Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1To avoid crowds, don't visit Beijing during Golden Week (National Day). (2:10)
- Tip 2Beijing's hutongs offer a glimpse into the city's traditional neighborhoods, but many have been converted for tourism. (3:01)
- Tip 3To enter Tiananmen Square, you need a reservation made in advance through WeChat. (12:18)
- Tip 4Accessing Tiananmen Square requires security checks and pre-booked entry times, unlike Red Square in Moscow. (18:34)
- Tip 5Xiongan, a new city under construction, is a less crowded alternative to Beijing during peak seasons. (22:27)
- Tip 6Maotai, a popular Chinese liquor, is often a favorite gift, especially among government officials. (30:46)
- Tip 7In Xiongan, property purchases are restricted until buildings are completed to prevent speculation. (31:30)
- Tip 8Western media sometimes misrepresents China's 'ghost cities,' as it can take years for buildings to be fully occupied. (35:53)
Sabbatical's National Day adventure in China takes an unexpected turn as he explores both the historic hutongs of Beijing and the ambitious, newly built city of Xiongan. He navigates the bustling crowds of Tiananmen Square, witnessing the flag-lowering ceremony, and shares unique insights into daily life in Beijing's traditional neighborhoods. His journey then leads him to Xiongan, where he discovers a city rising from farmland, offering a glimpse into China's rapid development and future vision.
More about the current video:( 9 / 9 )
This National Day, Sabbatical journeys into the heart of China, starting in Beijing. He explores the city's soul, the Hutongs, traditional neighborhoods now largely converted into tourist areas, contrasting them with the modern skyscrapers. His exploration reveals a blend of old and new, highlighting the unique atmosphere and communal spirit of Beijing. He shares personal anecdotes, such as encountering a cat that persistently latched onto him, adding a touch of humor to the narrative.
His adventure then shifts to Tiananmen Square, where he describes the elaborate process of gaining entry, emphasizing the security checks and pre-booked reservations required. He captures the vibrant atmosphere of the National Day celebrations, including the flag-lowering ceremony, and shares historical context about the square's significance. The experience is further enriched by his observations of local interactions and surprising discoveries, like the unexpected presence of a statue depicting Sun Yat-sen, a figure respected in both China and Taiwan.
The second part of Sabbatical's journey takes him to Xiongan, a newly built city described as a potential new capital. He contrasts the bustling city of Beijing with the relative quietude of Xiongan, highlighting the city's planned development and the ongoing construction. His exploration reveals a city still under development, with many buildings unoccupied, leading him to question whether it truly lives up to its 'ghost city' reputation. However, he also observes the impressive speed of construction and the economic opportunities it presents for the local population.
Throughout his journey, Sabbatical offers personal insights and emotional moments. He shares his awe at the scale of China's construction projects, his appreciation for the resilience of local communities, and his observations on the changing dynamics of Chinese society. His narrative is enriched by vivid descriptions, local interactions, and authentic experiences, making it a compelling account of a unique National Day celebration in China.
