Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Book tours on Get Your Guide or ChinaTours.net for convenient and reliable travel arrangements in China. These platforms offer a wide selection of tours and activities, making it easy to plan your itinerary. (4:53)
- Tip 2Utilize online booking platforms like Booking.com to secure your accommodations in advance, ensuring a smooth and comfortable stay during your travels. This allows you to compare prices and amenities easily. (5:04)
- Tip 3Even with a limited visa, make time to visit the Temple of Heaven. It's one of the most beautiful temples I've ever seen, a must-see for any visitor to Beijing. (12:23)
- Tip 4Be prepared for unexpected weather events. Pack accordingly and be flexible with your itinerary. Typhoons can be powerful and disruptive. (16:05)
- Tip 5Plan your trip around local festivals and events for a richer cultural experience. The Mid-Autumn Festival in Suzhou is a great example. (21:09)
Oliver Dadema shares his honest opinions about his Beijing adventure! From a surprisingly short flight and unexpected health checks to breathtaking views from the Great Wall (which he hiked, not cabled!), this vlog is packed with unique experiences. He corrects misconceptions about the Forbidden City, highlighting its historical significance and sheer scale, and shares awe-inspiring moments at the Temple of Heaven. Get ready for stunning visuals and a glimpse into Oliver's next destination: Shanghai!
Next travel video: ( 29 / 37 )
More about the current video:( 28 / 37 )

This vlog offers Oliver Dadema’s honest review of his Beijing trip, correcting previous assumptions and providing deeper insights into the city's landmarks. He recounts his efficient 8-hour flight from Amsterdam, a surprising health check upon arrival, and the warm welcome he received at the Happy Dragon Hotel, where he enjoyed high tea and a complimentary barbecue.
His journey includes a cycling tour (with his brother Peter, whose Chinese name is PB), a visit to the Great Wall, which he and his brother surprisingly conquered in just 15 minutes despite warnings of a 30-45 minute hike. The experience showcased breathtaking views and unique perspectives only accessible by hiking. They also enjoyed the toboggan-like slides down the mountain.
Oliver then details his visit to the Forbidden City, clarifying his previous description, explaining its significance as the residence of 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties and its role as China's political center from 1420 to 1924. He shares his initial impressions of the immense scale and details of the architecture, describing the overwhelming experience of traversing its vast grounds. He revisits his earlier comments about one building possibly being a temple, acknowledging the significance of the altar and the prayers observed there.
The vlog also includes a visit to Beijing's financial center and its iconic tower, along with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, which he describes as mind-blowing. He explains its historical significance as a place where emperors prayed for good harvests, emphasizing the symbolism of the circular structures representing heaven and earth. The vlog ends with an announcement of his next destinations: Shanghai, where he experienced a typhoon, Suzhou, and future trips to Chongqing and Chengdu. Throughout the vlog, Oliver shares personal anecdotes, highlighting unexpected discoveries and authentic experiences.