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Backpacker Ben

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· Backpacker Ben

China! Enough is enough.

Backpacker Ben travels from Turpan to Tuyugou Valley, stopping at the Flaming Mountains and a village before reflecting on historic sites, food and filming restrictions. The episode ends with a long bus ride toward Kazakhstan.

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23 videos
  1. China! Enough is enough.
    28 min
    2026-04
    China! Enough is enough.Why We’re Done with China: Final Day Reflections and ExitBe prepared for language gaps. Carry a translation app or a local helper to negotiate transport and prices.Expect spontaneous scenic stops. Desert roads can yield dramatic views but logistics may delay plans.Spring,
  2. The Annoying Side of China YouTubers Never Show!
    25 min
    2026-04
    The Annoying Side of China YouTubers Never Show!The Real Side of Traveling China YouTube Vlogs Don’t ShowThe source warns that directions to the westernmost point of the Great Wall can be confusing and signs may be unclear. Verify the route with local people beforeIn many parts of China, visitors may use WeChat or Alipay for payments, but apps can fail. The source recommends carrying cash as a backup and being patient if Spring, JiayuguanDandongBeijing / Gansu
  3. I visited China’s most remote village. No English. No Foreigners. Would you dare to go?
    20 min
    2026-04
    I visited China’s most remote village. No English. No Foreigners. Would you dare to go?Experience Real Rural China: A Quiet Village Beyond the BigIn a remote village, ask the innkeeper for a local food recommendation. Soph uses this chance to try regional dishes that are not usually found on tourist menusIf a restaurant is closed, stay flexible about timing and alternatives. In a small town, call ahead when possible and be patient with limited choices.Spring, Jinan / Shandong
  4. We Stayed in a Chinese 1 Star Hotel!
    34 min
    2026-01
    We Stayed in a Chinese 1 Star Hotel!Experiencing Shanghai’s Worst Rated 1 Star Hotel in ChinaRead hotel reviews carefully; this place had warnings about thin walls, smoke, and poor cleanliness.China's high-speed trains offer great value; economy seats are spacious and affordable for long distances.Winter, Shanghai /
  5. The China You Never Knew Existed!
    30 min
    2026-01
    The China You Never Knew Existed!Explore China’s Vietnam of China: A Hidden Region RevisitedYangshuo's winter temperatures can fall to 2°C, making e-bike rides very cold without gloves. Ben and Katarina stop at a local shop to buy gloves before continuAsk local vendors about bamboo raft prices along the river and bargain if appropriate. Ben and Katarina pay around £20 for an hour-long ride and also try a secoWinter, YangshuoGuangzhou / Guangxi
  6. Live in China Valentine's Day in Guangzhou
    29 min
    2025-12
    Live in China Valentine's Day in GuangzhouGuangzhou Valentine's Day: Exploring China's Vibrant CityWhen choosing a noodle place, always look for boiling water. This is a crucial indicator of freshness and quality for your meal.Southern China experiences incredibly hot summers. It's highly recommended to visit during the winter months to avoid excessive sweating and discomfort.Winter, Guangzhou / Guangdong
  7. DRINKING IN RURAL CHINA
    35 min
    2025-11
    DRINKING IN RURAL CHINARural China Guangxi Dong Culture: Traditional Drinking Ceremonies ExploredLocals may create their own instruments; appreciate the artistry and effort behind traditional music.Be open to spontaneous performances during meals; they offer unique cultural insights and add to the dining experience.Autumn, Macau
  8. THE WORLD WON'T BELIEVE THAT CHINA LOOKS LIKE THIS!
    30 min
    2025-11
    THE WORLD WON'T BELIEVE THAT CHINA LOOKS LIKE THIS!China's Hidden Beauty: Exploring Guangxi's Karst Mountains and RiversStop for lunch in traditional wooden buildings surrounded by gorgeous mountains and rice terraces. Enjoy family-style meals for an authentic experience.Explore villages built on rivers with stunning rice terraces in the background. Admire the local ethnic dresses and unique architecture.Autumn, Guilin / Guangxi
  9. 28 Hours on China’s Worst Sleeper Train
    28 min
    2025-06
    28 Hours on China’s Worst Sleeper TrainChina Sleeper Train Adventure: 28-Hour JourneyChangdu has a marriage market where parents post CVs for their children to find potential partners. Ben finds this an unusual and memorable part of the trip, giSmaller Chinese train stations can feel chaotic and may differ from large modern stations. Allow extra time to find platforms, tickets, and transfers when traveSummer, Multiple destinations
  10. Hitchhiking in China…Gone Wrong!
    27 min
    2025-06
    Hitchhiking in China…Gone Wrong!Hitchhiking China: A Backpacker's JourneyWhen hitchhiking in less touristy areas of China, it's wise to start from the outskirts of the city, as this is where you are more likely to find drivers willinBe prepared for unexpected requests from drivers. Some might ask for money or other compensation, which can be frustrating but is a part of the hitchhiking expeSummer, XiningChangduLanzhou / Qinghai
  11. Surviving the Hottest Place in China
    29 min
    2025-06
    Surviving the Hottest Place in ChinaSurviving the Hottest Place in China: Turpan Summer TravelStreet food in Xinjiang can be very spicy. Backpacker Ben finds the mysterious bread he calls Johnny Johnny surprisingly hot, even more than the other items he Ben travels from Urumqi to Turpan by high-speed train. The trip takes about an hour and costs £5 per person, which he describes as a good value for a comfortablSummer, Turpan / Xinjiang
  12. Entering China the Way Tourists Never Do...
    40 min
    2025-06
