Beijing Exploration: Hutongs, Dongjiaominxiang & Qiamen

🇨🇳Returning to Beijing After 17 years VLOG | ep.1

Destination:ChinaCity:BeijingPopulation:21.5 million
🇨🇳Returning to Beijing After 17 years VLOG | ep.1
Jiayi & Julie in China2024-07-1312 min

The first day in Beijing we went to Dongjiaominxiang, Qiamen and a lot of Hutong. Beijing is amazing, the food is awesome. Let's go explore the city together.

--- Jiayi & Julie in China
July 13, 2024, Summer in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Arrival in Beijing
  2. 0:40Hotel near Drum Tower
  3. 1:01Exploring Dongjiaominxiang
  4. 1:27Colonial Street & Embassies
  5. 2:53Tourist area with large gates
  6. 3:27Unique Beijing shops
  7. 4:09Cozy street vibe & food
  8. 7:53Delicious Beijing food
  9. 11:48Exploring Hutongs
  10. 11:55Beautiful train stations

Jiayi & Julie revisit Beijing after 17 years, exploring its vibrant Hutongs, historical sites, and delicious food. A nostalgic and heartwarming journey through China's capital.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Explore the individually owned shops in areas like Dongjiaominxiang and Qiamen for a unique shopping experience, unlike typical tourist areas. You'll find diverse and interesting items and have a more personal experience. (1:08)
  2. Tip 2Visit the historical colonial street to learn about the impact of the Opium Wars on Beijing's architecture and layout. See former embassies and military bases, and imagine the city's past. (2:12)
  3. Tip 3Check out the unique shops along the streets for trendy clothing and accessories. The quality of some items, like the traditional Chinese clothing, is surprisingly high. (3:27)
  4. Tip 4Enjoy the cozy and comfortable vibe of the streets, even with the crowds. Explore the diverse and delicious food options from various regions of China. Don't miss the unique culinary experiences Beijing offers. (4:09)
  5. Tip 5Explore the Hutongs, where locals live and work. Experience authentic Beijing life and see how people live and run small businesses in these traditional alleyways. (11:48)
  6. Tip 6Marvel at the beautiful and modern design of Beijing's train stations. Many stations feature unique decorations, such as those representing the 56 ethnic groups of China. It's a great way to experience the cultural diversity of the country. (12:17)

Jiayi & Julie In China's Beijing adventure! Returning after 17 years, they explore the transformed city, from the bustling streets of Dongjiaominxiang and Qiamen to the charming Hutongs. Discover hidden gems, unique shops, and delicious food, all while experiencing the rich history and culture of Beijing. A must-watch for anyone planning a trip to China's capital!

More about the current video:( 10 / 17 )

🇨🇳Returning to Beijing After 17 years VLOG | ep.1

This vlog documents Jiayi & Julie In China's return trip to Beijing after a 17-year absence. The video begins with their arrival, noting the efficient high-speed rail and a taxi ride to their hotel in the Hong area. They describe their hotel as having a cool exterior and plants, situated conveniently near the Drum Tower.

Their exploration takes them to Dongjiaominxiang and Qiamen, areas described as busy yet unique, with individually owned shops offering a distinct experience compared to typical tourist areas. They pass by a beautiful cathedral and explore the historical colonial street, highlighting the impact of the Opium Wars and the subsequent establishment of foreign embassies and military bases. The video showcases the architecture of former embassies, including those of Belgium and France.

Jiayi & Julie also share their experience in a tourist area with souvenir shops, commenting on the size and age of the gates. They highlight the interesting mix of people they encounter, noting a change in the typical demographics of couples they see on the street. They then delve into the unique food scene of Beijing, mentioning various dishes and ingredients from different regions of China. The video emphasizes the cozy atmosphere despite the crowds. They visit shops selling traditional clothing and accessories, noting the high quality and unique styles.

The vlog features various sights, including statues and a particular type of men's suit that Julie admires. They discuss the prices of goods and the local market dynamics. An encounter with military personnel is recounted, along with observations on how locals perceive them as tourists. The video also shows Jiayi & Julie's interactions with children and their pets, highlighting the positive interactions they experience. They visit a Hutong area where people live and have small businesses. The vlog also includes footage of a beautifully decorated train station, representing the 56 ethnic groups of China.

The video concludes with a reflection on Jiayi's memories of Beijing from 2006, contrasting the past with the present. They highlight how tall people are in Beijing and share a funny anecdote about being surrounded by tall men. A chance encounter with a group of foreigners escorted by security services is also included, adding an unexpected element to their journey. The overall tone is conversational and engaging, filled with personal anecdotes and observations that give viewers a glimpse into Jiayi & Julie's authentic experience.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was your favorite part of the trip?
A: I really loved exploring the Hutongs and seeing how people live and work there. It was so different from anything I've ever seen before!
Q: What was the food like?
A: The food was amazing! We tried so many different things, and everything was delicious. I especially loved the juicy baozi we found!
Q: What surprised you most about Beijing?
A: I was surprised by how tall everyone is in Beijing! And I didn't expect to see so many big dogs.

Beijing Exploration: Hutongs, Dongjiaominxiang & Qiamen

The first day in Beijing we went to Dongjiaominxiang, Qiamen and a lot of Hutong. Beijing is amazing, the food is awesome. Let's go explore the city together. Camera: Lumix S5II

Beijing Exploration: Hutongs, History & Hidden Gems

Revisit Beijing after 17 years? Yes, please! Jiayi and Julie's captivating vlog takes you on a nostalgic journey through the city's charming Hutongs, the historic Dongjiaominxiang, and the intriguing Qiamen. Experience the vibrant culture and rich history with this immersive travelogue. Their exploration promises a delightful blend of familiar sights and exciting discoveries, making it an unforgettable adventure.

Attractions in this video: Drum Tower, Hutongs, Colonial Street