China Travel Podcast with Wei Chen

Episodes

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  The Forest the Emperor Rode Through 13.08.2026 8m

  Wei Chen takes the high-speed train north from Chengde to Saihanba, the Qing imperial hunting grounds turned world's largest man-made forest. He walks among the larches, reflects on an empire that landscaped wilderness itself, and comes back to a bowl of lamb soup in the cool evening air. Plan your trip to China: eSIM & data · Tours & tickets · Airport transfers · Car rental · Travel insurance · Hotels & full China guide → Some links are affiliate links. Episode 13 of China Travel Podcast with Wei Chen. Wei Chen is in Chengde, China. Places in this episode: Saihanba National Forest Park, Shuangxinlou, Erxianju Night Market, Mulan paddock, Bashang grasslands. Covered: Saihanba forest and Mulan paddock, Man-made forests and land restoration, Qing hunting diplomacy, Local food: lamb soup and almond tea, Day trip logistics from Chengde. Chapters:00:00 Erxianju Night Market01:03 Mulan paddock01:46 Bashang grasslands03:55 Shuangxinlou05:23 Restaurant interior06:40 Quiet room A full transcript of this episode is available in supported apps. #SaihanbaForest #ChengdeTravel #ChinaTravel #QingHistory #ManMadeForest #HebeiProvince #ForestHiking #LambSoup #ChengdeFood #AlmondTea #NightMarket #RoseCakes #ChinaNature #TravelChina #SummerEscape #ForestBathingChengde https://www.paris2tokyo.com/podcasts/china/
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  The Emperor's Summer Evening 12.08.2026 11m

  Wei Chen spends a balmy August evening in Chengde, exploring the Erxianju night market, watching the康熙大典 show, and reflecting on the Qing court's summer rituals and the cost of a night out. Plan your trip to China: eSIM & data · Tours & tickets · Airport transfers · Car rental · Travel insurance · Hotels & full China guide → Some links are affiliate links. Episode 12 of China Travel Podcast with Wei Chen. Wei Chen is in Chengde, China. Places in this episode: Erxianju Night Market, Shuangluan District, Kangxi Dadian theatre, Puning Temple, FULL House Coffee Bar, Lizheng Gate, Saihanba National Forest Park. Covered: Night market food, Historical spectacle, Qing dynasty diplomacy, Local costs, Travel logistics for Saihanba. Chapters:00:00 Erxianju Night Market01:50 Shuangluan District03:49 Puning Temple04:48 Hotel room at night07:36 Hotel lobby09:21 Bus interior A full transcript of this episode is available in supported apps. #Chengde #ChengdeMountainResort #QingDynasty #NightMarket #Erxianju #KangxiDadian #Saihanba #ChinaTravel #HebeiTravel #ImperialChina #HistoryAndFood #TravelChina #ManchuCuisine #SummerCapital #UNESCOWorldHeritage #ChengdeNightlife https://www.paris2tokyo.com/podcasts/china/
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  The Emperor's Cool Retreat: Chengde's Outer Temples 11.08.2026 9m

  Wei Chen explores the Eight Outer Temples of Chengde, from the Little Potala to the Big Buddha Temple, considering how the Qing court used architecture for diplomacy. He reflects on the Macartney mission, enjoys local lamb soup, and notes the practicalities of visiting these UNESCO sites in summer. Plan your trip to China: eSIM & data · Tours & tickets · Airport transfers · Car rental · Travel insurance · Hotels & full China guide → Some links are affiliate links. Episode 11 of China Travel Podcast with Wei Chen. Wei Chen is in Chengde, China. Places in this episode: Chengde Mountain Resort, Putuo Zongcheng Temple, Puning Temple, Xumi Fushou Temple, Erxianju Night Market, FULL House Coffee Bar, Chengde Hotel, Lizheng Gate. Covered: Outer Eight Temples, Qing diplomacy, Macartney mission, Temple architecture, Local food costs. Chapters:00:00 Lizheng Gate01:14 Temple interior with prayer wheels02:36 Puning Temple03:57 Erxianju Night Market05:15 Xumi Fushou Temple06:58 Chengde Hotel08:18 Quiet hotel room at night A full transcript of this episode is available in supported apps. #Chengde #ChengdeTravel #ChinaTravel #Hebei #OuterTemples #PutuoZongcheng #PuningTemple #XumiFushou #MountainResort #BishuShanzhuang #ImperialHistory #QingDynasty #TravelChina #SummerPalace #UNESCO #ChineseArchitecture #MacartneyMission #NightMarket #LambSoup https://www.paris2tokyo.com/podcasts/china/
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  The Emperor's Cool Retreat 10.08.2026 9m

