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Western Media Lied About China? Our First Time in Beijing
Beijing Family Trip: First Visit to Great Wall and Forbidden
Our first time ever visiting China has finally begun… and honestly, we had no idea what to expect. From everything we’d seen online and in western media, China felt mysterious, intense, futuristic and even a little intimidating. People constantly told us China was difficult to visit, politically...
Our first time ever visiting China has finally begun… and honestly, we had no idea what to expect. From everything we’d seen online and in western media, China felt mysterious, intense, futuristic and even a little intimidating. People constantly told us China was difficult to visit, politically sensitive, heavily controlled, or somewhere tourists shouldn’t travel… so we decided to see the reality for ourselves. In this video we arrive in Beijing, China for the very first time and experience one of the most fascinating cities on earth. We visit the Great Wall of China for the first time ever, take on the famous toboggan ride back down the mountain, try authentic Chinese food, and explore some of Beijing’s most iconic attractions including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the incredible city centre. Is China really living in the future like people say? Is Beijing safe for tourists? What is China actually like in 2026? Join us as we experience the culture, food, people and atmosphere of Beijing completely unfiltered on our first impressions of China. This is Beijing like you’ve never seen it before.
Beijing unfolds as a revealing first encounter in China, seen through a family’s eyes and the Wanderlust Kids’ curious, candid lens. Our arrival feels like stepping into a city that’s simultaneously ancient and electrifying, where the Great Wall’s colossal presence promises awe and the city’s heart beats in Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City’s marble halls. The video threads together brave curiosity with honest doubt: Western narratives color China as opaque, yet the streets, aromas, and smiles tell a different story—one of warmth, complexity, and everyday wonder. We chase authentic bites, brave a fun toboggan descent on the Great Wall, and absorb Beijing’s rhythm from buzzy food stalls to grand imperial spaces. This first impression isn’t polished tourism but a sincere, unfiltered check-in with a country that’s been both mysterious and welcoming to our family. It’s a journey that asks, what is China really like in 2026, and what does it feel like to explore it with kids in tow?
Our first time ever visiting China has finally begun… and honestly, we had no idea what to expect. From everything we’d seen online and in western media, China felt mysterious, intense, futuristic and even a little intimidating. People constantly told us China was difficult to visit, politically sensitive, heavily controlled, or somewhere tourists shouldn’t travel… so we decided to see the reality for ourselves. In this video we arrive in Beijing, China for the very first time and experience one of the most fascinating cities on earth. We visit the Great Wall of China for the first time ever, take on the famous toboggan ride back down the mountain, try authentic Chinese food, and explore some of Beijing’s most iconic attractions including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the incredible city centre. Is China really living in the future like people say? Is Beijing safe for tourists? What is China actually like in 2026? Join us as we experience the culture, food, people and atmosphere of Beijing completely unfiltered on our first impressions of China. This is Beijing like you’ve never seen it before.
The Wanderlust Kids, a family of travelers, arrive in Beijing with preconceived notions shaped by Western media, expecting a mysterious and intimidating China. Their first day shatters these myths. They visit the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, a breathtaking but crowded experience. They learn the wall is 2,200 years old and spans 22,000 km. The highlight is the thrilling toboggan ride down, despite a 90-minute queue. The next day, they explore central Beijing with a tour guide. They navigate the strict but efficient security at Tiananmen Square, where they learn about the 96-member flag team and the square's historical significance. The journey continues to the Forbidden City, a place of 'organized chaos' that is immaculately clean. They discover that eating in public is considered disrespectful, contributing to the city's spotless streets. Inside, they enjoy a coffee and Chinese burger in a converted 600-year-old ice warehouse. The family finds Beijing incredibly safe, welcoming, and easier to navigate than expected, especially with the help of a tour guide and apps like Alipay. They feel more welcomed here than in Japan, noting the friendliness towards their children. The traveler confirms that the visa process and payments are straightforward. After two eventful days, they conclude that Beijing has been a brilliant, unforgettable experience, and they are ready to head to Shanghai for Disneyland, carrying a new, positive, and unfiltered impression of China. The family's journey challenges the negative narratives, showing a modern, organized, and friendly nation.
The Wanderlust Kids finally step foot in Beijing, ready to confront the myths of Western media. From the legendary Great Wall to the forbidden city, they discover a bustling, safe, and friendly China that defies the dystopian warnings, proving the reality is far more vibrant and welcoming than they ever imagined.
The Wanderlust Kids explore Beijing, finding a safe, vibrant China that defies Western media myths, from the Great Wall's awe to the Forbidden City's order.
