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Small Brained American travels from Dandong toward Ordos, Inner Mongolia, using China's rail network and stopping in Beijing along the way. The traveler comments on clean trains and stations, then negotiates a taxi fare and stays at a Beijing hotel with luxury amenities. In Ordos, the city feels active rather than deserted: businesses, residents, street food, a local festival, and light displays fill the visit. Modern high-rises stand alongside Mongolian cultural elements. The journey also includes familiar comforts such as McDonald's and a hot-air balloon ride over the city. Initial concerns about language and cultural differences give way to helpful encounters with taxi drivers, restaurant staff, and residents. The traveler leaves with a changed impression of Ordos and an appreciation of its people and infrastructure.
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The rail trip and a Beijing stop
Small Brained American begins the journey in Dandong and travels toward Ordos, Inner Mongolia. The train ride gives the traveler a chance to comment on China's railway system, which feels clean and efficient compared with rail experiences elsewhere in East Asia. At the station, the scale and activity of the transport network add to the sense of entering a large, modern country.
Before reaching Ordos, the traveler negotiates with a taxi driver and stays at a Beijing hotel. The fare discussion shows that agreeing on a price can be part of navigating local transport. The hotel stay offers a look at amenities that feel luxurious to the traveler. Early concerns include possible language barriers and differences in culture, but the trip soon brings conversations with people who are willing to help. Taxi drivers, restaurant staff, and local residents all contribute to a welcoming impression.
What the traveler found in Ordos
Ordos had been described to the traveler as a ghost city, but the visit feels far from empty. The traveler sees a functioning urban area with commerce, residents, and active streets. Modern high-rise buildings sit alongside Mongolian cultural elements, while the city's infrastructure shows how large the development is. Local food and a festival add everyday activity and cultural detail to the trip. The video also includes light shows that illuminate the city after dark.
A stop at McDonald's provides familiar food amid new surroundings. The main adventure comes with a hot-air balloon ride. The traveler is apprehensive at first, then takes in the views from above Ordos. That experience adds excitement to a trip already shaped by new places and friendly encounters.
A changed impression
The journey ends with the traveler reconsidering the ghost-city label. Rather than presenting Ordos as a deserted place, the account describes a city with people, food, events, and extensive infrastructure. The warmth of interactions matters as much as the buildings and light displays. The balloon ride offers a final view over the city, and the traveler reflects on its unexpected character. This trip leaves Small Brained American with a more positive impression and a desire to explore more of China.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: Why did the traveler visit Ordos?
- A: Small Brained American traveled to Ordos, Inner Mongolia, after hearing it called a ghost city and wanted to see the place firsthand.
- Q: What did the traveler find in Ordos?
- A: The traveler found an active city with residents, businesses, local food, a festival, light shows, modern infrastructure, and Mongolian cultural elements.
- Q: What was the highlight of the trip?
- A: The hot-air balloon ride was a major adventure; the traveler was initially apprehensive and then enjoyed the views over Ordos.