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Backpacker Ben and Karina set out to hitchhike more than 1,000 kilometers from Xining toward Changdu, beginning with the leg to Lanzhou. They have trouble leaving Xining because of roadblocks and communication issues with taxi drivers. On the highway, some drivers offer rides only for payment, which frustrates the pair because they are looking for a free lift. After repeated attempts they decide to take a train to Lanzhou instead. There, they explore the city, try local food and meet friendly residents before attempting to hitchhike again. The experience shows that hitchhiking in less touristy areas can be difficult and that travelers need alternative transport plans.
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Trying to leave Xining
Backpacker Ben and Karina take on a hitchhiking challenge in China, aiming to cover more than 1,000 kilometers from Xining toward Changdu. The first leg is to reach Lanzhou. They begin with optimism, but roadblocks and difficulty communicating with taxi drivers make it hard to leave Xining. They try different places along the highway and find that many drivers do not understand they are asking for a free ride. Some drivers offer transportation only if they are paid, which is frustrating for the pair because it conflicts with their plan to hitchhike.
The challenge is also affected by language barriers and the fact that hitchhiking is unfamiliar to many people in less populated areas. Drivers may be surprised or confused when they see the couple standing with a destination sign. Ben and Karina learn that their sign needs to be accurate and legible to avoid misunderstandings. They try to stay flexible, but after several attempts they decide that continuing on foot and waiting is not the best use of their time.
Train to Lanzhou and another attempt
Ben and Karina switch to the train for the journey to Lanzhou. The train is an efficient and relatively inexpensive backup, and they enjoy a more comfortable ride after the difficult highway attempts. In Lanzhou they explore the city, sample local foods and interact with friendly residents. The city becomes a favorite part of the trip for them. Their visit helps them regain momentum before considering the next leg toward Changdu.
They make another hitchhiking attempt in Lanzhou, showing that the train decision did not end the challenge. The pair describe the mixture of humor and frustration involved and say others should be prepared for more difficulty than expected. Their advice is to start from a city’s outskirts, where drivers may be more willing to stop, and to have a backup plan such as train travel. The trip captures an ambitious plan meeting practical limits and the need to adapt.
The challenge begins with Ben and Karina trying to reach the outskirts, where they expect to find more drivers leaving the city. Instead, roadblocks and a lack of shared language complicate the first attempts. Some drivers assume that the couple want a taxi and ask for payment. The pair explain that they are hitchhiking, but not everyone understands the distinction. These repeated stops create frustration and show why a clear destination sign matters. They advise writing the place name accurately and legibly to avoid confusion.
Choosing the train to Lanzhou is a practical adjustment rather than giving up on the overall route. The train is efficient and relatively inexpensive, and it gives them a comfortable journey after waiting on the roadside. In Lanzhou they explore the city, sample local foods and meet people who are curious and friendly. The city becomes a favorite part of the trip for Ben, and their interactions help make the changed plan worthwhile. They then try hitchhiking again, carrying the lessons from Xining into the next attempt.
The vlog follows both their optimism and setbacks. Hitchhiking in less populated places can surprise people, and some drivers may expect compensation. Their experience is not a guarantee of what other travelers will encounter, but it shows the need for patience and a backup way to travel. Ben and Karina use a train when hitchhiking stalls, explore the city they reach and remain committed to the journey toward Changdu. Their account blends language barriers, transport choices, encounters with locals and the humor they use to manage an uncertain plan.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: Why did Ben and Karina choose hitchhiking in China?
- A: They had asked followers on Instagram to vote on the next travel challenge, and hitchhiking received the most votes. They then attempted to travel from Xining toward Changdu, starting with the leg to Lanzhou.
- Q: What was the biggest challenge they faced?
- A: They had difficulty getting drivers to understand that they wanted a free hitchhiking ride rather than a paid taxi. Some drivers offered rides only for money, and communication was complicated by language barriers.
- Q: What part of the trip did they enjoy most?
- A: Ben says Lanzhou was probably his favorite part. He liked the city and found the people friendly, and they had time to explore and try local food after taking the train there.
- Q: What advice do they give to other hitchhikers?
- A: They recommend being prepared for more difficulty than expected and having a backup plan. If attempts are not working, China’s trains are an efficient and relatively inexpensive alternative.
