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China is NOT What I Expected 🇨🇳 48 Hours in Beijing
48 Hours in Beijing: Forbidden City, Great Wall & Peking
China is NOT What I Expected 🇨🇳 | 48 Hours in Beijing
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China is NOT What I Expected 🇨🇳 | 48 Hours in Beijing. Beijing completely surprised me in every possible way. After 48 hours in China’s capital, I realized this city is a mix of ancient history, ultra-modern architecture, strict rules, and surprising freedom at the same time. This Is Beijing — Ancient, Modern, Unbelievable. Beijing truly feels like a world of its own. <br><br> In this video I explore some of the most iconic places in the city. I visited the center of Beijing, including Jingshan Park and the Forbidden City, one of the most important historical landmarks in China. Then I went to see the futuristic skyline and one of the most iconic skyscrapers in Beijing — the CCTV Headquarters building. Of course, I tried some of the best street food in the city, including the legendary Peking Duck, one of China’s most famous dishes. <br><br> On day two, I traveled to the Great Wall of China, one of the world’s greatest wonders, and experienced the viral toboggan slide ride down the mountain. I also explored the creative side of the city at the 798 Art Zone, one of the most interesting and artistic districts in Beijing. Later, I visited Sanlitun, Beijing’s shopping and nightlife district, trying to find the real night energy of the city. Beijing is truly different from the rest of China — it is NOT What I Expected!
Homeless Pelican discovers that Beijing is a city of contradictions, blending ancient wonders with futuristic skylines and strict rules with surprising freedom. In just 48 hours, the traveler explores iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park, marvels at the CCTV Headquarters building, and savors legendary Peking Duck street food. Day two brings an unforgettable trip to the Great Wall of China, complete with a viral toboggan slide ride down the mountain. The adventure continues through the creative 798 Art Zone and the vibrant Sanlitun nightlife district. Beijing is truly NOT what they expected—it's a world of its own.
China is NOT What I Expected 🇨🇳 | 48 Hours in Beijing. Beijing completely surprised me in every possible way. After 48 hours in China’s capital, I realized this city is a mix of ancient history, ultra-modern architecture, strict rules, and surprising freedom at the same time. This Is Beijing — Ancient, Modern, Unbelievable. Beijing truly feels like a world of its own. <br><br> In this video I explore some of the most iconic places in the city. I visited the center of Beijing, including Jingshan Park and the Forbidden City, one of the most important historical landmarks in China. Then I went to see the futuristic skyline and one of the most iconic skyscrapers in Beijing — the CCTV Headquarters building. Of course, I tried some of the best street food in the city, including the legendary Peking Duck, one of China’s most famous dishes. <br><br> On day two, I traveled to the Great Wall of China, one of the world’s greatest wonders, and experienced the viral toboggan slide ride down the mountain. I also explored the creative side of the city at the 798 Art Zone, one of the most interesting and artistic districts in Beijing. Later, I visited Sanlitun, Beijing’s shopping and nightlife district, trying to find the real night energy of the city. Beijing is truly different from the rest of China — it is NOT What I Expected!
Homeless Pelican's 48-hour sprint through Beijing reveals a city that defies every expectation. From the moment he arrives, Beijing throws curveballs: his drone is confiscated at the airport, and he's immediately struck by the city's blend of strict rules and surprising freedoms.<br><br>He starts his first day in a local park, where elderly Chinese practice martial arts with breathtaking skill—a glimpse into the country's healthy lifestyle. Then he dives into the iconic Hutongs, narrow alleys dating back to the Yuan dynasty. Here, he discovers a world of tiny courtyards, hidden temples, and everyday life: a man offers him a cigarette, deliveries lie unattended in the street (a testament to China's safety), and mysterious rim covers on scooters remain unexplained. He buys a red bean bun for 3 yuan and shares a high-five with an elderly driver.<br><br>A visit to Jingshan Park costs just 2 yuan and rewards him with a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. He marvels at the sheer scale of the Forbidden City—three times larger than the Louvre—but his yellow jacket gets him turned away. He then spots the infamous CCTV Headquarters, nicknamed the 'underwear building,' a symbol of Beijing's futuristic side.<br><br>Lunch is a legendary Peking duck at Jingzun restaurant. He orders half a duck for 136 yuan (about $20) and declares it the best roasted meat he's ever had—tender, juicy, and perfectly wrapped. The chefs even invite him into the kitchen to see the process.<br><br>Day two is all about the Great Wall. He chooses the Mutianyu section, a 2-hour drive from the city. After a 30-minute uphill walk, he reaches the watchtowers and is awed by the ancient structure stretching over the mountains. The highlight is the toboggan slide down from Tower 6—a thrilling 100-yuan ride that he shares with a fellow traveler named Alejandra.<br><br>Back in the city, he explores the 798 Art Zone, a former military factory complex now transformed into a creative hub. He finds a Hyundai car studio with an art exhibition, vintage shops, a train-turned-bar, and a surreal, liminal atmosphere—like a European art district without the drug addicts.<br><br>His final stop is Sanlitun, once Beijing's famous nightlife district. He discovers it's largely changed, but he stumbles upon a 'heaven supermarket' that doubles as a bar with a dance floor, sipping soy milk in a surreal party scene. He ends his 48 hours reflecting on the city's intensity: the strict center wasn't his favorite, but the Great Wall and art zone were unforgettable. Beijing, he concludes, is a city of ancient history, modern marvels, and constant surprises.
