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Solo Travelling China for the First Time | Beijing Vlog
Solo Beijing Travel: Great Wall, Forbidden City & Hutongs
First time in China 🇨🇳
Solo, and straight off a FIFO swing in Australia
In this vlog fly into Beijing for the first time with no tour and no plan handed to me, just me, and a city that runs completely differently to anywhere I’ve been.
I explored the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, walked...
First time in China<br><br>Solo, and straight off a FIFO swing in Australia<br><br>In this vlog fly into Beijing for the first time with no tour and no plan handed to me, just me, and a city that runs completely differently to anywhere I’ve been.<br><br>I explored the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, walked through the Forbidden City, got lost in the hutongs, ate proper Peking duck, and chinese local dishes, and figured out a completely cashless, non-English city on the fly.<br><br>This is the first stop on a three-country trip; China, Hong Kong, then Bali, and the biggest culture shift on the channel so far. Work hard on FIFO, then actually go and see the world.
In this cinematic vlog, Sam Sleep dives headfirst into Beijing's chaos and charm. He tackles the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and hutongs without a plan, mastering cashless payments and local cuisine. With a FIFO work ethic, he turns culture shock into an unforgettable solo adventure. A raw, honest look at China's modern travel experience.
First time in China<br><br>Solo, and straight off a FIFO swing in Australia<br><br>In this vlog fly into Beijing for the first time with no tour and no plan handed to me, just me, and a city that runs completely differently to anywhere I’ve been.<br><br>I explored the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, walked through the Forbidden City, got lost in the hutongs, ate proper Peking duck, and chinese local dishes, and figured out a completely cashless, non-English city on the fly.<br><br>This is the first stop on a three-country trip; China, Hong Kong, then Bali, and the biggest culture shift on the channel so far. Work hard on FIFO, then actually go and see the world.
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.<br><br>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.<br><br>Day two begins with a forced work session in the hotel lobby, then a walk to the Forbidden City. Sam joins a tour just to get the entry ticket, then promptly disappears to explore solo. He finds the massive palace complex chaotic and humid, calling it a “tourist trap” but still impressive. After a quick lunch of Kung Pao chicken and rice (costing just 45 yuan, about $9 AUD), he hits the gym, then heads to a hot pot place with 900 online reviews. The spicy broth nearly defeats him, but the beef, mushrooms, and bok choy are satisfying. A friendly local chats with him about Australia, and Sam is struck by how welcoming the Chinese people are.<br><br>The biggest drama revolves around the Great Wall of China. Sam booked it for the trip, but a red alert storm closes it for two days. He fills the time with the Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, and the 798 Art District, covering 22,000 steps in one day. Then, on the morning of day three, just as he’s about to give up, the hotel messages him: Mutianyu section has reopened at 2 p.m. He jumps in a taxi for an hour-and-a-half ride, then a shuttle bus, and begins the steep, humid climb. The effort is immense—he’s dripping with sweat, stopping for ice cream and water—but reaching the top is a triumphant moment. “What an experience,” he says, visibly exhausted but elated.<br><br>That evening, Sam celebrates with a local noodle dinner recommended by a hotel staff member. He orders chicken wings, beef noodles, and sweet and sour cabbage for just 55 yuan. The meal is the perfect end to a whirlwind three days. He packs his bags, ready for a 5:30 a.m. departure to Hong Kong, and reflects on Beijing: “Hectic city, but people are so friendly. I definitely want to come back to see the Avatar Mountains and Shanghai.” The vlog captures the raw, unfiltered reality of solo travel in a completely unfamiliar environment—the frustrations, the small victories, and the genuine human connections that make it all worthwhile.
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.
Sam Sleep solo travels Beijing for the first time, tackling the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and local food in a cashless, non-English city.
Solo Beijing Travel: Great Wall, Hutongs and Peking Duck
2:10 When visiting the Great Wall, check weather alerts and have backup plans. The Mutianyu section closed due to storms but reopened later in the day.
4:20 Using taxi apps in Beijing can be tricky with the language barrier. Allow extra time for payment issues and always confirm the destination with the driver.
5:34 Joining a tour group just to get the entry ticket to the Forbidden City is a smart hack. You can then leave the group and explore at your own pace.
15:35 The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is a two-hour drive from central Beijing. Bring water, wear light clothing, and be prepared for steep, humid climbs.
19:33 Local noodle shops recommended by hotel staff are affordable and authentic. Try the beef noodles and sweet and sour cabbage for a filling meal under 60 yuan.
8:07 Plan multiple attractions in a day: Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, and 798 Art District are all within reach. Start early to avoid crowds and heat.
2:10 When visiting the Great Wall, check weather alerts and have backup plans. The Mutianyu section closed due to storms but reopened later in the day.
4:20 Using taxi apps in Beijing can be tricky with the language barrier. Allow extra time for payment issues and always confirm the destination with the driver.
5:34 Joining a tour group just to get the entry ticket to the Forbidden City is a smart hack. You can then leave the group and explore at your own pace.
15:35 The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is a two-hour drive from central Beijing. Bring water, wear light clothing, and be prepared for steep, humid climbs.
19:33 Local noodle shops recommended by hotel staff are affordable and authentic. Try the beef noodles and sweet and sour cabbage for a filling meal under 60 yuan.
8:07 Plan multiple attractions in a day: Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, and 798 Art District are all within reach. Start early to avoid crowds and heat.
0:01 Arrival in Beijing
2:22 Coffee mishap and language barrier
5:34 Forbidden City visit
12:12 Great Wall still closed
14:17 Great Wall reopens
15:10 On way to Great Wall
15:35 Walking up the Great Wall
19:10 Back from Great Wall
19:33 Local noodle dinner
20:04 End of Beijing trip
0:18 Hong Kong Airport to Beijing, China
0:52 Beijing, China
3:00 Local Chinese restaurant
4:35 Peking duck restaurant
5:30 Day 2
6:00 Forbidden City
8:45 Gym time
9:24 Authentic hot pot experience
11:05 Qianmen Street
12:11 Day 3
13:54 Temple of Heaven
15:10 Taxi to the Great Wall of China
16:42 The Great Wall of China
18:20 Cable car down
18:51 Toboggan slide down The Great Wall of China
20:00 Day 3
20:06 Reflecting on the trip
china vlogbeijing vlogfirst time in chinagreat wall of chinamutianyuforbidden citytiananmen squaretemple of heavenchina travel vlogsolo travel chinabeijing travelchina travel 20263 days in beijingwhat to do in beijinghutongs beijingpeking duckchina culture shocktravel vlogcinematic travel filmchina travel guidebackpacking chinafifo travelsam sleepsamsleepsamsleepytbeijingchinasolo traveltravelling beijingWhat happened when you tried to order coffee in Beijing?
I asked for a coffee with milk but got a soda instead, then had to ask for hot water to make it drinkable.
How did you get to the Great Wall of China?
I took a taxi for about an hour and a half, then a shuttle bus to the entrance. The walk up was steep and humid but totally worth it.
What was the hot pot experience like?
It was way too spicy for me, but the beef, mushrooms, and bok choy were good. Cost about 20 Aussie dollars.
What did you eat at the local noodle place?
I ordered chicken wings, beef noodles, and sweet and sour cabbage. The lady said it was enough food, and it cost 55 yuan – a bargain.
