Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1For details on entering China, watch my previous video about the necessary paperwork and procedures. (2:13)
- Tip 2Download useful apps like Didi, Alipay, and Google Maps before your trip; they work well even without a VPN. (7:58)
- Tip 3Consider using an international data sim card for convenient connectivity during your travels in China. (8:30)
- Tip 4Set up Alipay and add your payment information before arriving in China to ensure a smooth transaction experience. (10:52)
- Tip 5Purchase tickets to attractions in advance, especially during peak seasons or public holidays, to avoid long queues. (24:51)
- Tip 6Book your tours and tickets online through platforms like getyourguide.com for convenience and to save time. (28:35)
- Tip 7Explore the Hutongs near the Forbidden City; it's a charming area with unique shops and cultural experiences. (44:30)
Travelwithchris's Beijing adventure begins! Lost in the bustling streets, he navigates the city, discovering hidden gems and unexpected kindness from locals. From the iconic CCTV building to the serene Lama Temple, his journey is filled with surprising encounters and delicious street food. A mix-up with a tour leads to an unplanned visit to the Forbidden City, revealing its grandeur and rich history. Despite challenges, Chris's first impressions of China are overwhelmingly positive, leaving viewers eager to explore this vibrant nation.
More about the current video:
This vlog follows Travelwithchris's first day exploring Beijing, China. He begins his journey by expressing his excitement and safety while observing the city's modern architecture and abundance of luxury brand stores. The video showcases his initial impressions of Beijing as a surprisingly calm and clean city, despite its status as a capital. He notes the prevalence of Teslas and bicycles, highlighting the efficient public transportation.
Travelwithchris shares his experience using various apps like Didi (similar to Uber) and Alipay, demonstrating their ease of use. He also discusses the language barrier, but emphasizes the kindness and welcoming nature of the locals he encounters. He shares his initial hesitations about visiting China due to Western media portrayals, but quickly refutes those preconceptions with his positive experiences.
His planned visit to the CCTV command tower is thwarted by a slight navigational mishap. However, he makes his way to a park where he observes musicians playing and street performers, showcasing the vibrant cultural scene. He then embarks on a journey to the Lama Temple, where he interacts with locals and purchases a snack, providing viewers with a glimpse into daily life in Beijing.
The vlog also documents Travelwithchris's visit to the Lama Temple, highlighting the unique atmosphere and the surprisingly short wait time to enter, despite it being a public holiday. He notes the temple's beauty and the presence of both locals and tourists. He also shares his experience purchasing a ticket and observes locals engaging in traditional practices, such as burning incense and praying.
Unexpectedly, a scheduling mix-up leads to a spontaneous visit to the Forbidden City instead of the CCTV tower. He shares his experience navigating the city streets, encountering luxury shops and encountering locals who are curious about his experiences. He documents his arrival at the Forbidden City, showcasing its grandeur and historical significance. He reflects on the size and historical importance of the Palace, expressing his awe at its scale and beauty. The video concludes with Travelwithchris's overwhelmingly positive impressions of Beijing, encouraging viewers to explore the city and experience its rich culture firsthand.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: How safe did you feel walking around Beijing?
- A: I felt very safe, especially with all the cameras everywhere. It's much safer than where I'm from!
- Q: What's the best way to get around Beijing?
- A: The Didi app is super easy to use, like Uber. I also used Alipay for easy payments.
- Q: What was the food like?
- A: I tried some interesting street food. Some things were great, others... not so much. The seasoned pork and egg sandwich was amazing!
- Q: Was it hard to communicate?
- A: The language barrier was definitely there, but people were super welcoming and helpful.
- Q: What was the most surprising thing about your trip?
- A: How kind and welcoming everyone was. It completely changed my expectations!