Beijing Exploration: Americans' First Day in China

Americans' FIRST DAY in China 🇨🇳 A Dream Come True!

Destination:ChinaCity:BeijingPopulation:21.5 million
Americans' FIRST DAY in China 🇨🇳 A Dream Come True!
Mike & Ashley2024-11-2438 min

First Day in China: Exploring Beijing’s Streets, Food & Culture is a Dream Come True 🇨🇳

China has always been a place of wonder for us—a country rich in history, vibrant culture, and legendary food. But growing up in America, we often heard stories that made us curious, even uncertain, about what to expect. Would it feel overwhelming? Unfamiliar? It was finally time to experience it for ourselves.

From navigating the metro to savoring our first local coffee and soup dumplings, we take you along as we soak in the charm of this incredible city. We’ll share our first impressions of Beijing’s clean streets, warm hospitality, and bustling energy, all while exploring unique spots like local cafés and the iconic cityscape.

--- Mike & Ashley
November 24, 2024, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Childhood dreams of China
  2. 0:44Arrival in Beijing
  3. 1:24Navigating the metro
  4. 2:32First Beijing coffee
  5. 5:19Kindness of locals
  6. 14:36Riverfront discovery
  7. 21:04Michelin-starred dinner
  8. 31:04Unexpected gift
  9. 35:59Exploring Soho district

Mike & Ashley's first day in Beijing was a dream! Exploring the city, savoring delicious food, and experiencing incredible kindness left them with hearts full of joy and wonder.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Use Alipay, WeChat, MetroMan, and Apple Maps for easy navigation and payments in China. Google Maps, Instagram, and YouTube may not work. (7:08)
  2. Tip 2Track your budget using TravelSpend. A daily budget of $50-$60 may need adjusting based on accommodation costs. (7:17)
  3. Tip 3Use DiDi, China's version of Uber or Grab, for convenient transportation. You can order and pay through Alipay. (11:42)
  4. Tip 4Consider renting shared bicycles using Alipay, but check if you can rent multiple bikes with one account. (12:00)
  5. Tip 5Engage with locals to learn more about Beijing's culture and hidden gems. Ask questions and share your experiences. (15:30)
  6. Tip 6Support the clean plate initiative by ordering responsibly and being mindful of packaging charges. (20:02)
  7. Tip 7To eat Xiaolong bao, bite a small hole and slurp the soup before eating the dumpling. Enjoy with or without sauce. (29:49)

Mike and Ashley's first day in China was nothing short of extraordinary! From the initial emotional arrival in Beijing to navigating the surprisingly easy metro system, their journey was filled with unexpected delights. They savored delicious local coffee and soup dumplings, encountered warm hospitality, and marveled at the city's cleanliness. Their exploration led them to charming cafes and stunning parks, where they even witnessed a unique cultural moment involving firecrackers. The day culminated in a Michelin-starred dinner and a heartwarming gift from the restaurant, solidifying their unforgettable first impression of Beijing.

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Americans' FIRST DAY in China 🇨🇳 A Dream Come True!

This vlog documents Mike and Ashley's first day in Beijing, China, exceeding their expectations. Their initial apprehension about visiting China gave way to overwhelming excitement upon arrival. Navigating the city proved easier than anticipated; the metro system was user-friendly, and the locals were incredibly welcoming and friendly, often greeting Mike and Ashley with smiles and waves. They readily embraced local experiences, enjoying coffee at a charming cafe, "With Wheat Cafe," and later indulging in a Michelin-starred meal at Din Tai Fung. The vlog highlights the cleanliness of Beijing's streets, a stark contrast to their preconceived notions. Mike and Ashley's journey wasn't without its humorous moments, such as Ashley's Alipay payment struggles and their attempts to rent shared bicycles. The vlog showcases their adaptability, resourcefulness, and appreciation for the unique cultural experiences Beijing offered. Their emotional reactions throughout the day underscore the profound impact of their first-time visit to China. The vlog concludes with a sense of wonder and excitement for what's to come during their trip. They encourage viewers to subscribe and follow along on their journey, promising further exploration of Beijing and other parts of China.

Mike and Ashley's initial anxieties about their trip to China were quickly replaced by astonishment at the city's cleanliness and the warmth of its people. They shared heartwarming moments of connection with locals, including a sweet old gentleman who brought his dog to greet them. The couple's reactions to the unexpected kindness and ease of navigation in Beijing were genuinely touching, highlighting the power of positive first impressions.

The vlog also captures the couple's appreciation for the small details, from the aroma of freshly baked goods at With Wheat Cafe to the intricate folds of their soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung. Their experience at Din Tai Fung, a Michelin-starred restaurant, was a delightful surprise, showing their willingness to step outside their usual street-food preferences. The vlog showcases their adaptability and resourcefulness, as seen in their use of various apps to navigate the city and manage their budget.

Throughout the vlog, Mike and Ashley express their genuine enthusiasm and wonder, creating an engaging narrative that captures the essence of their first day in Beijing. Their emotional reactions, from tears of joy to laughter, add a layer of authenticity and relatability to their story. The vlog successfully conveys their profound appreciation for the unique cultural experiences and the unexpected ease of their journey in a country they had previously only known through stories and assumptions. They ended their day with cocktails at a funky bar, concluding their first day in Beijing with a sense of wonder and excitement for their continuing journey.

Beijing Exploration: Americans' First Day in China

Mike & Ashley's first day in Beijing: delicious food, bustling streets, and a dream come true! China's charm captivates.

Beijing Exploration: First-Timers' Authentic China Experience

Mike and Ashley, an American couple, finally fulfill their lifelong dream of visiting China. Their first day in Beijing is filled with exciting discoveries: navigating the metro, trying local coffee and soup dumplings, and soaking in the city's vibrant atmosphere. They share their initial impressions of Beijing's cleanliness, welcoming people, and bustling energy, exploring local cafes and iconic landmarks. Their journey is one of wonder and excitement, a testament to the allure of Chinese culture.

Attractions in this video: Great Wall Of China