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The Passport Couple spend their first 48 hours in Beijing exploring the city through a mix of planned stops and unexpected changes. A Kung Fu class surprises them with how much fun it is, while public transport proves difficult without familiar map apps. Locals help them find their way. They visit Tiananmen Square, watch the flag-lowering ceremony and try to enter the Forbidden City, but a ticketing mix-up changes the plan. Their trip also includes street food, Peking duck and Wangfujing pedestrian street, where they take a quieter walk away from traffic. They also notice the city’s bike lanes and visit Wangfujing pedestrian street.
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More about the current video:(Published on 2024-07-20)
A Kung Fu class and getting around
The Passport Couple arrive in Beijing for their first trip to the city and begin with an unexpected Kung Fu class. They find it more fun than expected, and one traveler feels surprisingly capable despite having no previous martial arts experience. The instructor moves quickly, giving the lesson an energetic pace.
Public transport is initially tricky because familiar apps such as Google Maps are not reliable in China. The couple use Apple Maps and find that local people at bus stops and train stations are willing to help with directions. They notice that Beijing has many bicycle lanes and that people continue cycling even in colder weather, using jackets and coverings to stay warm. They also discuss tap water: unlike in Georgia, where they are used to drinking it, they do not drink Beijing tap water and buy bottled water from vendors.
Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
At Tiananmen Square, the couple watch the flag-lowering ceremony and take in the size of the open space. The square covers 53 acres, so a leisurely visit can involve plenty of walking. They try to avoid the biggest crowds by timing their visit before or after the ceremony. One unexpected moment is the sound of cannon fire at the square, which feels both frightening and unusual.
Their attempt to visit the Forbidden City involves a ticketing mistake and a rushed change of plans. The scale of the site exceeds their expectations, and they miss the pre-booked time slot they had hoped to use. They adapt by finding other ways to enjoy the day, including food and a walk along Wangfujing pedestrian street, where cars are not allowed and the atmosphere is quieter. They also have Peking duck and street snacks. The couple’s first Beijing trip combines historic landmarks, local help, transit lessons and unplanned moments.
The trip also gives them practical observations to carry into another day of sightseeing. Beijing’s many bike lanes stand out to the couple, as does the sight of people cycling in colder weather with jackets and coverings. For directions, they prefer Apple Maps because Google Maps does not work well for them, and they find that people at stations and bus stops can answer questions. They avoid drinking the tap water, as they would at home in Georgia, and buy bottled water from vendors. The couple also recommend booking Forbidden City tickets ahead of time, up to seven days before a visit, because their own ticketing mishap changes their plans. They describe the large site’s cleaning needs and note military forces in everyday locations. At Tiananmen Square, they suggest choosing a time before or after the flag-lowering ceremony for a more leisurely walk through its 53 acres. Their final stop, Wangfujing, has no cars, offering a quieter route for pedestrians.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the Kung Fu class like?
- A: The couple found it very fun. One of them felt capable despite having never tried martial arts, while the instructor’s movements were exceptionally fast.
- Q: What surprised them most about Beijing?
- A: They were surprised by how quiet the city felt, even on busy streets, and by the large number of electric vehicles.
- Q: What was their favorite food?
- A: They especially enjoyed Peking duck. They liked the caramelized skin and sugar dipping sauce, as well as the street-food snacks they tried.
- Q: What was their most memorable moment?
- A: The cannon fire at Tiananmen Square stood out. They found it frightening but also unusual and memorable.
- Q: What advice did they have for first-time visitors?
- A: Book Forbidden City tickets well in advance, use Apple Maps rather than Google Maps, and be ready to walk a lot while exploring the city.