  Wei Chen spends a day exploring Chengde's Mountain Resort, the Little Potala Temple, and the night market, reflecting on the Qing dynasty's summer capital and the art of designed landscape. He shares practical costs and tips for visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site. Plan your trip to China: eSIM & data · Tours & tickets · Airport transfers · Car rental · Travel insurance · Hotels & full China guide → Some links are affiliate links. Episode 10 of China Travel Podcast with Wei Chen. Wei Chen is in Chengde, China. Places in this episode: Chengde Mountain Resort, Putuo Zongcheng Temple, Bangchui Mountain, Erxianju Night Market, Xinqianlong Restaurant, Lizheng Gate. Covered: Chengde Mountain Resort, Putuo Zongcheng Temple, Bangchui Mountain, Erxianju Night Market, Pingquan lamb soup, Macartney mission. Chapters:00:00 Lizheng Gate02:37 Putuo Zongcheng Temple04:50 Erxianju Night Market06:23 Night market08:36 Hotel room A full transcript of this episode is available in supported apps. #ChengdeTravel #MountainResort #LittlePotala #BangchuiMountain #ChinaTravel #QingDynasty #Hebei #UNESCO #TravelChina #SummerRetreat #NightMarket #LambSoup #Chengde #ImperialChina #TravelTips #SoloTravel https://www.paris2tokyo.com/podcasts/china/
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  The Lotus and the Hammer Rock 09.08.2026 8m

  Wei Chen spends a second day in Chengde, walking the Mountain Resort's lotus lakes, taking in the heat-relief measures, considering the city's imperial diplomacy, and ending at the night market with a bowl of lamb soup. Plan your trip to China: eSIM & data · Tours & tickets · Airport transfers · Car rental · Travel insurance · Hotels & full China guide → Some links are affiliate links. Episode 9 of China Travel Podcast with Wei Chen. Wei Chen is in Chengde, China. Places in this episode: Chengde Mountain Resort, Lizhengmen, Yanyu Lou, Qushui Hexiang, Putuo Zongcheng Temple, Bangchui Mountain, Erxianju Night Market, Shuangxinlou. Covered: Chengde Mountain Resort, Putuo Zongcheng Temple, Bangchui Mountain, lotus bloom, Manchu-Mongol cuisine, night market, transport cards, residence registration. Chapters:00:00 Lizhengmen01:18 Yanyu Lou02:06 Putuo Zongcheng Temple02:58 Shuangxinlou03:47 Bangchui Mountain05:18 Erxianju Night Market A full transcript of this episode is available in supported apps. #Chengde #ChengdeTravel #ChinaTravel #Hebei #MountainResort #SummerPalace #HammerRock #BangchuiMountain #LittlePotala #PutuoZongcheng #LotusBloom #ChineseHistory #TravelChina #ExploreChina #NightMarket #LocalFood https://www.paris2tokyo.com/podcasts/china/
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  The Summer Capital: Chengde's Cool Air 08.08.2026 10m

