Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1When visiting Beijing's attractions, start early in the morning to maximize your time. The city is vast, and travel between sites can take a significant amount of time. (3:24)
- Tip 2Be aware that some hotels in China may not accept foreign guests, especially in the beginning of your stay. It's always best to do your research in advance. (9:45)
- Tip 3Avoid traveling to China during national holidays, as the sheer number of people traveling simultaneously can make getting around extremely difficult. (11:46)
- Tip 4Consider using bikes and scooters for transportation in China. They're efficient, relatively quiet, and readily available. (12:45)
Sheku Mans's heartfelt farewell to Northern China is a captivating journey through bustling cities and heartwarming encounters. From the vibrant street markets to the comforting familiarity of his favorite restaurant, his experiences showcase the unique blend of tradition and modernity that defines China. His emotional connections with students and the simple joys of daily life paint a vivid picture of his time in Tianjin, Beijing, and Shanghai, culminating in a bittersweet goodbye and anticipation for his next adventure in Shenzhen.
More about the current video:( 28 / 28 )

This video marks Sheku Mans's farewell to Northern China after a year and a half of living and exploring the region. Sheku shares his experiences in several cities, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of his time there. He reflects on the cultural immersion, the convenience of daily life, and the unique character of each place. His journey begins with a look at his daily routine in Tianjin, a city he describes as sleepy yet traditional, contrasting it with the mega-city of Beijing, which he finds more international and expensive. Sheku expresses his preference for Tianjin's more traditional and affordable atmosphere.
He then shares his experiences in Beijing, emphasizing the need to plan visits to attractions carefully due to the sheer scale of the city and the potential for long travel times. He touches on his travels to other cities like Shanghai, which he appreciates for its modern architecture and Westernized feel, but also finds too expensive for long-term living. His visit to Suzhou is also mentioned, highlighting a boat tour as a memorable experience.
Throughout the video, Sheku shares personal anecdotes, such as getting stuck at a train station early in his China experience, and the heartwarming connection he formed with his students, receiving a touching card from one of them. He also mentions the challenges faced by foreigners in some hotels early on in his stay. Sheku's narrative is punctuated with reflections on the quality of life in China, specifically mentioning the affordability of goods and services in smaller cities, the delicious and varied food, and the ease of getting around using bikes and scooters. He expresses his appreciation for the overall safety and convenience he experienced. The video concludes with Sheku preparing to move to Shenzhen in Southern China, expressing both excitement and a hint of sadness as he leaves behind his life in the north.
The overall tone is reflective and positive, showcasing Sheku's deep appreciation for his time in Northern China despite the challenges he encountered. The video provides a personal and authentic glimpse into the daily life of a foreigner in China, emphasizing the cultural richness, personal connections, and overall positive experience.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What's your favorite thing about living in Tianjin?
- A: It's a sleepy but very traditional city, and things are a lot cheaper here than in other places I've lived in China.
- Q: What was it like traveling during Chinese New Year?
- A: It was insane! So many people traveling at once. It's not fun, so I'd recommend avoiding travel during that time.
- Q: What's your opinion on Shanghai?
- A: I love Shanghai! The architecture is amazing, but it's also very Westernized and expensive. It's a great showcase of China's progress.
- Q: What's the food like in China?
- A: The food is top-quality! There's so much variety, and I've found some of my favorite restaurants here. It's absolutely amazing.
- Q: What advice would you give to someone planning a trip to Beijing?
- A: Start early when you visit attractions! It takes a lot of walking, and you want to make sure you have enough time to see everything.