experiences, such as the cleanliness of an older train and the aggressive driving in certain areas. Despite these minor setbacks, their overall assessment is overwhelmingly positive.
Finally, Adam & Yaz share their favorite and least favorite experiences, providing a balanced perspective. Their favorite moments include exploring the Great Wall and savoring the delicious noodles in Wuhan. They also highlight the kindness and helpfulness of the Chinese people they encountered. Their least favorite experience involved a dirty and smelly train ride, reminding viewers to check train conditions before booking.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: Would you go back to China in the next 2 years?
- A: Yes, we got a 2-year multiple entry visa, and after this experience, we are so excited to head back out to China soon. We've only scratched the surface!
- Q: What are your top things to do and see in China if you only have two weeks?
- A: Beijing and the Great Wall are non-negotiable. Shanghai is beautiful, but Wuhan and Chongqing are bigger highlights and surprises. Chengdu is also a must-see for its blend of old and new.
- Q: Does a service similar to Uber exist in China?
- A: Yes, it's called Didi, and it's a fraction of the price of Uber in Europe, the US, or the UK. You'll need Alipay to use it.
- Q: How difficult was it to communicate in China without speaking Mandarin?
- A: It was a challenge, but we used the Apple Translate app, which was pretty successful, although it took a long time. Many locals were also very helpful and patient.
- Q: What was the China immigration clearance process like?
- A: It was a bit long due to the queue, but if you have the correct paperwork, it only takes about 2 minutes. Some people in front of us didn't have the right documents, which slowed things down.
- Q: Was it easy to travel around China, and did it cost much?
- A: Yes, it was easy! Trains were ridiculously cheap, even first class. Didi was also very affordable.
- Q: What was your least favorite experience in China?
- A: The train from Chongqing to Zhangjiajie was super old, dirty, and smelled strongly of cigarettes. However, a lovely lady sharing our cabin made it more bearable.
- Q: What did you hate about China?
- A: Hate is a strong word. We didn't hate anything, but we noticed a lot of hawking and spitting in public, which isn't something we're used to.
- Q: Is China safe?
- A: Yes, 110%! Way safer than the UK. We felt safe walking the streets at night. The only slightly unsafe experience was a reckless shuttle bus driver in a national park.
- Q: What were your favorite moments in China?
- A: Seeing the Great Wall was magical. The bar in Wuhan was funny, and the Wuhan noodles were amazing!
