After years of hearing nothing but negative stories about China from the western media we finally convinced my British family to fly with us to Chengdu… and their reaction will surprise you!
From the moment we landed Beijing almost 2 years ago now and become the night walking couple, we have been desprate to show our family exactly what we have been talking about. We have just landed in Sichuan’s capital chengdu, my family experienced the real China — not the headlines. From giant pandas to spicy hotpot, high-speed trains to the warmth of the locals, this trip changed everything they thought they knew.
Dridgers brings their British family to Chengdu, China, shattering media myths with pandas, metro systems, affordable luxury, and immediate cultural immersion.
Travel Guides & Tips in this video
After a year of relentless persuasion, British travel couple Dridgers finally convince their family to fly to Chengdu, China. The first day delivers immediate surprises: a seamless transit visa process, the awe of China's 45 metro systems, and a $6 bottle of wine delivered to their hotel door. By evening, the skeptics are already saying, 'I can see what you mean.' This is the real China—no media headlines, just high-speed trains, friendly locals, and an eye-opening start to an unforgettable trip.
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27 min
2025
Chengdu, China: British Family's Panda & Hotpot Adventure Challenges Perceptions
After years of hearing nothing but negative stories about China from the western media we finally convinced my British family to fly with us to Chengdu… and their reaction will surprise you!
From the moment we landed Beijing almost 2 years ago now and become the night walking couple, we have been...
British Family Discovers the Real China in Chengdu First Day
Prepare to be amazed as a British family's perceptions of China are shattered! This vlog chronicles an unforgettable journey through Chengdu, revealing the vibrant reality beyond the headlines. From adorable pandas to fiery hotpot and lightning-fast trains, witness firsthand the warmth of the people and the rich culture that defies stereotypes. This adventure promises to be a eye-opening experience, challenging everything you thought you knew about this incredible country.
Attractions in this video: Chengdu, Pandas, Sichuan Opera, Hot Pot
My Family’s First 24 Hours in China Changed Their Mind
Chengdu, China: First 24 Hours & Family's Perspective Shift
More about the current video:(Published on 2025-08-25)
In this vlog, travel couple Dridgers finally convince their British family to visit China—specifically Chengdu—after a year of hyping the country. The episode kicks off with a nerve-wracking transit visa process at Bangkok airport, where the family's paperwork is scrutinized for nearly 40 minutes. Once past that hurdle, the group boards a Thai Air flight where free beer and a decent chicken meal set a positive tone. Landing in Chengdu, the family's first impressions are shaped by the city's ultra-modern metro system—one of 45 in China—which sparks immediate awe. After a three-metro journey, they check into a slightly outdated but clean four-star hotel. Too tired to explore, they order in via Meituan: a £6 bottle of wine and a full meal for six costing just £11, both delivered to their door. This simple convenience blows the sister's mind, and by evening, the family openly admits, 'I can see what you mean.' The vlog ends with a teaser for the next episode: pandas, hot pot, and Sichuan opera. The underlying narrative dismantles Western media narratives about China, replacing them with genuine surprise at the country's efficiency, affordability, and warmth.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
Q: How long did the transit visa process take?
A: It took about 40 minutes. They asked how long we were staying, checked our flight out, and even questioned where Portsmouth was. Just have all your documents ready.
Q: Was the metro easy to use with kids?
A: Yeah, it was fine but rush hour was busy. We had to take three metros and it got hot. But the system is super modern with facial recognition gates.
Q: What was the most surprising thing on the first day?
A: Probably ordering a £6 bottle of wine and food for six for £11, delivered to our hotel door. My sister couldn't believe it.