  Wei Chen takes the high-speed rail north to Chengde, the Qing emperors' summer retreat. He explores the Mountain Resort's lotus-filled lakes, contemplates the Outer Eight Temples' diplomacy in stone, and samples the local lamb soup and imperial pastries, all while reflecting on the cost of a day in this cooler, quieter capital. Plan your trip to China: eSIM & data · Tours & tickets · Airport transfers · Car rental · Travel insurance · Hotels & full China guide → Some links are affiliate links. Episode 8 of China Travel Podcast with Wei Chen. Wei Chen is in Chengde, China. Places in this episode: Chengde Mountain Resort, Putuo Zongcheng Temple, Xinqianlong Restaurant, Erxianju Night Market, Chengde Hotel, Chengde South Station, Wulie River, Qushui Hexiang. Covered: Chengde mountain resort, Eight outer temples, Qing dynasty summer capital, Lotus bloom, Local food and costs, Macartney mission. Chapters:00:00 Chengde South Station02:03 Qushui Hexiang03:44 Restaurant04:29 Putuo Zongcheng Temple06:10 Wulie River08:24 Saihanba forest A full transcript of this episode is available in supported apps. #Chengde #BishuShanzhuang #MountainResort #EightOuterTemples #PutuoZongcheng #ChinaTravel #Hebei #SummerPalace #QingDynasty #ChinaHistory #TravelChina #ChengdeFood #PingquanLambSoup #NightMarket #UNESCO #ChinaRail #ChengdeTrip https://www.paris2tokyo.com/podcasts/china/
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  Packing Up the Hutong Summer 07.08.2026 9m

  On his last full day in Beijing, Wei Chen wanders the morning hutongs, takes a final swim in the lake, and spends the evening at a courtyard cinema beneath the stars. He reflects on the quiet rhythm of the city, the cost of a daily life, and the pull of the road north. Plan your trip to China: eSIM & data · Tours & tickets · Airport transfers · Car rental · Travel insurance · Hotels & full China guide → Some links are affiliate links. Episode 7 of China Travel Podcast with Wei Chen. Wei Chen is in Beijing, China. Places in this episode: Shichahai, Drum and Bell Towers, Olympic Forest Park, Bird's Nest, Xinjiang Flavor Yidecun Stretched Noodle Restaurant, Longfusi, Gui Jie. Covered: Hutong morning routine, Cost of daily meals and transport, Olympic Forest Park and lake swimming, Xinjiang cuisine in Beijing, Open-air film festival and summer activities. Chapters:00:00 Shichahai01:22 Bird's Nest03:04 Olympic Forest Park03:50 Xinjiang Flavor Yidecun Stretched Noodle Restaurant04:38 Lakeshore06:21 Longfusi07:50 Beijing A full transcript of this episode is available in supported apps. #BeijingTravel #ChinaTravelPodcast #HutongLife #BeijingSummer #OlympicForestPark #Shichahai #GuiJie #BeijingFilmFestival #BeijingEats #XinjiangNoodles #Jianbing #ChinaTravel #BeijingMetro #TravelChina2026 #HutongFlat #LakesideSwim #BeijingDiaries #SlowTravel https://www.paris2tokyo.com/podcasts/china/
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  Last Light in the Hutong 06.08.2026 8m

  On his final full day in Beijing, Wei Chen wanders the hutongs, visits the reopened Underground City museum, and reflects on the city's layered history and the cost of daily life before heading north. A quiet, practical episode about endings and beginnings. Plan your trip to China: eSIM & data · Tours & tickets · Airport transfers · Car rental · Travel insurance · Hotels & full China guide → Some links are affiliate links. Episode 6 of China Travel Podcast with Wei Chen. Wei Chen is in Beijing, China. Places in this episode: Beijing Underground City, Xixinglong Street, Mr Shi's Dumplings, Voyage Coffee, Jingshan Park, Gui Jie, Shichahai. Covered: Underground City museum, Cost of daily meals, Hutong life and reflections, Film carnival and night festival, Packing and moving on. Chapters:00:00 Shichahai01:09 Beijing Underground City03:19 Mr Shi's Dumplings05:29 Jingshan Park06:46 Night street festival07:58 Hutong night A full transcript of this episode is available in supported apps. #BeijingTravel #HutongLife #ChinaTravel #BeijingHistory #TravelChina #BeijingGuide #ChinaPodcast #BeijingSummer #UndergroundCity #GuiJie #Nanluoguxiang #Shichahai #JingshanPark #BeijingFood #TravelVlog #SlowTravel https://www.paris2tokyo.com/podcasts/china/
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  The Long View from Jingshan 05.08.2026 9m