    Entering China the Way Tourists Never Do...Xinjiang Adventure: Off-the-Beaten-Path China ExplorationAt less-traveled borders, communication can be difficult. Keep a translator app ready and be open to help from local people, as Ben and Cat were when crossing iTry snacks from local markets and approach unfamiliar regional flavors with curiosity. Ben and Cat sample camel milk sweets during their time in Xinjiang.Summer, Urumqi / Xinjiang
  13. Guangzhou Girl Shows Us Another Side of China
    24 min
    2025-06
    Guangzhou Girl Shows Us Another Side of ChinaGuangzhou: Cantonese Opera & Cultural ExplorationLee says students in China start learning English from primary school. The couple also took a one-week Chinese class and found it good but difficult, so learninThe couple say cities in China feel very quiet compared with places such as Bangkok. A noise meter on their walk reads 48.5 dB and later 47 dB, so expect calmerSummer, Guangzhou / Guangdong
  14. Deep Inside the China-North Korea Border
    40 min
    2024-12
    Deep Inside the China-North Korea BorderDandong, China: Border Life & NightlifeThe video includes a discussion of goods described as smuggled from North Korea. Treat this as part of Jack's account, and keep local laws and customs in mind wJack visits bars and restaurants in Dandong, some with views toward the North Korean border. These stops offer a way to experience the city's evening atmosphereWinter, Dandong / Liaoning
  15. Onboard China's Express Train to NORTH KOREA
    20 min
    2024-12
    Onboard China's Express Train to NORTH KOREAChina Train Adventure: Dandong to North Korea BorderUse trip.com to book trains, flights, and hotels in China, the UK, and Europe for great discounts. They offer exclusive deals every Thursday at 10:00 a.m.Get a Railcard through trip.com to save an average of 1/3 on every train ticket. Use their split ticket feature to save up to 30% more.Winter, Dandong / Liaoning
  16. We Tried to HITCHHIKE in China and this Happened...
    31 min
    2024-12
    We Tried to HITCHHIKE in China and this Happened...Hitchhiking Harbin to Changchun: A Chinese AdventureWhen hitchhiking in China, a sign written in Chinese characters can make your destination easier for local drivers to understand. Showing the place name in theiA ride-share app or taxi can take you from the city center to a more suitable place on the highway. Choose somewhere outside busy central streets where a driverWinter, Harbin / Heilongjiang
  17. When a Geordie Gets on a Chinese Sleeper Train...
    27 min
    2024-12
    When a Geordie Gets on a Chinese Sleeper Train...Harbin Adventure: Sleeper Train & Wet Market ExplorationExperience a trip on China's third-class sleeper train. Jack describes it as a budget-friendly way to travel and a chance to meet fellow passengers. Expect closStart the day early at Harbin's morning market. Jack arrives for a sunrise breakfast and samples local food while seeing the market as vendors begin their day. Winter, Harbin / Heilongjiang
  18. I Visited China's Unknown Council Estates
    21 min
    2024-11
    I Visited China's Unknown Council EstatesExploring China's Working-Class CommunitiesThe streets feel oddly familiar, like council estates but with more dumplings. This highlights the unexpected similarities between seemingly disparate cultures.Be respectful of local customs. When Jack encounters a family preparing dinner, he chooses not to intrude and instead offers gifts, demonstrating cultural sensiAutumn, Heihe / Heilongjiang
  19. 17 Hours on China's Worst Sleeper Train
    33 min
    2024-11
    17 Hours on China's Worst Sleeper TrainChina's Budget Sleeper Train: 17-Hour JourneyHelpful locals can assist you in finding your way around, even on chaotic trains. Engage with them for a more enriching experience.Be prepared for basic toilet facilities on budget sleeper trains in China. Pack hand sanitizer and manage your expectations.Autumn, ShanghaiGuangzhouShenzhen
  20. Stranded in Shanghai! Chaotic Day in China
    31 min
    2024-11
    Stranded in Shanghai! Chaotic Day in ChinaShanghai Typhoon: A Backpacker's Unexpected China AdventureChina's high-speed train is an efficient way to travel between cities and offers a comfortable, fast journey. Ben and Cat arrive in Shanghai by train from BeijiDidi is a Chinese ride-hailing service that can provide convenient and affordable taxi trips. Ben and Cat use it to move through Shanghai when typhoon conditionAutumn, Shanghai
  21. 18 Hours on China's Greatest Sleeper Train
    22 min
    2024-11
    18 Hours on China's Greatest Sleeper TrainChina's First-Class Sleeper Train: An 18-Hour JourneyFirst-class sleeper train cabins in China offer comfortable beds and clean amenities, but you may share the room with unexpected passengers. Check your ticket dThe restaurant car offers a convenient place to buy snacks and meals during your journey. Prices may be higher than at local establishments, so plan accordinglyAutumn, ChongqingBeijing
  22. Inside The Most Chaotic City in the World!
    33 min
    2024-10
    Inside The Most Chaotic City in the World!Chongqing: Exploring China's Largest, Most Chaotic CityChongqing's street levels can be confusing because the city is built across steep terrain. A local guide can help explain how the different ground floors and enThe video discusses Chongqing apartments renting for about $80 per month, and another tip gives a $150 to $200 range. Treat these as examples from the video, noAutumn, Chongqing
  23. Entering The Country They Warned Me NOT to Visit!
    34 min
    2024-10
    Entering The Country They Warned Me NOT to Visit!China Exploration: A Backpacker's JourneyThe train from Hanoi to the Chinese border offers surprisingly luxurious sleeper cabins for around £65, exceeding expectations.Friendly train staff offer tea and assistance, ensuring a positive start to the journey.Autumn, KunmingHanoi / Yunnan
There are 23 China travel vlogs/videos about Backpacker Ben. Get travel tips, rules and advice for "Backpacker Ben". China Travel Guide: Backpacker Ben