China Great Wall Adventure: Unexpected Journey

The Great Wall of China was NOT what I expected πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³

Destination:ChinaCity:BeijingPopulation:21.5 million
The Great Wall of China was NOT what I expected πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³
Arden Yeomans2025-06-1830 min

The Great Wall of China was NOT what I expected. I had so many preconceived notions about what it would be like, and honestly, a lot of them were wrong. I expected it to be way more crowded than it actually was. We went on a weekday, which probably helped, but I was still surprised. I expected it to be more...maintained? There were parts that were clearly well-preserved and beautifully restored, but other parts were quite rugged and overgrown. It added to the experience, in a way. It made it feel more real, more historical. It felt less like a tourist trap and more like a genuine piece of history. I also expected it to be easier to walk on. Some parts were incredibly steep and challenging. I was definitely out of breath by the end of it. But the views? Absolutely breathtaking. It was everything I had hoped for and more, just in a way I never anticipated. It was an incredible experience, one I'll never forget.

--- Arden Yeomans
June 18, 2025, Summer in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Arrival in Beijing
  2. 0:12Great Wall Trip
  3. 1:31Travel to Wall
  4. 3:21East Side Choice
  5. 5:50Cable Car Queue
  6. 7:43Reaching the Wall
  7. 8:32Toboggan Ride
  8. 11:32First Wall View
  9. 15:32Steep Steps
  10. 21:54Toboggan Descent
  11. 25:07Reflecting on Experience

Arden Yeomans conquered the Great Wall of China, experiencing unexpected challenges and breathtaking views. A cable car ascent and toboggan descent made it an unforgettable adventure!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1In Asia, it's common to leave belongings on seats to reserve them. Respect this local custom. (2:16)
  2. Tip 2The Great Wall sections in Beijing were built during the Ming Dynasty (621 years of history). (2:29)
  3. Tip 3Meet your tour guide at the designated location after completing your activities. (3:44)
  4. Tip 4For the east side, scan your ticket and passport. The west side only requires passport scanning. (4:03)
  5. Tip 5To get great photos, ask friendly locals to take pictures for you. (16:13)
  6. Tip 6If you aren't deeply interested in history, the east side, with its cable car and toboggan, is a better choice. (17:35)
  7. Tip 7When visiting, choose either the east or west side; don't try to do both due to time constraints. (26:26)

Arden Yeomans's Great Wall adventure wasn't what she expected! From unexpected crowds to a thrilling toboggan ride down a section of the wall, her journey was filled with surprises. This vlog captures the excitement of ticking off a seventh wonder of the world, the unexpected challenges, and the breathtaking views that left her speechless. Prepare for stunning visuals and a truly unique travel experience!

More about the current video:( 10 / 10 )

The Great Wall of China was NOT what I expected πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³

This vlog follows Arden Yeomans's visit to the Great Wall of China, specifically the east side, known for its cable car and toboggan ride. Arden, a seasoned vlogger, documents her journey from the early morning subway ride to the final descent on the toboggan. She initially expected massive crowds but found the experience surprisingly manageable, particularly on a weekday. The Great Wall exceeded her expectations despite some sections being less maintained than she anticipated, adding to its historical authenticity. The steepness of the wall presented a physical challenge, but the panoramic views were breathtaking. Arden highlights the unique experience of the cable car ascent and the exhilarating toboggan ride down the mountain, describing it as "absolutely sick." She details the long queue for the cable car, sharing her experience with fellow travelers and capturing the vibrant atmosphere. The vlog also features interactions with locals, showcasing the friendly nature of the people she encountered. Arden documents her lunch at a restaurant included in her tour package, and her search for a refreshing energy drink in the sweltering heat. The vlog concludes with Arden reflecting on her experience, ranking the Great Wall as her third favorite of the seven wonders she's visited so far, emphasizing the stunning views and unique challenges. The video offers a personal and authentic glimpse into Arden's journey, capturing both the excitement and the unexpected hurdles of exploring this iconic landmark.

The journey wasn't without its challenges. The intense heat and the steepness of the wall tested Arden's physical endurance, but she persevered, highlighting the rewarding nature of the experience. The long queues for the cable car and toboggan also presented a test of patience, but Arden's positive attitude and interactions with other travelers created a memorable experience. The vlog provides a realistic portrayal of what to expect, including the long wait times and the unexpected physical demands.

Arden's personal insights and emotional moments are what truly make this vlog stand out. Her excitement is palpable, from her early morning anticipation to her final toboggan ride. Her surprise at the manageable crowds and the rugged beauty of the wall add a layer of authenticity to the narrative. The video concludes with Arden reflecting on her overall experience, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to visit this iconic landmark and providing a personal ranking of the wonders she's seen. The vlog serves as a testament to the power of embracing unexpected challenges and finding joy in the journey itself.

The vlog also offers practical travel tips. Arden shares her experience with the different sections of the wall, recommending the east side for its cable car and toboggan ride, while acknowledging the potential for long wait times. She also highlights the importance of managing expectations, acknowledging that the Great Wall is ultimately "just a wall," but a stunning and historically significant one. Her experience serves as a reminder to approach travel with an open mind and to embrace the unexpected, turning potential frustrations into memorable moments.

Overall, Arden's vlog offers a unique and engaging perspective on visiting the Great Wall of China, combining stunning visuals with personal insights and practical travel advice. It's a must-watch for anyone planning a trip to this iconic landmark.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the queue like for the cable car?
A: It was absolutely massive! It took me about an hour to get to the cable car from the time I joined the queue.
Q: How was the toboggan ride?
A: It was absolutely sick! The best part of the whole experience, although the woman operating it kept the brake on the whole way, so it was slower than it could have been.
Q: What was the food like at the restaurant?
A: It was rice with chicken breast and a spicy sauce. It was really nice.
Q: What was the weather like?
A: It was boiling hot, like 36 degrees. I definitely got burnt!
Q: What was the most surprising thing about the Great Wall?
A: Probably how steep the steps were! No one warned me about that before coming.

China Great Wall Adventure: Unexpected Journey

Arden explores China's Great Wall, revealing unexpected beauty and challenges. A journey of discovery and adventure!

Great Wall of China: Cable Car, Toboggan & Breathtaking Views

Arden Yeomans' journey to the Great Wall of China shatters expectations. This isn't your typical tourist experience; it's a raw, personal account of encountering this iconic landmark. Prepare for unexpected twists and turns as Arden navigates the Wall, revealing its hidden beauty and surprising challenges. A captivating tale of adventure and discovery awaits!

Attractions in this video: Great Wall Of China