  Wei Chen climbs Jingshan Park for a view over the Forbidden City's rooftops, then takes the new suburban railway west for a look at where Beijing is growing. A mid-afternoon thunderstorm sends him into a hutong café, where he reflects on the film carnival, the cost of a daily life, and why this first week is really about learning to see the city slowly. Plan your trip to China: eSIM & data · Tours & tickets · Airport transfers · Car rental · Travel insurance · Hotels & full China guide → Some links are affiliate links. Episode 5 of China Travel Podcast with Wei Chen. Wei Chen is in Beijing, China. Places in this episode: Jingshan Park, Forbidden City, China Zun, Liangxiang, Berrybeans, Gui Street, Shichahai, China Merchants Bank. Covered: Jingshan Park and city views, Beijing suburban railway expansion, Daily cost of living in Beijing, Liangxiang district exploration, Rainy day activities and street food, Reflecting on settling in and routines. Chapters:00:00 City park00:54 Forbidden City02:37 Liangxiang03:42 Berrybeans05:18 China Merchants Bank06:25 Gui Street A full transcript of this episode is available in supported apps. #JingshanPark #ForbiddenCity #BeijingRain #BeijingSummer #ChinaTravel #BeijingHutong #Liangxiang #BeijingSuburbanRail #Zhajiangmian #HundredFlowersAwards #GuiStreet #FilmCarnival #BeijingLife #DailyCosts #TravelChina #BeijingVisa #PoliceRegistration #Beijing2026 https://www.paris2tokyo.com/podcasts/china/
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  A Day in the Life of a New Beijing Resident 04.08.2026 10m

  Wei Chen navigates a rainy day in Beijing, from a hutong breakfast to securing his flat's police registration, and reflects on the city's rhythms, costs, and the film carnival that's transforming its evenings. Plan your trip to China: eSIM & data · Tours & tickets · Airport transfers · Car rental · Travel insurance · Hotels & full China guide → Some links are affiliate links. Episode 4 of China Travel Podcast with Wei Chen. Wei Chen is in Beijing, China. Places in this episode: Shichahai, Drum Tower, Bell Tower, Longfusi South Square, Voyage Coffee, China Merchants Bank, Hutong flat. Covered: police registration, hutong breakfast, film festival, daily life costs, settling in. Chapters:00:00 Soft rain01:59 Hutong lane03:00 Shichahai05:17 Voyage Coffee07:15 China Merchants Bank A full transcript of this episode is available in supported apps. #Beijing #ChinaTravel #BeijingLife #HutongLife #BeijingFood #BeijingFilmCarnival #HundredFlowersAwards #BeijingSummer #ExpatLife #TravelChina #CityGuide #LivingInBeijing #ChineseCulture #BeijingEats #Shichahai #Alipay #WeChatPay #BeijingHutong https://www.paris2tokyo.com/podcasts/china/
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  The Underground City and the Rhythm of Rain 03.08.2026 9m

