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Chengdu Exploration: A Couple's First Impressions of the Panda City

Arriving in Chengdu for the FIRST TIME! 🇨🇳 China Travel Vlog

Destination:ChinaCity:ChengduPopulation: 16.3 million
Arriving in Chengdu for the FIRST TIME! 🇨🇳 China Travel Vlog
Mike & Ashley Vlogs30 min

Arriving in Chengdu for the FIRST TIME! 🇨🇳. This was filmed by Mike & Ashley Vlogs. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

We’re back in China, and this time, we’re starting our adventure in Chengdu to see what the panda city is all about! 🐼

It’s only our first day back, and we’re already loving Chengdu! Sure, landing in the middle of winter might not have been our best idea, but nothing warms us up like a spicy bowl of Sichuan wontons. We’re also finally putting our 10-year visa to good use, which gives us plenty of time to explore this amazing city and beyond.

Thanks for tagging along as we kick off our Chengdu adventures. We’re so excited to share more of this city and our journey across China with you! ❤️

--- Mike & Ashley Vlogs
January 8, 2025, Winter in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Mike and Ashley Vlogs start their return trip to China in Chengdu, arriving at Tianfu International Airport in winter. They pass through immigration quickly, then work out how to find the metro with the help of a translator. They use an eSIM, Alipay and the metro before walking to an affordable hotel in the rain. At dinner, the restaurant accepts UnionPay but not their international cards, so they find an ATM and withdraw cash. The meal includes chili-oil wontons, soup dumplings and a subtly sweet soy milk drink. Their first day also includes exploring the city and showing their hotel room, which they find comfortable and better than their previous Beijing accommodation.

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Arriving in Chengdu for the FIRST TIME! 🇨🇳 China Travel Vlog

Arrival in Chengdu and reaching the hotel

Mike and Ashley Vlogs return to China and arrive at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in the middle of winter. Immigration is quick, and the airport is relatively empty. Finding the metro takes more effort than expected, so they use a translator app to communicate. Their eSIM works well in Beijing but has coverage issues at Chengdu airport. They recommend checking reviews and having a backup plan for data.

The couple consider different ways to travel from the airport, use Alipay or a metro card for the metro and find that tickets may be cheaper after leaving the airport. They decide to walk to the hotel despite the rain, which gives them a look at street life and the city's atmosphere. Their hotel is comfortable and affordable, with room features that take some time to figure out, including the light switches. They say it is better than the place they stayed in Beijing and cost under $200 for the week.

Wontons, cash and the first evening

When it is time to eat, the restaurant presents a payment challenge because it accepts UnionPay rather than their international cards. Mike and Ashley go to an ATM to withdraw cash. They advise being aware of your surroundings when entering an ATM password and carrying cash or using UnionPay as a backup when cards are not accepted.

The meal includes chili-oil wontons, soup dumplings and a bean drink or soy milk that is subtly sweet. The couple enjoy the dumplings on a cold day, and their interactions with the restaurant staff are helpful despite the language barrier. They show their food experience and talk about using bowls and spoons at the table. Their first day ends with a warm meal, an affordable hotel and a positive impression of Chengdu, setting them up for more travel in China.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: How was the experience at Chengdu airport?
A: Mike and Ashley say customs and immigration were surprisingly easy and quick. The airport itself was relatively empty when they arrived.
Q: What was the transportation like?
A: They find several options, including the metro, buses and high-speed trains. It takes some time to understand how to reach the metro at the airport, but they work it out with translation help.
Q: What was the hotel like?
A: They find the hotel comfortable and affordable, and say it was better than their previous stay in Beijing. The room cost under $200 for the week.
Q: What was the food like?
A: They enjoy the wontons and soup dumplings on a cold day, and try a subtly sweet bean drink or soy milk. The restaurant staff are helpful despite the language barrier.
Q: What was the biggest challenge?
A: Paying for dinner was tricky because the restaurant accepted UnionPay but not their international cards. They went to an ATM to withdraw cash before finishing the meal.

Previous travel video:

Chengdu Exploration: A Couple's First Impressions of the Panda City

We’re back in China, and this time, we’re starting our adventure in Chengdu to see what the panda city is all about! 🐼 It’s only our first day back, and we’re already loving Chengdu! Sure, landing in the middle of winter might not have been our best idea, but nothing warms us up like a spicy bowl...

Chengdu First Impressions: Exploring Panda City's Charm

Mike and Ashley's China adventure begins in Chengdu, the Panda City! Despite arriving in the middle of winter, the couple instantly falls in love with the city, especially its spicy Sichuan wontons. Their 10-year visa allows ample time to explore Chengdu and beyond, promising a captivating journey across China. Follow along as they share their exciting experiences!

Attractions in this video: Pandas