Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Always use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi to protect your online privacy and security. Surfshark is a great option. (5:38)
- Tip 2Book your tickets for the Temple of Heaven and Forbidden City online in advance to secure your entry and avoid long queues. Use the website mentioned in the description. (8:55)
- Tip 3Tickets usually go on sale one week prior to your desired visit date. Reserve your spot early, preferably two to three weeks in advance. (9:01)
- Tip 4Your ticket is your ID; use your passport for entry if you are a foreigner. Be prepared for potential delays during the verification process. (9:23)
- Tip 5Consider renting an audio guide, especially for the Forbidden City, to enrich your understanding of the historical context and significance of the sites. (10:00)
- Tip 6Visit Jingshan Park during the daytime to get a clear bird's-eye view of the Forbidden City. Avoid evening visits due to limited visibility. (17:41)
Eoin and Aisling return to China for a second adventure, starting where they left off: Beijing! This time, they're tackling iconic sites like the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City, aiming to redeem themselves after some online criticism of their previous Beijing vlog. Their journey is filled with navigating bustling crowds, discovering hidden gems, and savoring authentic Peking duck. Join them as they explore ancient palaces, vibrant markets, and the rich culture of China.
Next travel video: ( 12 / 28 )
More about the current video:( 11 / 28 )
Eoin and Aisling, the adventurous couple, are back in China for a second round! Their initial 15-day trip left them craving more, prompting this extended exploration of the country's diverse offerings. They begin their journey in Beijing, aiming to improve upon their previous visit, which received some harsh online feedback. Their second attempt begins with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, navigating the peak summer crowds and marveling at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, a stunning wooden structure. Despite the throngs of people, they find the experience awe-inspiring.
The vastness of the Temple of Heaven park is striking, with its expansive grounds and serene pine forest offering a welcome respite from the heat. A quick coffee break follows, offering a chance to people-watch and enjoy unique local brews. This is where they share a tip about using a VPN for safer online experiences while traveling. This segues into a discussion of the importance of using a VPN, such as Surfshark, to protect their online privacy and access geo-restricted content.
Next on their itinerary is the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace. This time, armed with pre-booked tickets, they successfully enter, encountering security checks and ID verification. They highlight the lack of English signage and the fact that the Forbidden City is also known as the Palace Museum. They highly recommend booking tickets online in advance, emphasizing the use of one's passport number for entry. The sheer scale of the Forbidden City, its vibrant colors, and the impressive number of cultural relics leave them speechless. They also highlight the audio guide as a must-have for a deeper understanding of the historical significance of the site.
The experience is not without its challenges; the intense summer heat leads to the use of umbrellas for sun protection. This leads to a humorous observation about the prevalence of umbrellas and the need for caution to avoid accidental pokes. The Imperial Garden, with its ancient trees and well-preserved grounds, is another highlight. Aisling and Eoin share their experience with the Lovers' Tree, a 300-year-old intertwined tree believed to bring good luck in relationships, particularly poignant given their recent engagement.
Their Beijing adventure concludes with a culinary highlight: Peking duck. They detail the preparation and consumption of this iconic dish, emphasizing the unique combination of pancakes, duck, hoisin sauce, and various other toppings. They then conclude their day at Drum and Bell Tower Square. Eoin and Aisling invite viewers to share recommendations for their continued travels throughout China, promising another video the following week.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What's the best way to get tickets to the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven?
- A: Book them online in advance! You'll need your passport number to register and get in. They go on sale a week before your visit date, so book early!
- Q: What's it like visiting these places in peak summer?
- A: It's hot! Seriously hot. Bring an umbrella for the sun. And expect crowds, but it's manageable. The audio guides are really helpful, too!
- Q: What's the Peking duck like?
- A: It's amazing! The duck is juicy and crispy, and the pancakes are sweet and chewy. It's way more than just duck and rice; it's a whole experience!
