Chengdu: First-Timers' Raw China Experience

Arriving in CHINA for the First Time: Extreme Culture Shock! 🇨🇳

Destination:ChinaCity:ChengduPopulation:16.3 million
Arriving in CHINA for the First Time: Extreme Culture Shock! 🇨🇳
Adam & Yaz2024-11-1652 min

We are in China for the first time! Join us as we share our honest and raw experience of the first few days in this incredible country, starting with the capital of the Sichuan Province, Chengdu.

Arriving in China was an adventure in itself, full of new sights and sounds. We settled into our Chengdu hotel and began to explore.

Our first impressions of China were a mix of awe and wonder. The energy of the city was palpable, and the street food was an amazing culinary adventure. We visited Peoples Park, a vibrant hub of activity, and wandered through the charming Jinli Old Street.

Trying hot pot for the first time was a memorable experience. The next morning, we sought out coffee, a familiar comfort in a new and exciting environment. A highlight was our visit to Panda Paradise Chengdu, where we encountered these adorable creatures.

More street food delights and a Michelin star restaurant rounded out our culinary journey. Our final thoughts on these first few days in China were filled with a sense of wonder and anticipation for what was to come.

--- Adam & Yaz
November 16, 2024, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Intro
  2. 0:52Arriving in China
  3. 14:40Chengdu Hotel
  4. 17:40First Impressions of China
  5. 22:30Chinese Street Food
  6. 23:56Peoples Park
  7. 29:10Jinli Old Street Chengdu
  8. 29:45Trying Hot Pot
  9. 34:58Second Morning
  10. 35:55Getting Coffee
  11. 37:05Panda Paradise Chengdu
  12. 43:34Chinese Street Food
  13. 44:48Michelin Star Restaurant
  14. 51:48Outro and Final Thoughts

Adam & Yaz's incredible first China trip: exploring Chengdu's vibrant streets, enjoying delicious hot pot, and experiencing the wonder of giant pandas. A culture shock adventure!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Consider using an eSIM for easy and affordable data access during your travels in China. It avoids the hassle of buying a physical SIM card upon arrival. (13:29)
  2. Tip 2Keep your regular SIM card in your phone so your number stays the same while using an eSIM. (14:10)
  3. Tip 3Google Maps may not be entirely reliable in China; consider using alternative navigation apps like Apple Maps for better accuracy. (20:16)
  4. Tip 4Use the metro for efficient and affordable transportation within cities, especially to popular tourist attractions like People's Park. (21:10)
  5. Tip 5If a place is very touristy, there's usually a good reason. Don't dismiss it without exploring; it might offer a worthwhile experience. (37:31)
  6. Tip 6Take it easy on your return journey from a long day of sightseeing to avoid rushing and enjoy the local food. (43:34)

Adam & Yaz's first China adventure begins in Chengdu! From navigating bustling airports and subways to savoring authentic hot pot and Michelin-star cuisine, their journey is filled with unexpected delights. They encounter friendly locals, marvel at stunning architecture, and share heartwarming moments with giant pandas at Panda Paradise. This vlog captures the vibrant culture and delicious food of Chengdu, offering a unique and engaging glimpse into China's captivating heart.

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Arriving in CHINA for the First Time: Extreme Culture Shock! 🇨🇳

This video documents Adam & Yaz's exciting first trip to China, starting in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Their journey begins with a smooth flight and a surprisingly calm immigration process, despite initial anxieties about communication and payment methods. They cleverly utilize Alipay for their first Chinese purchase at an airport 7-Eleven, sampling unique snacks and drinks. The experience of navigating the Wuhan airport, including a humorous encounter with a vending machine and affordable massage chairs, adds to the adventure. Their journey continues with a smooth flight to Chengdu, followed by a slightly more challenging but ultimately successful journey to their hotel using the metro. The hotel itself is a standout, modern and clean, exceeding their expectations. The next day, they explore Chengdu, starting with a much-needed caffeine fix before embarking on their panda adventure. Panda Paradise is described as a rescue and rehabilitation center, a touching experience that highlights the conservation efforts for these beloved animals. The vlog also showcases the unique blend of modern and traditional aspects of Chengdu. A highlight is their visit to People's Park, where they experience the local tea culture in a lively atmosphere, contrasting with the serene beauty of the park's architecture. The culinary adventure continues with a memorable hot pot experience, where they navigate the language barrier with humor and grace, enjoying the unique flavors and textures of the dish. The day concludes with a luxurious Michelin-star dining experience, a seven-course meal that showcases the refined culinary arts of Chengdu. Throughout their journey, Adam & Yaz interact with friendly locals, capturing genuine moments of connection and cultural exchange. Their vlog is a vibrant portrayal of Chengdu, offering a blend of unique experiences, personal insights, and emotional moments that will resonate with viewers.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most memorable food experience?
A: Definitely the hot pot! It was a flavor explosion, and the experience was unlike anything we'd had before. The sichuan pepper was intense!
Q: What was the most surprising thing about Chengdu?
A: How modern some parts of the city are compared to the more traditional areas. The contrast was really striking, and the 3D billboards were amazing!
Q: What advice would you give to other travelers?
A: Use Alipay! It's super convenient and easy to use. Also, be prepared for a bit of culture shock, but embrace it—it's part of the adventure!

Chengdu: First-Timers' Raw China Experience

Adam & Yaz's first China trip: Chengdu's vibrant streets, delicious food, and adorable pandas create unforgettable memories!

Chengdu Travel Vlog: Pandas, Hot Pot & Culture Shock

Adam and Yaz's China adventure begins in Chengdu, Sichuan Province! Their captivating journey documents the initial culture shock and excitement of experiencing a new country. From navigating the bustling streets to savoring delicious street food and hot pot, they paint a vivid picture of their first impressions. A visit to the iconic Peoples Park and the enchanting Panda Paradise adds unique cultural experiences to their unforgettable trip. Their honest and raw account offers a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant heart of China.

Attractions in this video: Peoples Park, Jinli Old Street, Panda Paradise