  On his third day in Beijing, Wei Chen seeks refuge from the summer heat in the recently reopened Underground City, then resurfaces to navigate the city's thunderstorm chaos. He shares practical tips on metro travel, the film carnival, and what it means to be a resident rather than a tourist. Plan your trip to China: eSIM & data · Tours & tickets · Airport transfers · Car rental · Travel insurance · Hotels & full China guide → Some links are affiliate links. Episode 3 of China Travel Podcast with Wei Chen. Wei Chen is in Beijing, China. Places in this episode: Voyage Coffee, People's Air Defense History Museum, Qianmen, Xixinglong Street, Tongle Hutong, Shichahai, China Merchants Bank, Drum Tower. Covered: Underground City museum, Renting a hutong apartment, Police registration process, Beijings public transport expansion, Beijing Midsummer Film Carnival. Chapters:00:00 Voyage Coffee00:41 People's Air Defense History Museum02:48 Drum Tower04:23 Subway car05:14 Longfusi South Square06:56 Courtyard A full transcript of this episode is available in supported apps. #BeijingTravel #ChinaTravel #BeijingHiddenGems #UndergroundCityBeijing #HutongLife #BeijingFilmCarnival #GuiJie #BeijingRent #ExpatLifeChina #BeijingMetro #ChinaVisa #BeijingRainyDay #SlowTravel #BeijingFood #WeiChenInChina https://www.paris2tokyo.com/podcasts/china/
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  The Morning Rhythm of Beijing's Hutongs 02.08.2026 8m

  Wei Chen settles into day two in Beijing, exploring the daily rhythm of hutong life—from morning tai chi in the park to breakfast jianbing and the practicalities of setting up a home base. He reflects on the old-versus-new contrast and the cost of living in the capital. Plan your trip to China: eSIM & data · Tours & tickets · Airport transfers · Car rental · Travel insurance · Hotels & full China guide → Some links are affiliate links. Episode 2 of China Travel Podcast with Wei Chen. Wei Chen is in Beijing, China. Places in this episode: Temple of Heaven, Shichahai, Houhai, Xinjiang Flavor Yidecun Stretched Noodle Restaurant, 798 Art Zone, Wangjing. Covered: Hutong daily life, Morning park exercises, Street food and casual dining, Renting a flat in Beijing, Cost of living and transport, Practical setup for foreigners. Chapters:00:00 Hutong morning00:54 Temple of Heaven03:45 Shichahai04:45 Xinjiang Flavor Yidecun Stretched Noodle Restaurant06:29 Lakeshore07:26 Hutong evening A full transcript of this episode is available in supported apps. #BeijingHutong #TempleOfHeaven #MorningTaiChi #JianbingBreakfast #Zhajiangmian #BeijingRent #CostOfLivingBeijing #ForeignerInBeijing #BeijingMetro #ChinaTravel #TravelChina #Beijing2026 #HutongLife #Shichahai #Houhai #BeijingNightWalk #ExpatBeijing https://www.paris2tokyo.com/podcasts/china/
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  First Light in the Hutong 01.08.2026 10m

  Wei Chen lands in Beijing, navigates SIM cards and bank accounts, and finds calm in the city's old alleyways. This episode is about arrival: the paperwork, the heat, and the first taste of daily life in a megacity. Plan your trip to China: eSIM & data · Tours & tickets · Airport transfers · Car rental · Travel insurance · Hotels & full China guide → Some links are affiliate links. Episode 1 of China Travel Podcast with Wei Chen. Wei Chen is in Beijing, China. Places in this episode: Beijing Capital International Airport, Nanluoguxiang, Gui Jie, China Unicom shop near Drum Tower, China Merchants Bank near Lama Temple, Temple of Heaven, Siji Minfu, 798 Art District. Covered: Arrival logistics, Beijing old city charm, Practical life setup, Summer heat and season, Food street exploration, Art district visit. Chapters:00:00 Airport road01:27 Nanluoguxiang03:13 Drum Tower04:56 Temple of Heaven06:38 798 Art District08:23 Courtyard A full transcript of this episode is available in supported apps. #BeijingTravel #ChinaTravelPodcast #WeiChen #HutongFood #TempleOfHeaven #798ArtDistrict #PekingDuck #ChinaUnicom #ExpatLifeBeijing #BeijingFirstDay #TravelChina2026 #ChinaTravelGuide #BeijingInSummer #ChinaSIMCard #BeijingBanking #BeijingNightlife #ChinaLiving #ChinaTrip https://www.paris2tokyo.com/podcasts/china/