Original source
Inside China's New Capital They Built In A Week (#206)
Beijing & Xiongan: Exploring Old & New China
National Day! Probably the most popular holiday in China, being that everyone gets a week off to go travel. Just don't make the mistake of going to Beijing during this time; it gets jam packed with visitors from the rest of the country.
...oh, shii, that's exactly where I was.
Well, best to make...
National Day! Probably the most popular holiday in China, being that everyone gets a week off to go travel. Just don't make the mistake of going to Beijing during this time; it gets jam packed with visitors from the rest of the country. .oh, shii, that's exactly where I was. Well, best to make the most of it then. I had been to Beijing many times before, but this time I wanted to see the soul of the city: the hutong neighborhoods, the "old" Beijing, what the city was before most of it was razed to build new skyscrapers. I also had one other sidequest: to see the "new" Beijing that was being built way out in the countryside: Xiongan. This was meant to be a new division of the capital, and with claims of it being a ghost city, I wanted to see it for myself. But everything on this day would lead back to Tiananmen Square.
During China's National Day week-long holiday, Sabbatical visited Beijing, experiencing both the bustling hutongs and the futuristic Xiongan. Despite the crowds, Sabbatical explored the historic charm of old Beijing and investigated the controversial new city of Xiongan, a planned development touted as a new capital division. The journey culminated in a visit to Tiananmen Square, a symbolic heart of the nation.
National Day! Probably the most popular holiday in China, being that everyone gets a week off to go travel. Just don't make the mistake of going to Beijing during this time; it gets jam packed with visitors from the rest of the country. .oh, shii, that's exactly where I was. Well, best to make the most of it then. I had been to Beijing many times before, but this time I wanted to see the soul of the city: the hutong neighborhoods, the "old" Beijing, what the city was before most of it was razed to build new skyscrapers. I also had one other sidequest: to see the "new" Beijing that was being built way out in the countryside: Xiongan. This was meant to be a new division of the capital, and with claims of it being a ghost city, I wanted to see it for myself. But everything on this day would lead back to Tiananmen Square.
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.
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.
Sabbatical explores Beijing's hutongs and China's futuristic Xiongan, experiencing vibrant culture and rapid development. A journey filled with surprising discoveries and unique perspectives.
China's Xiongan: New Capital City Exploration
2:10 To avoid crowds, don't visit Beijing during Golden Week (National Day).
3:01 Beijing's hutongs offer a glimpse into the city's traditional neighborhoods, but many have been converted for tourism.
12:18 To enter Tiananmen Square, you need a reservation made in advance through WeChat.
18:34 Accessing Tiananmen Square requires security checks and pre-booked entry times, unlike Red Square in Moscow.
22:27 Xiongan, a new city under construction, is a less crowded alternative to Beijing during peak seasons.
30:46 Maotai, a popular Chinese liquor, is often a favorite gift, especially among government officials.
31:30 In Xiongan, property purchases are restricted until buildings are completed to prevent speculation.
35:53 Western media sometimes misrepresents China's 'ghost cities,' as it can take years for buildings to be fully occupied.
2:10 To avoid crowds, don't visit Beijing during Golden Week (National Day).
3:01 Beijing's hutongs offer a glimpse into the city's traditional neighborhoods, but many have been converted for tourism.
12:18 To enter Tiananmen Square, you need a reservation made in advance through WeChat.
18:34 Accessing Tiananmen Square requires security checks and pre-booked entry times, unlike Red Square in Moscow.
22:27 Xiongan, a new city under construction, is a less crowded alternative to Beijing during peak seasons.
30:46 Maotai, a popular Chinese liquor, is often a favorite gift, especially among government officials.
31:30 In Xiongan, property purchases are restricted until buildings are completed to prevent speculation.
35:53 Western media sometimes misrepresents China's 'ghost cities,' as it can take years for buildings to be fully occupied.
0:00 National Day in Tiananmen Square
0:32 Exploring Beijing Hutongs
1:04 National Day Celebrations
2:10 Trip to new capital Xiongan
11:57 Tiananmen Square visit
17:40 History of Tiananmen Square
21:15 Exploring Xiongan
24:23 High-speed train to Xiongan
27:04 Arrival at Xiongan station
37:35 Xiongan's most exciting place
0:00 National Day in Tiananmen Square
0:32 Exploring Beijing Hutongs
1:04 National Day Celebrations
2:10 Trip to new capital Xiongan
11:57 Tiananmen Square visit
17:40 History of Tiananmen Square
21:15 Exploring Xiongan
24:23 High-speed train to Xiongan
27:04 Arrival at Xiongan station
37:35 Xiongan's most exciting place