Homeless Pelican's whirlwind 48 hours in Beijing shatters expectations, blending ancient hutongs with futuristic art zones, a legendary Peking duck feast, and a thrilling toboggan ride down the Great Wall. This is Beijing—ancient, modern, and utterly unforgettable.
Homeless Pelican explores Beijing's ancient hutongs, iconic Great Wall toboggan ride, and futuristic art zones, discovering a city of stunning contrasts.
48 Hours in Beijing: Ancient Hutongs, Great Wall Toboggan & Peking Duc
1:09 Start your day in any Beijing park to see locals practicing martial arts, sword fighting, and tai chi. It's a free, authentic cultural experience that shows China's healthy lifestyle.
2:42 When looking for a restroom in Beijing, ask for 'WC'—the term 'toilet' is not widely understood. This simple tip can save you confusion in metro stations and public areas.
12:28 To enter the Forbidden City, buy tickets at least 4 days in advance (2 weeks in high season). Always carry your passport—it's required for entry and for security checks.
21:27 For the Great Wall, choose the Mutianyu section for a less crowded, well-preserved experience. Walk up to Tower 8, then hike to Tower 1, and take the toboggan slide down from Tower 6 for 100 yuan.
19:10 Renting an electric scooter in Beijing is surprisingly easy. You need to wear a helmet (the scooter won't start without it), and the ride costs as little as 1.5 yuan.
15:22 Peking duck is a must-try. Order half a duck if you're alone—it's enough and costs around 136 yuan. The restaurant Jingzun offers a great experience, and chefs may even show you the kitchen.
1:09 Start your day in any Beijing park to see locals practicing martial arts, sword fighting, and tai chi. It's a free, authentic cultural experience that shows China's healthy lifestyle.
2:42 When looking for a restroom in Beijing, ask for 'WC'—the term 'toilet' is not widely understood. This simple tip can save you confusion in metro stations and public areas.
12:28 To enter the Forbidden City, buy tickets at least 4 days in advance (2 weeks in high season). Always carry your passport—it's required for entry and for security checks.
21:27 For the Great Wall, choose the Mutianyu section for a less crowded, well-preserved experience. Walk up to Tower 8, then hike to Tower 1, and take the toboggan slide down from Tower 6 for 100 yuan.
19:10 Renting an electric scooter in Beijing is surprisingly easy. You need to wear a helmet (the scooter won't start without it), and the ride costs as little as 1.5 yuan.
15:22 Peking duck is a must-try. Order half a duck if you're alone—it's enough and costs around 136 yuan. The restaurant Jingzun offers a great experience, and chefs may even show you the kitchen.
1:09 Morning park and martial arts
3:03 Exploring Hutongs
8:21 Jingshan Park and Forbidden City view
12:53 Forbidden City entry and size
15:22 Peking duck experience
19:10 Electric scooter ride
21:13 Great Wall of China and slide
30:00 798 Art Zone exploration
35:04 Sanlitun nightlife and street food
0:00 Introduction
5:30 Main Content
What is the best way to start a day in Beijing?
I recommend you to start a day in any park in Beijing. You will experience something magnificent.
What is the best way to visit Mutianyu Great Wall?
The best way is to walk up to the Great Wall for 30 minutes, then reach number eight tower, walk all the way to number one, and take the slide down from number six.
What do you think about the Great Wall?
It's so hard. I never imagined I need to walk a lot. But it looks so nice.
What was the street food pancake like?
It tastes like a mix of many flavors in one dish. There is coriander and it is spicy. I like it.
