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Jordan and Emily spend two weeks traveling through China, beginning in Beijing and later visiting Xi'an. In Beijing they explore the Forbidden City with audio guides, learn about the emperor's private walkways and roof design, and share a Peking duck dinner after meeting friendly local people. They continue to the Great Wall, where an early private tour and toboggan ride make the visit memorable, then see the Summer Palace, 17 Arch Bridge, and Temple of Buddhist Incense. In Xi'an they travel by high-speed rail, walk the ancient city walls, try biang biang noodles, and visit the Muslim Quarter and Terracotta Army. Their account highlights the kindness they encountered and the ease of traveling between major destinations.
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More about the current video:(Published on 2025-03-19)
Beijing's palaces and the Great Wall
Jordan and Emily travel through China for two weeks, starting in Beijing during autumn. They are struck by the colors and energy of the city. At the Forbidden City, they see a vast palace complex and use audio guides to learn about its history. They share details about the emperor's exclusive walkways and the roof design intended to deter birds. They recommend booking tickets online in advance, entering early, and following the one-way flow through the complex. Afterward they climb Jingshan Park for a view over the Forbidden City.
A chance encounter with local people leads to a Peking duck dinner. The couple also visit the Great Wall, where its scale and history move them. Their private tour through Get Your Guide arrives early, letting them experience the wall with few other visitors. A toboggan ride down the mountain adds a playful end to the visit. At the Summer Palace, they see imperial architecture and gardens, including the 17 Arch Bridge and Temple of Buddhist Incense, with traditional Chinese music in the background. They suggest arriving early to avoid crowds and enjoy the light.
Xi'an by train
The journey continues to Xi'an by high-speed rail, which the couple describe as fast and efficient. They explore the ancient city walls and try local foods, including biang biang noodles and Chinese hamburgers, before visiting the Muslim Quarter. The Terracotta Army is a highlight, and they discuss its construction, the first emperor's interest in immortality, and the history behind the discovery.
Throughout the trip, Jordan and Emily talk about how easy it felt to travel between sites and how often people offered help despite language differences. Their practical advice includes planning attraction tickets, using audio guides if useful, and getting to the Great Wall early. They also discuss the cost of food and accommodation, saying public transport and meals can be affordable. The video follows them from Beijing's historic landmarks to the wall and on to Xi'an, ending with reflections on the kindness and generosity they experienced across the trip.
Their Great Wall visit includes details about its construction and strategic design, which help explain the scale they encounter in person. The Summer Palace offers a different kind of history: they see imperial buildings and gardens, including the 17 Arch Bridge and the Temple of Buddhist Incense, while traditional music plays nearby. Jordan and Emily describe the experience as immersive and recommend arriving early. They also discuss practical matters such as affordable accommodation and food, along with the convenience of using public transport. Their trip moves between major landmarks and meals, with Peking duck and local street food both becoming memorable parts of the itinerary. The couple's accounts of the Forbidden City, the wall, and Xi'an bring together architecture, imperial history, and archaeological discoveries, while conversations with residents show how often they were offered help. They finish the trip with an invitation to explore the same places and meet the people they encountered.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What is an easy way to get around Beijing?
- A: Jordan and Emily describe the metro as efficient and inexpensive. They recommend downloading the Metroman app to help navigate routes and stations around the city.
- Q: What food did Jordan and Emily enjoy in China?
- A: They enjoyed food throughout the trip, with Peking duck in Beijing standing out alongside local street food, biang biang noodles and Chinese hamburgers in Xi’an. They found the meals delicious and affordable, making food a highlight from one city to the next.
- Q: What surprised them most about China?
- A: They were surprised by how easy it felt to travel around China and by how kind and helpful people were. Residents often tried to help despite language barriers, and those welcoming encounters shaped the couple’s view of the trip.
- Q: How did they visit the Great Wall?
- A: They booked a private tour through Get Your Guide and arrived when the Great Wall opened, so they had it almost entirely to themselves. Going early helped them avoid later crowds, and the toboggan ride down the mountain was another highlight.
- Q: What food did Jordan and Emily enjoy in China?
- A: They highlight Peking duck in Beijing, local street food, biang biang noodles, and Chinese hamburgers. They say the food was affordable as well as memorable during their visits.
