China Travel Guidesizy.cn

One sky. One dream.

Beijing Exploration: A First-Timer's Unexpected Journey

My first time in China: Beijing is not what I expected

Destination:ChinaCity:BeijingPopulation: 21.5 million
My first time in China: Beijing is not what I expected
Alina13 min

My first time in China: Beijing is not what. This was filmed by Alina. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

It's the first time I travelled to China and I started my trip in China's capital Beijing. In today's video we will explore Beijing's most iconic landmarks such as the forbidden city and the temple of heaven and learn a lot about Chinese culture and history. While I expected Beijing to be crowded, noisy and full of pollution I was surprised to find a city that was not at all as I had expected it to be. But see for yourself what it's really like to explore Beijing!

--- Alina
February 2, 2025, Winter in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

On her first trip to China, Alina explores Beijing, from Yingshan Park and the Forbidden City to the Temple of Heaven, hutongs, and Bell and Drum Towers. She finds the city quieter and cleaner than she expected, tries bargaining in a market, and misses Tiananmen Square because she had not reserved in advance. The route also takes in the Bell and Drum Towers, where she describes the hourly drum performance and a 360-degree view. Her practical notes cover carrying a passport, bargaining, and exploring hutongs for snacks, while the missed square visit shows why advance reservations matter.

Next travel video:

More about the current video:()

My first time in China: Beijing is not what I expected

Parks and historic landmarks

Alina begins her first trip to China in Beijing at Yingshan Park, where she looks across the city toward the Forbidden City and surrounding hutongs. She is surprised by how quiet the city feels despite its size. At the Forbidden City, she discusses the palace complex's history and architecture, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Palace of Heavenly Purity. She recommends booking tickets in advance to avoid a long queue.

Alina then heads toward Tiananmen Square but misses the visit because she did not make the required reservation beforehand. She continues to the Temple of Heaven, a large park complex with Ming Dynasty architecture. She describes the circular Temple of Heaven building and its symbolism of Heaven and Earth.

Hutongs, towers, and first impressions

In the hutongs, Alina walks through old alleyways and sees traditional Beijing architecture. She also visits the Bell and Drum Towers, which historically helped mark time. At the Drum Tower, she notes the hourly drum show, while the Bell Tower offers a 360-degree view. Her practical suggestions include carrying a passport, making reservations for major sites, and bargaining when shopping.

The trip changes Alina's expectations. She had anticipated a crowded, noisy, polluted city, but describes Beijing as relatively quiet and clean. She shops for a warm hat and negotiates in the market, sharing personal details alongside visits to major sites. Her route includes iconic historic places, hutong streets, and modern skyscrapers. She also recommends exploring hutongs for local snacks and visiting the Drum Tower show. The video presents one traveler's first impressions and practical experiences, not a claim that every visit or neighborhood will be the same.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What landmark did Alina miss in Beijing?
A: She missed visiting Tiananmen Square because she had not made a reservation in advance. She recommends making an online reservation at least a day before going.
Q: What does Alina see from Yingshan Park?
A: She describes views over Beijing, including the Forbidden City and nearby hutongs, and is surprised by how quiet the city feels.
Q: What can visitors do at the Drum Tower?
A: Alina recommends checking for the hourly drum show. She also visits the Bell Tower, which offers a 360-degree view, as an optional stop if time allows.

Previous travel video:

Beijing Exploration: A First-Timer's Unexpected Journey

It's the first time I travelled to China and I started my trip in Chinas capital Beijing. In today's video we will explore Beijings most iconic landmarks such as the forbidden city and the temple of heaven and learn a lot about Chinese culture and history. While I expected Beijing to be crowded,...

Beijing Exploration: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven & Hutongs

Embark on Alina's captivating journey to Beijing, China's vibrant capital. Witness iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, delving into the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and history. Prepare to be surprised! Alina's firsthand account reveals a Beijing that defies expectations, a city brimming with unexpected charm and wonder. Explore this fascinating destination through her eyes and discover a side of Beijing you won't soon forget.

Attractions in this video: Forbidden City, Temple Of Heaven, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Hutongs