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Two Mad Explorers’ China trip starts with a difficult border crossing from Vietnam. They cannot cross in their car and look for a bus that will take them through Youyi Pass. After entering Guangxi, they share a taxi with local travelers to Pingxiang and take a bus to Chongzuo. They try old friend noodles and stir-fried beef and describe the city as relaxed and welcoming. The trip continues by shared taxi to Pingxiang and bus to Chongzuo, where they settle into a hotel and try local noodles and beef. Residents help them along the way.
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More about the current video:(Published on 2025-03-21)
Crossing into Guangxi
Two Mad Explorers begin an overland trip from Vietnam into China. At the border, officials do not allow them to cross in their car, so they need to find the correct bus. The process is confusing because of communication barriers and the steps required to cross. They search for the bus and eventually travel through Youyi Pass, where they receive a 30-day visa on arrival. The crossing takes longer than expected, but they continue their route.
From the border they reach Pingxiang and share a taxi with local people. The travelers describe the kindness of the passengers and the help they receive. They then take a bus toward Chongzuo in Guangxi. Along the way they see karst scenery and architecture that combines French colonial and Chinese elements, reflecting historical ties between China and Vietnam.
First meal in Chongzuo
In Chongzuo, Two Mad Explorers check into the Chengfu Huashu Hotel and look for a restaurant. At Old Street Taste they order old friend noodles and stir-fried beef with ginger and scallions. The portions are generous, and they enjoy the flavors. Restaurant staff are friendly and help them with the meal.
The travelers describe Chongzuo as slower-paced than other places they have visited. Residents show interest in their trip and talk with them during their stay. The vlog closes with their anticipation for the rest of their China journey. Their first experience combines the practical challenge of the border crossing with a shared taxi, a bus ride, a hotel stop and a first taste of local Guangxi food. After clearing the border, the travelers share a taxi with local passengers to Pingxiang. The other passengers help them communicate and make the trip more comfortable. They continue to Chongzuo by bus and check in at the Chengfu Huashu Hotel. Their first restaurant stop is Old Street Taste, where they order old friend noodles and beef stir-fried with ginger and scallions. They appreciate the generous portions and the flavors, and the staff are friendly during the meal. The city feels calmer than other places they have visited, and residents show interest in their journey. They also notice architecture that mixes French colonial and Chinese elements, a reminder of the region’s historical connection with Vietnam. Their route ends with plans to continue exploring Guangxi and the rest of China.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the border crossing like?
- A: The border guard would not let them cross in their car, so they searched for a bus and eventually crossed through Youyi Pass. They had to find the correct bus before they could continue through Youyi Pass, and the process took persistence.
- Q: What did they eat in Chongzuo?
- A: They tried old friend noodles and stir-fried beef with ginger and scallions, and found the portions generous and the food flavorful.
- Q: What was Chongzuo like?
- A: They describe it as relaxed and peaceful, with a slower pace than other places they had visited and friendly residents. People they met showed interest in their journey and helped them along the way.
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