Cuihua Mountain: Unexpected Charm of Rural Xi'an

Rural China SHOCKED us! (Did not expect THIS...) 🇨🇳

Destination:ChinaCity:XiAnPopulation:13 million
Rural China SHOCKED us! (Did not expect THIS...) 🇨🇳
JetLag Warriors2024-02-1522 min

Our trip to a rural Chinese mountain village was an eye opener. We went to Cuihua mountain near Xi'An city to do some hiking to a beautiful Heaven Lake. And on the way, we passed by some charming villages. Aside from the spectacular landscape, the people were so friendly. Life was simple, but everyone was happy. This was the total opposite of what we've seen on western media where Chinese villages are often depicted as poor, dirty, with miserable people. But we were shocked and happy to find out that life in this countryside was clean and relaxing. We didn't expect this in China! Check out our first time in a Chinese countryside.

--- JetLag Warriors
February 15, 2024, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Came for the mountain lake- stayed for the friendly local kids!
  2. 1:24Simple village life with outgoing and talkative locals
  3. 4:12Arrival at a gorgeous lake-- scenic and beautiful China!
  4. 5:55LET THE BEST MAN WIN
  5. 9:16OK, so I lost-- but we made friends along the way :D
  6. 11:35Donkey meat on the menu? Could be yummy actually
  7. 12:26These kids became the highlight for me (stay tuned for more)
  8. 13:35My Chinese writing is 99% accurate? AM I FLUENT??
  9. 16:28Pork, veggies and RABBIT! (very good food)
  10. 20:37THE HIGHLIGHT FOR ME! Dancing and making friends with kids

JetLag Warriors' rural China trip: Hiking, village encounters, and a heartwarming archery competition created unforgettable memories. A beautiful, unexpected journey!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Even just an hour outside of Xi'an city center, you can find yourself in a completely different world, experiencing the true local life and meeting incredibly friendly people. (2:49)
  2. Tip 2In these small villages, you'll often find very friendly people. It's a great opportunity to interact with locals and learn about their culture. (3:05)
  3. Tip 3The people in these villages appear strong and rugged due to the harsh winter conditions, making it a rewarding experience to meet them. (4:06)
  4. Tip 4Remember that while the natural beauty of a place is worth seeing, it's the people you meet and the experiences you have that you'll truly remember forever. (9:45)
  5. Tip 5Pay attention to the small details, like the concrete railing designed to look like natural wood. It shows the creativity and craftsmanship of the local builders. (10:23)
  6. Tip 6If you're adventurous, try ordering food in Chinese. Even if you make mistakes, it can be a fun and memorable experience, and you might be surprised by how well your attempts are understood. (16:05)

JetLag Warriors' Chinese countryside adventure was more than just a hike to Heaven Lake near Xi'An. Their journey into a rural village unveiled heartwarming encounters with locals, showcasing a stark contrast to Western media portrayals. From playing in the snow with children to a unique archery competition with a local, their experience was filled with unexpected moments of joy and cultural exchange. The video captures the beauty of the landscape and the warmth of the people, offering a refreshing perspective on rural Chinese life.

More about the current video:( 20 / 20 )

Rural China SHOCKED us! (Did not expect THIS...) 🇨🇳

This travelogue by JetLag Warriors recounts their surprising journey to a rural mountain village near Xi'an, China. Initially expecting a challenging hike to Heaven Lake, they encountered a charming village along the way, filled with unexpected delights. The video beautifully contrasts the stunning natural scenery with the warmth and simplicity of village life.

The JetLag Warriors were captivated by the friendliness of the villagers, particularly the children who played in the snow. This interaction provided a powerful counterpoint to preconceived notions often portrayed in Western media. The village, with its simple houses and ongoing construction, offered a glimpse into authentic Chinese rural life.

Their hike culminated in the breathtaking view of Heaven Lake, frozen over, adding a unique touch to the landscape. The journey didn't end there; they engaged in a lighthearted archery competition with a local, adding a layer of fun and cultural exchange to their experience.

The day concluded with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, where JetLag Warriors attempted to order in Chinese, resulting in humorous misunderstandings and ultimately, a delicious meal of pork and vegetables. The entire adventure, from the initial hike to the final meal, showcased the unexpected beauty and warmth of rural China, leaving JetLag Warriors with lasting memories of the people and places they encountered. The video serves as a testament to the power of open-mindedness and the rewards of venturing beyond the typical tourist trail. It challenges preconceived notions and highlights the genuine hospitality and beauty of the Chinese countryside.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was it like interacting with the local children?
A: The kids were super cute and friendly! Playing with them in the snow was a highlight of the trip.
Q: What was the food like?
A: The food was amazing! The pork was especially delicious, and even though we had some trouble ordering in Chinese, the rabbit and mushroom stew was also really good.
Q: What was the most unexpected part of your trip?
A: Probably finding such a charming village so close to Xi'an. It was a total contrast to what we expected, and everyone was so welcoming.

Cuihua Mountain: Unexpected Charm of Rural Xi'an

Exploring rural China's Cuihua Mountain, JetLag Warriors discovered heartwarming villages, friendly locals, and breathtaking scenery, defying expectations.

Rural Xi'an: Heaven Lake Hike & Village Life

JetLag Warriors' journey to a rural Chinese mountain village near Xi'An offered an unexpected revelation. Their hike to Cuihua Mountain's Heaven Lake took them through charming villages, showcasing a simple yet fulfilling life. Contrary to Western media portrayals, they found the villages clean and the people friendly and happy. This heartwarming experience challenged preconceived notions about rural China, highlighting the beauty of the landscape and the warmth of its people. The video captures delightful interactions with locals, especially children, delicious food experiences, and stunning lake views, leaving a lasting impression of unexpected joy and cultural exchange.

Attractions in this video: Cuihua Mountain, Heaven Lake