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CHINA is NOT What We Expected! Our FIRST Impressions of BEIJING 🇨🇳
Unexpected Beijing: First Impressions of China's Capital
CHINA is NOT What We Expected! Our FIRST Impressions of BEIJING 🇨🇳
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CHINA is NOT What We Expected! Our FIRST Impressions of BEIJING 🇨🇳
Molly Thompson and her partner arrived in Beijing with preconceptions that were quickly shattered. The city's ancient charm and modern energy created an unforgettable first 48 hours. From the labyrinthine hutongs to the grandeur of the Forbidden City, every moment felt like a revelation. Their raw, unfiltered experience challenges what you think you know about China's capital, offering a fresh perspective on its culture and people.
CHINA is NOT What We Expected! Our FIRST Impressions of BEIJING 🇨🇳
Molly Thompson and her partner Tom landed in Beijing with mild trepidation and a 48-hour itinerary. Their first stop was the Silk Street indoor market, famous for high-quality knock-offs, but filming was banned, so they moved on. Wandering a pedestrianized street, they were struck by the quiet: nearly all vehicles were electric, creating a serene atmosphere unheard of in other Asian capitals. A robot vending machine dispensing mystery boxes left them both amused and wary. They explored a Toy Story pop-up, picking up cheap socks and mystery figurines, then headed to Nagia's Garden Restaurant for dinner. Molly, a vegetarian, struggled with menu translations—her sticky rice in banana leaves turned out to be plain red bean, while Tom raved about the sweet and sour pork. They finished the night with gelato, noting the city felt incredibly safe thanks to heavy surveillance. The next morning, they hit a 7-Eleven, marveling at rock-bottom prices: a can of Coke for 30p and a bottle of wine for £12. They attempted to visit the Forbidden City but discovered it was closed on Mondays, so they enjoyed a panoramic view from a nearby park for just 20p. A stroll around Houhai Lake revealed a lively bar scene, though Molly again struggled to find vegetarian food, eventually settling on ice cream for dinner. Reflecting on their trip, Molly admitted Beijing had become her favorite Asian capital—cleaner, quieter, and more affordable than Bangkok or Manila. She praised the city's efficiency, safety, and the kindness of locals, despite the language barrier. As a travel tip, she noted that British passport holders can enter China visa-free until year-end, making Beijing an ideal layover between Australia and the UK. The vlog ends with a promise of more videos from the Great Wall and Universal Studios.
Molly and Tom arrived in Beijing with low expectations but were blown away by the city's safety, silence, and futuristic vibe. From robot vending machines to a chocolate museum, they found the capital surprisingly calm and affordable, though vegetarian dining proved tricky. Their honest, funny first impressions make you want to book a layover immediately.
Molly and Tom explore Beijing for the first time, finding it surprisingly safe, quiet, and futuristic, with cheap rides and robot vending machines, though veg
First Impressions of Beijing: Surprising Safety, Cheap Eats & Robot V
1:40 Use DiDi instead of taxis for cheap rides. A 15-minute journey costs around £2, and the app works like Uber. It's a great way to get around Beijing without breaking the bank.
8:32 If you're vegetarian, prepare for challenges. Always carry a translated note explaining your dietary needs, and double-check orders because 'vegetarian' often means 'pork' in local interpretation.
19:35 The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly. Alternatively, enjoy the view from the nearby park for just 20p – you'll get a great photo without the crowds.
16:24 7-Eleven stores are surprisingly well-stocked and cheap. A can of Coke costs 30p, and you can even find own-brand gin for £1.20. Great for quick snacks and drinks.
14:13 Beijing feels incredibly safe, even at night. The heavy surveillance and quiet electric vehicles make it easy to walk around with your camera out. You won't feel constantly on guard like in other Asian cities.
22:51 Houhai Lake is a beautiful area for a relaxing stroll, especially in the evening. The willow trees and reflection make it a perfect spot for photos, but note that bars along the shore can be very loud.
1:40 Use DiDi instead of taxis for cheap rides. A 15-minute journey costs around £2, and the app works like Uber. It's a great way to get around Beijing without breaking the bank.
8:32 If you're vegetarian, prepare for challenges. Always carry a translated note explaining your dietary needs, and double-check orders because 'vegetarian' often means 'pork' in local interpretation.
19:35 The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly. Alternatively, enjoy the view from the nearby park for just 20p – you'll get a great photo without the crowds.
16:24 7-Eleven stores are surprisingly well-stocked and cheap. A can of Coke costs 30p, and you can even find own-brand gin for £1.20. Great for quick snacks and drinks.
14:13 Beijing feels incredibly safe, even at night. The heavy surveillance and quiet electric vehicles make it easy to walk around with your camera out. You won't feel constantly on guard like in other Asian cities.
22:51 Houhai Lake is a beautiful area for a relaxing stroll, especially in the evening. The willow trees and reflection make it a perfect spot for photos, but note that bars along the shore can be very loud.
0:00 Arrival and first impressions
2:14 Exploring the walking street
4:06 Robot vending machine surprise
7:46 Dinner at Nagia's Garden
11:16 Mystery box opening
14:13 Safety and surveillance thoughts
16:24 Morning at 7-Eleven
20:30 Forbidden City viewpoint
22:51 Houhai Lake evening
26:41 Final reflections on Beijing
0:00 Arrival and first impressions
2:14 Exploring the walking street
4:06 Robot vending machine surprise
7:46 Dinner at Nagia's Garden
11:16 Mystery box opening
14:13 Safety and surveillance thoughts
16:24 Morning at 7-Eleven
20:30 Forbidden City viewpoint
22:51 Houhai Lake evening
26:41 Final reflections on Beijing
What were your first impressions of Beijing?
We were pleasantly surprised! It felt incredibly safe, quiet, and modern. The city was much cleaner and less chaotic than other Asian capitals we've visited.
How did you find vegetarian food in Beijing?
It was a bit challenging. Even when I said 'vegetarian' and showed a translation, they often brought pork. I ended up eating rice and ice cream for dinner some nights.
What was the most surprising thing you saw?
Probably the robot vending machine that served mystery boxes and the fact that nearly everything is electric – no noisy engines, just silent scooters and buses.
How did you get around the city?
We used DiDi, which is like a cheaper Uber. A 15-minute ride cost about £2. The airport run was about £20 for an hour.
Is Beijing really that affordable?
Yes, it's extremely cheap. A can of Coke was 30p, a bottle of wine £12, and a park ticket only 20p.
