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Sam Sleep’s first solo trip to Beijing is a whirlwind of culture shock, delicious food, and unexpected weather. From a coffee mishap to a last-minute Great Wall opening, he navigates a cashless, non-English city with grit and humor. The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and a steaming hot pot make this a raw, unforgettable adventure.
More about the current video:(Published on 2026-07-21)
This Beijing vlog follows Sam Sleep as he plunges into China for the first time, straight off a FIFO swing in Australia. With no plan and no tour, he navigates a cashless, non-English city with a mix of curiosity and grit. From the moment he lands at Hong Kong airport and flies into Beijing, the culture shock is immediate. The language barrier hits hard at a coffee shop where he orders a coffee with milk but ends up with a soda, then resorts to asking for hot water to salvage the drink. It’s a small but telling moment of the daily challenges.
Sam’s first day is a rain-soaked mission to find food and explore the hutongs. He heads to Shichahai, hoping for sunset lanterns, but the stormy weather dampens the spectacle. Instead, he takes a taxi to a famous Peking duck restaurant, braving a downpour that even his umbrella can’t handle. The duck itself is a revelation—he learns that “Peking duck” is actually Beijing duck, and the meal is a highlight. The local interactions are warm; a fellow diner shares a laugh over spicy chicken, and the restaurant staff patiently help him order.
