Beijing Exploration: Culture, History & Crowds

NOT what we expected in China's Capital City! First Time in BEIJING

Destination:ChinaCity:ChongqingPopulation:32 million
NOT what we expected in China's Capital City! First Time in BEIJING
Eoin and Aisling2024-07-1421 min

Beijing is the capital city of China and the end location for our first trip to China. It's a city that is packed with culture and history, but we quickly discovered it is also rammed with crowds of people and can be a bit overwhelming if your not prepared.

--- Eoin and Aisling
July 14, 2024, Summer in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Arrival in Beijing
  2. 0:28Qianmen Street food scene
  3. 1:40Metro and security experience
  4. 4:46Forbidden City booking issues
  5. 5:16Exploring a narrow alleyway
  6. 6:19Finding a place to eat
  7. 9:56Visiting Lama Temple
  8. 12:06Exploring Beijing Hutongs
  9. 14:13Bell Tower and activity park
  10. 18:52Jingshan Park and Forbidden City view

Eoin And Aisling's Beijing trip: chaotic start, but charming Hutongs, delicious food, and serene temples won them over. A memorable, if initially overwhelming, Chinese adventure!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Always carry your passport in Beijing; you'll be asked for it frequently. (1:55)
  2. Tip 2Unlike other Chinese cities, Beijing's metro system doesn't offer multi-day passes; you must buy individual tickets. (2:07)
  3. Tip 3Book tickets for popular attractions like the Forbidden City online in advance to avoid disappointment. (4:51)
  4. Tip 4Download the Metroman app for easy navigation of Beijing's metro system. (9:47)
  5. Tip 5Explore Beijing's unique Hutongs, alleyways filled with residences, cafes, and boutiques. (12:13)
  6. Tip 6When visiting Beijing, book everything in advance, especially if you have limited time. (20:49)

Eoin And Aisling's Beijing adventure didn't start as expected. From chaotic streets and constant security checks to navigating a complex metro system, their initial impressions were less than stellar. However, exploring Qianmen Street's vibrant atmosphere, discovering hidden Hutongs, and finding delicious local food, their experience transformed. The Lama Temple offered a serene escape from the city's intensity, showcasing stunning architecture and peaceful ambiance. Despite some initial frustrations with booking popular sites in advance, their journey through Beijing's unique culture and hidden gems ultimately left a lasting impression.

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NOT what we expected in China's Capital City! First Time in BEIJING

This vlog documents Eoin And Aisling's experience exploring Beijing, China's capital city. Their journey begins with a contrast to other Chinese cities they've visited, describing Beijing as chaotic and heavily monitored. Navigating the metro system proves challenging due to multiple security checks and the lack of multi-day passes.

Their initial attempt to visit the Forbidden City is thwarted by the necessity of online booking, highlighting the importance of pre-planning in Beijing. However, they discover the charm of Qianmen Street, although the tourist crowds deter them from trying the street food.

Despite the initial setbacks, they find solace in the beauty of the city's architecture and colorful buildings. They stumble upon a tranquil tram ride, adding a touch of unexpected joy to their day. The vibrant colors and sheer scale of the buildings, reminiscent of the Great Wall's grandeur, leave a lasting impression.

The Lama Temple provides a welcome respite from the city's intensity. The temple's serene atmosphere, beautiful colors, and the complimentary incense offered to visitors create a moment of peace and reflection. The experience contrasts sharply with the earlier chaotic encounters.

Exploring Beijing's Hutongs offers a glimpse into local life, a mix of traditional residences and modern cafes. They enjoy a delicious and quick meal of wonton noodle soup and fried rice egg noodles, highlighting the generous portions. The unique three-wheeled cars and ubiquitous security cameras are noted as distinctive features of the city.

Their visit to Jingshan Park, while hampered by the Forbidden City's nighttime darkness, provides a lovely view and a moment of peaceful reflection. The vlog concludes with a revised perspective on Beijing, acknowledging both the challenges and the unexpected beauty they discovered, emphasizing the importance of advance planning for a smoother experience.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most challenging aspect of traveling in Beijing?
A: Probably the constant security checks and having to book everything online in advance. The metro was also a bit of a hassle because you couldn't get multi-day passes.
Q: What was your favorite part of the day?
A: Definitely visiting the Lama Temple. It was such a peaceful and beautiful place, a nice contrast to the craziness of the city.
Q: What surprised you most about Beijing?
A: How different it felt compared to other cities we visited in China. It was much more chaotic and heavily monitored than we expected.
Q: What was the food like?
A: The food was delicious! We had wonton noodle soup and fried rice egg noodles. The portions were huge!
Q: What's your advice to other travelers visiting Beijing?
A: Book everything in advance! Seriously, it's essential, especially if you're only there for a short time. Also, be prepared for lots of security checks.

Beijing Exploration: Culture, History & Crowds

Beijing adventure: Eoin & Aisling explore China's capital, discovering a vibrant mix of culture, history, and bustling crowds. An unforgettable first impression!

Beijing Exploration: Hutongs, Temples & Unexpected Discoveries

Eoin and Aisling's first Chinese adventure takes an unexpected turn in Beijing! They uncover a vibrant capital city brimming with culture and history, but also find themselves navigating bustling crowds. Get ready for a captivating journey through the heart of Beijing, filled with surprising discoveries and unforgettable moments. Their initial impressions of China's capital are nothing short of captivating, offering a unique blend of historical grandeur and modern energy.

Attractions in this video: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Qianmen Street, Lama Temple, Hutongs, Jingshan Park, Bell Tower, Drum Tower