Beijing First Impressions: Great Wall & Forbidden City Reality vs Myths
3:22 Expect massive crowds at the Great Wall, as it receives up to 100,000 tourists daily. Arrive early to manage the bustling atmosphere.
7:00 For a more adventurous descent, take the toboggan slide from tower six. Be prepared for a potential 90-minute queue, but it's worth it for the fun.
10:32 The Great Wall is incredibly crowded. If you dislike large crowds, be mentally prepared for pushing and a very busy walking experience.
15:13 To visit Tiananmen Square, make a free reservation about a week in advance. Expect queues of 40 minutes to 2 hours, plus thorough security checks.
16:34 The airport entry is simple, especially for families. UK citizens get 30 days visa-free. You'll find helpful staff at computers to fill in arrival cards.
19:41 The Forbidden City is spotless because eating and drinking on the streets is seen as disrespectful. Restaurants are the only places to consume food and drink.
20:33 Forbidden City tickets sell out within 5 seconds. Hiring a tour guide is highly recommended to navigate the complex booking system and strict security.
22:18 Use a pram in Beijing. It provides a priority lane through many queues, significantly speeding up your entry into major attractions like the Forbidden City.
27:52 Download Alipay and WeChat before your trip. These apps are essential for making payments anywhere, as advised by locals, and they work flawlessly.
28:13 A tour guide is extremely helpful for overcoming the language barrier, but Google Translate is a reliable backup if you prefer to explore independently.
3:22 Expect massive crowds at the Great Wall, as it receives up to 100,000 tourists daily. Arrive early to manage the bustling atmosphere.
7:00 For a more adventurous descent, take the toboggan slide from tower six. Be prepared for a potential 90-minute queue, but it's worth it for the fun.
10:32 The Great Wall is incredibly crowded. If you dislike large crowds, be mentally prepared for pushing and a very busy walking experience.
15:13 To visit Tiananmen Square, make a free reservation about a week in advance. Expect queues of 40 minutes to 2 hours, plus thorough security checks.
16:34 The airport entry is simple, especially for families. UK citizens get 30 days visa-free. You'll find helpful staff at computers to fill in arrival cards.
19:41 The Forbidden City is spotless because eating and drinking on the streets is seen as disrespectful. Restaurants are the only places to consume food and drink.
20:33 Forbidden City tickets sell out within 5 seconds. Hiring a tour guide is highly recommended to navigate the complex booking system and strict security.
22:18 Use a pram in Beijing. It provides a priority lane through many queues, significantly speeding up your entry into major attractions like the Forbidden City.
27:52 Download Alipay and WeChat before your trip. These apps are essential for making payments anywhere, as advised by locals, and they work flawlessly.
28:13 A tour guide is extremely helpful for overcoming the language barrier, but Google Translate is a reliable backup if you prefer to explore independently.
0:01 Arriving in Beijing with expectations
2:06 Exploring the Great Wall Village
4:03 Trying First Authentic Chinese Food
9:40 Standing on the Great Wall of China
11:25 Waiting for the Toboggan Ride
15:13 Queuing for Tiananmen Square
19:41 Inside the Forbidden City
22:18 Visa-Free Entry and Airport Tips
23:24 Dining in an Historic Ice Warehouse
26:08 Reflections on Beijing's Safety and Feel
0:01 Arriving in Beijing with expectations
2:06 Exploring the Great Wall Village
4:03 Trying First Authentic Chinese Food
9:40 Standing on the Great Wall of China
11:25 Waiting for the Toboggan Ride
15:13 Queuing for Tiananmen Square
19:41 Inside the Forbidden City
22:18 Visa-Free Entry and Airport Tips
23:24 Dining in an Historic Ice Warehouse
26:08 Reflections on Beijing's Safety and Feel
chinabeijingchina travelbeijing vlogchina vlogfirst time in chinavisiting chinachina 2026beijing chinagreat wall of chinaforbidden citytiananmen squarechina travel vlogbeijing travel guidechina first impressionsis china safeis china dangerouschina tourismtravel chinamutianyu great wallgreat wall tobogganchinese foodbeijing foodfamily travelwanderlust kidschina with kidswesterners in chinaWhat were your first impressions of China's safety?
I felt so safe here. I came out by myself this evening and didn't feel any problems at all. It's a really lovely city.
How difficult is it to enter China for UK citizens?
It was very simple. From February 17th, we got 30 days visa-free. We used computers for arrival cards, had an express lane with kids, and were out with our taxi driver quickly.
What is the most surprising thing about Beijing?
Probably how clean the Forbidden City is. No one eats or drinks on the streets, so there's literally no rubbish on the floor. It's very organized.
