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I Finally Convinced My British Family to Come to CHINA (No More Lies!)
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...
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.
July 2025 | Vlog 526 | Chengdu, China
When we finally started our adventure
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.
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.
July 2025 | Vlog 526 | Chengdu, China
When we finally started our adventure
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.
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.
Dridgers brings their British family to Chengdu, China, shattering media myths with pandas, metro systems, affordable luxury, and immediate cultural immersion.
British Family Discovers the Real China in Chengdu First Day
2:02 When traveling to China on a transit visa, ensure you have printed hotel confirmations and exit flight details. The process can take up to 40 minutes and officials may ask detailed questions.
13:00 Chengdu's metro is efficient and affordable. With kids and luggage, it's still a good choice, but avoid rush hour (5 PM) as trains get packed.
17:08 China has 45 metro systems—more than any other country. Use them to navigate cities easily; facial recognition entry speeds up boarding.
20:37 Rush hour in Chinese metros is intense. If traveling with children, plan your route to avoid peak times or be ready for crowded carriages.
25:30 Use Meituan or Ele.me to order food and drinks delivered to your hotel door. A bottle of wine costs about £6 and a meal for six around £11.
2:02 When traveling to China on a transit visa, ensure you have printed hotel confirmations and exit flight details. The process can take up to 40 minutes and officials may ask detailed questions.
13:00 Chengdu's metro is efficient and affordable. With kids and luggage, it's still a good choice, but avoid rush hour (5 PM) as trains get packed.
17:08 China has 45 metro systems—more than any other country. Use them to navigate cities easily; facial recognition entry speeds up boarding.
20:37 Rush hour in Chinese metros is intense. If traveling with children, plan your route to avoid peak times or be ready for crowded carriages.
25:30 Use Meituan or Ele.me to order food and drinks delivered to your hotel door. A bottle of wine costs about £6 and a meal for six around £11.
0:01 Flight excitement with free wine
2:02 Transit visa process begins
9:00 Boarding and business class glimpse
10:36 In-flight meal and beer
11:26 Landing in Chengdu
13:00 Choosing metro over taxi
14:04 Family stuck at transit visa
17:08 Panda metro decorations
18:39 45 metros in China fact
26:00 Wine delivery blows sister's mind
0:01 Flight excitement with free wine
2:02 Transit visa process begins
9:00 Boarding and business class glimpse
10:36 In-flight meal and beer
11:26 Landing in Chengdu
13:00 Choosing metro over taxi
14:04 Family stuck at transit visa
17:08 Panda metro decorations
18:39 45 metros in China fact
26:00 Wine delivery blows sister's mind
on tour with dridgers#otwdchinachina traveltravel in chinatravel vlogasiatravel vloggerchengduarrival in chinafirst impressions of chinachina foodchina travel vlogchina vlogchongqingpandaspandas chinaHow long did the transit visa process take?
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.
Was the metro easy to use with kids?
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.
What was the most surprising thing on the first day?
Probably ordering a £6 bottle of wine and food for six for £11, delivered to our hotel door. My sister couldn't believe it.
