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Beijing Exploration: First-Timers' Honest China Experience

Arriving in CHINA for the First Time: NOT What we Expected! 🇨🇳

Destination:ChinaCity:BeijingPopulation: 21.5 million
Arriving in CHINA for the First Time: NOT What we Expected! 🇨🇳
Field of Visions24 min

Arriving in CHINA for the First Time: NOT. This was filmed by Field of Visions. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

First Day in China: Exploring Beijing’s Streets, Food & Culture 🇨🇳

In this first video of our 5-part series, we’re diving into our honest and raw experiences as we explore Beijing, the capital of this incredible country. From the culture shock to the unexpected moments, you’ll see it all!

--- Field of Visions
November 24, 2024, Autumn in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Field Of Visions fly from London to Beijing in business class for less than the cost of a UK train ticket, using points collected on everyday spending. At check-in the new 144-hour transit visa causes trouble because British Airways staff had not heard of it, but they get it at Beijing airport. This first of five episodes covers the shuttle bus into the city, the Forbidden City, Wangfujing Street and a failed visit to Tiananmen Square.

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Arriving in CHINA for the First Time: NOT What we Expected! 🇨🇳

Business class to Beijing on points

Field Of Visions are a family of three who travel a lot, and this is their first trip to China. It starts in London, where they board a business class flight to Beijing that cost them less than a UK train ticket. They explain how they did it: they collect Avios points on everyday spending with a rewards credit card, convert American Express points to Avios one-to-one, and pay the card off in full every month so the points never turn into debt. They also use a debit card for small purchases, since even small vendors take cards now. Before boarding they spend time in the business class lounge, then settle in for the 11 and a half hour flight in business class.

The trip nearly stops at check-in. China had just introduced a 144-hour transit visa, and British Airways staff did not know about it, so the family spent a tense stretch at the desk before they were allowed to fly. At Beijing airport the visa itself turned out to be easy to get. Their advice is to research entry rules in detail before you leave and to stay flexible when staff are unsure.

Getting into the city and seeing the Forbidden City

From the airport they take a shuttle bus rather than a taxi. It is cheaper and faster, and shuttle number one runs to Beijing Railway Station. They buy a prepaid SIM card at the airport, a 7-day plan with data and local minutes, and use ATMs to get cash.

The Forbidden City is the main stop. They pre-booked tickets and brought their passports, which are checked at entry. The entrance, gardens and halls are huge, with a lot of detail in the buildings. Security confiscated their selfie stick because it was over the size limit, so check the rules on items before you go.

Next they walk to Wangfujing Street. Google Maps had led them to expect a local street food street, but it is a modern shopping street. They also spend some time looking for somewhere to change their toddler's diaper, a reminder that travelling with a small child in a new city takes extra planning.

The last attempt of the day is Tiananmen Square. Entry is free, but you have to book in advance, and they had not, so they could not get in. Their tips also mention self-service ticket machines there, so you don't always need to queue at the counter. The episode ends with a preview of the next part in Shanghai.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: How much did the business class flights cost?
A: Less than a UK train ticket, about £265 each for the 11 and a half hour flight from London to Beijing.
Q: What was the 144-hour transit visa like?
A: It caused real trouble at check-in because British Airways staff didn't know about it, but in the end we got it easily at Beijing airport.
Q: What was the Forbidden City like?
A: Very grand. The entrance, the gardens and the buildings are huge and full of detail to look at. Our selfie stick was confiscated because it was over the length limit.
Q: What was Wangfujing Street like?
A: It is a modern shopping street, not the local street food street we expected from Google Maps. We still liked walking it.
Q: What was Tiananmen Square like?
A: We couldn't get in that day. Entry is free, but you need to book tickets in advance, which we hadn't done.

Beijing Exploration: First-Timers' Honest China Experience

Beijing's vibrant streets and culture surprise Field of Visions upon their first China trip. A raw, honest look at unexpected moments and delicious food.

Beijing Exploration: Forbidden City, Visa Tips & Unexpected Encounters

Field of Visions' first impressions of China are captured in this captivating five-part series premiere. Their Beijing adventure unveils unexpected moments and cultural surprises, offering a raw and honest glimpse into the capital city. Get ready for an immersive journey through bustling streets, tantalizing food scenes, and the vibrant heart of Chinese culture.

Attractions in this video: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square