Beijing Exploration: First-Timers' Honest China Experience

Arriving in CHINA for the First Time: NOT What we Expected! πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³

Destination:ChinaCity:BeijingPopulation:21.5 million
Arriving in CHINA for the First Time: NOT What we Expected! πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³
Field of Visions2024-11-2424 min

First Day in China: Exploring Beijing’s Streets, Food & Culture πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³

In this first video of our 5-part series, we’re diving into our honest and raw experiences as we explore Beijing, the capital of this incredible country. From the culture shock to the unexpected moments, you’ll see it all!

--- Field of Visions
November 24, 2024, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Introduction to China trip
  2. 0:17Business class flight hack
  3. 0:28Visa trouble at check-in
  4. 1:10Business class lounge experience
  5. 2:27Flight booking cost
  6. 3:04Avios points collection
  7. 5:30Business class flight
  8. 8:45144-hour transit visa
  9. 10:11Visa process at airport
  10. 16:48Forbidden City visit
  11. 20:53Wangfujing Street exploration
  12. 22:15Tiananmen Square attempt
  13. 24:09Next video preview

Field Of Visions' first China adventure: Beijing's vibrant streets, delicious food, and unexpected visa challenges create a memorable journey. A must-watch!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1To get cheap business class flights, collect points on everyday purchases using a rewards credit card and transfer them to airline points. Choose airlines flying to your desired destinations and a point scheme that suits your needs. (0:17)
  2. Tip 2Use a credit card that collects Avios points on all purchases. American Express points can be converted to Avios points one-to-one. Pay off the balance in full each month to avoid debt. (3:04)
  3. Tip 3Collect points using your debit card, even small vendors accept cards now. Every time you tap your card, you're collecting points for your next adventure. (4:44)
  4. Tip 4When arriving at Beijing airport, take a shuttle bus to the city center; it's cheaper and faster than a taxi. Shuttle number one goes to Beijing Railway Station. (13:00)
  5. Tip 5Purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport for convenient communication. Consider a 7-day option with data and local minutes. (13:45)
  6. Tip 6Pre-book tickets for the Forbidden City and bring your passport; you'll need it for entry. Be aware of size restrictions on items like selfie sticks. (17:20)
  7. Tip 7Purchase tickets for Tiananmen Square from the self-service machines; you don't always need to go to the counter. (22:19)

Field Of Visions' first China trip is full of surprises! From scoring business class flights for less than a UK train ticket to navigating a new 144-hour transit visa, their journey is filled with unexpected twists. This five-part series kicks off in Beijing, offering a raw, honest look at the city's streets, food, and culture. Get ready for laughs and valuable insights as they explore iconic landmarks and uncover hidden gems.

More about the current video:( 1 / 5 )

Arriving in CHINA for the First Time: NOT What we Expected! πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³

In their first-ever trip to China, Field Of Visions, a family of three seasoned travelers, shares their honest and often hilarious experiences exploring Beijing. Their journey begins with a surprising discovery: securing business class flights from London to Beijing for an unbelievably low price, thanks to savvy points accumulation strategies. They detail their method, emphasizing responsible credit card use and maximizing rewards programs. This clever financial hack allowed them to upgrade their travel experience significantly.

Their arrival, however, wasn't without its challenges. The family encountered unexpected difficulties with a new 144-hour transit visa, highlighting the importance of thorough research and preparation for international travel. Despite the initial hiccup at the airport, they successfully navigated immigration and embarked on their Beijing adventure.

Field Of Visions' exploration of Beijing offers a blend of iconic landmarks and unexpected discoveries. Their visit to the Forbidden City is a highlight, showcasing the grandeur of the historical site and the intricate details of its architecture. The sheer scale and historical significance of the Forbidden City left a lasting impression. They also share their experiences navigating the bustling streets of Beijing, including a visit to Wangfujing Street, which proved to be more modern than anticipated.

Their journey also includes a humorous anecdote about their search for a suitable place to change their toddler's diaper, highlighting the challenges and unexpected moments of travel with young children. Throughout their journey, they share practical travel tips, such as using shuttle buses for cost-effective transportation and utilizing ATMs for currency exchange. The family also emphasizes the importance of pre-booking tickets for attractions like the Forbidden City to avoid long queues. Their experiences showcase both the beauty and challenges of exploring a new culture, leaving viewers with a sense of adventure and a desire to experience China for themselves.

The video concludes with a preview of their upcoming adventures in Shanghai, promising more unexpected encounters and cultural insights. The overall tone is engaging and conversational, offering a balanced perspective on their China experience, combining both positive and challenging moments. Field Of Visions’ storytelling emphasizes the importance of careful planning, flexibility, and a sense of humor when navigating unfamiliar territories.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: How much did the business class flights cost?
A: We paid less than the price of a UK train ticket, around Β£265 each for an 11 and a half hour flight!
Q: What was the 144-hour transit visa like?
A: It caused some serious trouble at check-in because British Airways didn't know about it, but we got it easily at the airport in the end.
Q: What was the Forbidden City like?
A: It was absolutely grand! The entrance, the gardens, everything was amazing. It's huge, and there are so many details to see. We even got our selfie stick confiscated because it was too long!
Q: What was Wangfujing Street like?
A: It was a modern shopping street, not the local street food street I expected from Google Maps. It was still nice though!
Q: What was Tiananmen Square like?
A: We couldn't get in today because you need to book tickets in advance, even though they're free. It was a bit strange!

Beijing Exploration: First-Timers' Honest China Experience

Beijing's vibrant streets and culture surprise Field of Visions upon their first China trip. A raw, honest look at unexpected moments and delicious food.

Beijing Exploration: Forbidden City, Visa Tips & Unexpected Encounters

Field of Visions' first impressions of China are captured in this captivating five-part series premiere. Their Beijing adventure unveils unexpected moments and cultural surprises, offering a raw and honest glimpse into the capital city. Get ready for an immersive journey through bustling streets, tantalizing food scenes, and the vibrant heart of Chinese culture.

Attractions in this video: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square