Original source
Why CHINA was the WORST and the BEST travel of my life
China Travel Vlog: Beijing & Shanghai Exploration
I decided to publish this video in hope to help others not to make the mistakes that I did on my first travel to China. As a Russian passport holder I can have 144 hours or 6 days visa free in some cities of China, so while traveling in Asia I arranged my connecting flights in China to use this visa...
I decided to publish this video in hope to help others not to make the mistakes that I did on my first travel to China. As a Russian passport holder I can have 144 hours or 6 days visa free in some cities of China, so while traveling in Asia I arranged my connecting flights in China to use this visa free opportunity. In this video, I will visit two cities: Shanghai and Beijing. I had problems on my first visit to China. Stuck at the airport. How I solved the situation. I decided to give China the second chance. MUST THINGS to do before going to China. Exploring Beijing's Forbidden City. Meeting Russian friends and trying Chinese cuisine. Guys' culture shocks about China. Hiking on The Great Wall! Are stereotypes about China true? Are Chinese brainwashed by their government? Do Chinese eat dogs? 'One family - one child' policy. Is China a cheap country? Is China a patriarchal country? Why do Chinese travel in big groups? Chinese Traditional Medicine VS official one.
Eli, a Russian traveler, shares their incredible journey through China, highlighting both the challenges and rewards. From initial visa hiccups at the airport to exploring iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, Eli's experiences are captivating. The video delves into cultural observations, addressing common stereotypes and misconceptions about Chinese society, offering a nuanced perspective on this vast and diverse country. Prepare to be intrigued by Eli's personal encounters and insights into Chinese culture.
I decided to publish this video in hope to help others not to make the mistakes that I did on my first travel to China. As a Russian passport holder I can have 144 hours or 6 days visa free in some cities of China, so while traveling in Asia I arranged my connecting flights in China to use this visa free opportunity. In this video, I will visit two cities: Shanghai and Beijing. I had problems on my first visit to China. Stuck at the airport. How I solved the situation. I decided to give China the second chance. MUST THINGS to do before going to China. Exploring Beijing's Forbidden City. Meeting Russian friends and trying Chinese cuisine. Guys' culture shocks about China. Hiking on The Great Wall! Are stereotypes about China true? Are Chinese brainwashed by their government? Do Chinese eat dogs? 'One family - one child' policy. Is China a cheap country? Is China a patriarchal country? Why do Chinese travel in big groups? Chinese Traditional Medicine VS official one.
This video documents Eli From Russia's first trip to China, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of exploring this vast country. Initially, Eli encountered significant difficulties due to poor planning and the limitations placed on internet access for Russian users. Stranded in Shanghai airport due to email inaccessibility, Eli's experience underscores the importance of thorough preparation when traveling to China. The inability to access standard social media platforms and online maps added to the initial frustration.
However, Eli's resourcefulness and adaptability shone through. By utilizing less common apps like VK and Yandex, Eli found a way to connect with friends and resolve the visa issue that had left him stranded. This initial struggle sets the stage for a deeper exploration of China, contrasting the initial difficulties with the rich cultural immersion that follows.
Eli's journey then shifts to Beijing, where the tone becomes more positive and reflective. The Forbidden City and the Great Wall are presented not just as tourist attractions, but as symbols of China's history and resilience. Eli's interaction with local students provides an opportunity to explore common stereotypes about China, addressing questions about government control, dietary habits, and social norms.
The conversations reveal a nuanced perspective on Chinese society, challenging preconceived notions and showcasing the diversity of experiences within the country. Eli's journey becomes a testament to the importance of open-mindedness and the potential for unexpected discoveries when traveling. The video concludes with a thoughtful reflection on the dual nature of experiences, suggesting that even the most challenging journeys can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper understanding of different cultures. Eli's experiences serve as a valuable lesson for other travelers, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation and an open mind when venturing into unfamiliar territories.
Eli From Russia's video offers a personal and engaging account of his Chinese adventure. It's not just a travelogue, but a story of resilience, cultural exchange, and the transformative power of travel. The video's success lies in its honesty, its willingness to showcase both the positive and negative aspects of the journey, and its ability to connect with viewers on an emotional level. Eli's candid reflections on his initial struggles and subsequent triumphs make the video both relatable and inspiring.
FAQs (in Eli From Russia's voice):
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced in China?
A: Definitely the internet access. Not being able to contact anyone or access maps was incredibly stressful.
Q: What was your favorite part of the trip?
A: Hiking the Great Wall and meeting my Russian friends in Beijing. The cultural exchange was amazing.
Q: What advice would you give to other travelers going to China?
A: Download WeChat, get a good VPN before you arrive, and download offline maps. Be prepared for some cultural differences!
Eli From Russia's China adventure was a rollercoaster! Initially, a visa-free layover in Shanghai turned into a frustrating internet struggle. But after overcoming connectivity challenges, Eli explored Shanghai's vibrant city life. Beijing offered a contrasting experience, including a visit to the Forbidden City and a hike on the Great Wall. Through interactions with locals, Eli debunked common stereotypes about China and gained a deeper understanding of its culture.
Eli From Russia's China trip: from Shanghai's internet woes to Beijing's majestic Great Wall, a journey of cultural discovery and surprising insights.
China Travel Vlog: Forbidden City, Great Wall Hike & Cultural Insights
7:18 Get a VPN ready on your phone before arriving in China, as accessing many international apps and websites is restricted. Many people recommended Let's VPN, which works well with a paid subscription.
7:45 Use WeChat to communicate with locals. It's a widely used messaging app in China and can help you connect with people even without a VPN.
7:55 Download offline maps before your trip, as Google Maps and other international mapping services may not function reliably in China. This will help you navigate the cities.
8:06 Have an offline translation app ready. Many people in China may not speak English, so a translation app will be essential for communication and ordering food.
8:37 Withdraw some cash at the airport and in the city, as Visa and MasterCard may not be widely accepted. China uses Alipay and UnionPay systems more frequently.
7:18 Get a VPN ready on your phone before arriving in China, as accessing many international apps and websites is restricted. Many people recommended Let's VPN, which works well with a paid subscription.
7:45 Use WeChat to communicate with locals. It's a widely used messaging app in China and can help you connect with people even without a VPN.
7:55 Download offline maps before your trip, as Google Maps and other international mapping services may not function reliably in China. This will help you navigate the cities.
8:06 Have an offline translation app ready. Many people in China may not speak English, so a translation app will be essential for communication and ordering food.
8:37 Withdraw some cash at the airport and in the city, as Visa and MasterCard may not be widely accepted. China uses Alipay and UnionPay systems more frequently.
0:11 China travel begins
1:02 Shanghai frustrations
3:47 Airport troubles
5:08 Korea approval
6:07 Beijing arrival
6:34 Forbidden City checklist
9:48 Dinner with friends
13:33 Great Wall hike
15:57 China stereotypes
24:04 Two sides of China
00:00 Why I had problems on my first visit to China
03:36 Stuck at the airport
05:04 How I solved the situation
06:04 I decided to give China the second chance
06:32 MUST THINGS to do before going to China
09:14 Exploring Beijing's Forbidden City
09:40 Meeting Russian friends and trying Chinese cuisine
10:58 Guys' culture shocks about China
13:10 Hiking on The Great Wall!
15:44 Are stereotypes about China true?
16:36 Are Chinese brainwashed by their government?
18:37 Do Chinese eat dogs?
18:59 'One family - one child' policy
19:40 Is China a cheap country?
20:27 Is China a patriarchal country?
20:46 Why do Chinese travel in big groups?
21:35 Chinese Traditional Medicine VS official one
