Spot the difference: Beijing THEN vs NOW

[@emilyblade9676]

One thing I find most commendable in China is that older generation have activities to enjoy and not just either shop, pubs or watch TV.

[@zhangxinchi6674]

Yes! And the ladies are pretty serious about the dance activities at parks. They’ll put on makeup and their best dresses, so adorable!

[@sarishj]

@@zhangxinchi6674 reasons why I love China so much

[@thewishmastur]

China looks to be a fun place to be at. People are so friendly.

[@relaxwhc]

If you enjoyed this video, raise your hand to show Blondie Amy your undying support ✋🙋🏻‍♂️👍

[@DrJustininJapan]

love these videos, your editing, and MOST OF ALL your enthusiasm 😃 🇨🇳

[@IronKurone]

I see like 5-6 cmt of yours. what...?

[@mainhoopmchaiwalamodi9596]

🙋🙌✋

[@josechong8207]

Mini is sooo adorable... it is not the destination but the people you meet along the way... beautiful words those were...Thank you Amy for this incredible and fun to watch video... thoroughly enjoyed it even though it was over 22 minutes long...

[@BlondieinChina]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@MrTioung111]

Mini had enough of silly small talk, 这么多问题啊！

[@peterying522]

@@BlondieinChina Blondie in China I like ur virgina

[@laumychow4255]

@@peterying522 啧，you make me sick

[@leonchong1249]

@@laumychow4255 啧挺精髓的

[@TheKnightXavier]

Wow that little girl is so adorable! Such a confident and self-aware little kid, ahahaha. Lovely, thank you for sharing Amy!

[@binwu8719]

I think that might be a little boy. hah, anyway he/she is so cute!

[@willarddu]

I guess that kid should be a boy. Haha. It's normal to see a boy wearing in pink or red in China. Especially for kids taken care of by their grandparents, the old generation don't think colors represent specific gender, they believe bright colors can show their kids are energetic and cute. However, people are getting more and more oversensitive in the young generation. It's sad.

[@bananawarlock3981]

These videos give a genuine and absolutely invaluable insight into true China and its people, whilst being entertaining as well as educative. This is a pure gem of a channel and I come back to it very often.

[@angelaxue8337]

The little girl at the end was so cute! Reminds me of myself when I was a kid lol - I would also totally be up for chatting up strangers on the street. As a Chinese person who's currently overseas, I always look forward to your videos showing the foods and sights in China because I miss it so much 😥. Looking forward to your upcoming content in 2022!

[@fernandocolaco]

You should have mentioned that the jelly-bag-with-a-coin thingy heating pad is reusable. After it becomes cold after a few hours, just put it in a pot with boiling water and boil for a couple of minutes, until the solid warm-gel-thing becomes liquid as it was originally, let it cool and it's ready to use again, just click the metal ring (coin). It can be done over and over (some good ones still last after years of repeated usage). I found that thing (amidst other random products that I had no idea even existed before living in China) on my first few months in Beijing (now approaching 9 years) and since first year I went home I always take a lot of those for gifts. My parents love it, especially to keep one in each jacket pocket during winter.

[@nickc3233]

Wow, I have seen similar ones in the US. I believe they are one-use-only? I recall there are some chemical in a plastic bag and another chemical in a glass container within the plastic bag. You break the glass container and the 2 chemicals will start the heat reaction.

[@fernandocolaco]

@@nickc3233 Not exactly the same, maybe. The "classic" ones are usually a red plastic bag, yellowish transparent liquid inside, and a metal "coin" (more like a flat ring). When you bend the ring and click it it generates the chemical reaction, the liquid/gel turns solid. In fact, the first pair of bags I bought, I threw them away, as they were very cheap and I thought it was a disposable thing. I leaned when I was almost about to throw away the second set and a Chinese friend told me about the fact that these things are reusable. :)

[@scalarnai]

@@fernandocolaco I have a couple of these coin click gel heat pads and the instruction says it's reusable after heating in a pan of water till the solid gel turns to liquid

[@fernandocolaco]

@@scalarnai That's what I wrote on my comment...

[@shuqinxu7619]

omg as a Chinese I didn't know this thing exists. Always learning a lot from Amy's videos and the comments below

[@XYZ-nz5gm]

Funny to see how Amy learnt to be modest and humble when people praise her lol I think now it’s also acceptable in China just to say thank you.

[@Jumpoable]

If you're uncultured. Amy turning down the kite & then thanking the man for being too nice, & saying NO my Chinese isn't that good when complemented IS proper East Asian etiquette.

[@DrivingABC]

WOW, the four-year-old little kid. I cannot handle that level of cuteness, even through the screen.

[@geminikuan]

Such a cute and confident little kid. Another fun and educational walking tour, Amy. Keep it coming.

[@bjmcia]

I've actually visited Beijing four times in the past 22 years but have never seen so much as on your two walks, Thank you so much and Happy New Year!!! Beijing is a fabulous city of very friendly people!

[@jenniferma1982]

I love the kite guy...He seems super nice!!

[@EmilLenc]

We really love watching your videos - particularly your "walking" videos. I love how you chat with the locals and ask all the questions I wish I had the courage to ask (I've been to Beijing many times over the past 20+ years and loved walking along the streets and exploring various hutongs ... but am terribly introvert and so could never muster the courage to ask why people were doing the things they were doing even though I would have loved to have known). Anyway, it really shows the human side of China and that's wonderful.

[@cnbigonion]

Fantastic episode! I always believe the south-north axis and east-west central line in Beijing are among the greatest urban walking routes in the world💪

[@yaqiwang5242]

Loved in Beijing so many years but never thought of having a hike like this. This is really nice! Thanks for sharing.

[@BlondieinChina]

Try it out! Just remember to get your forbidden ticket the day before :)

[@peterying522]

@@BlondieinChina BLONDIE in China I like to do ur vegemite sauced chrysanthemums from behind if u know what I mean

[@littlehorseyhorsey]

@@peterying522 01:52 😂👍 09:00 👏

[@jerometsowinghuen]

That's a huge difference between the past and the present of Beijing (北京), educational and an opportunity to learn the changes throughout its history.📚

[@MattShubert]

such a cool video! makes me miss Beijing, visited there for a few days back in 2019 during a China trip and it wasn't nearly enough time. I gotta say, it is wild to see the Forbidden City and Jingshan park tower without the absolutely massive queues, I thoroughly enjoyed both spots but there were soo many people, even in chilly late November when I was there. Not to mention seeing you just walk right on in to Quanjude without waiting...so jealous! Love this content!

[@kinggggray3388]

情況許可時,歡迎再來中國各種旅遊和探索

[@cogniktive1147]

2:41 wouldn’t that more accurately be the “warmest thing ever”? ;) Your walk videos are the best 👍🏽

[@Crowbot3K]

So cool you're doing more these walking vids! The people you meet are the best part, honestly. Can't wait for your harmonica solos in the future, lol!

[@papabearspitz557]

It is always an exciting sight in Beijing parks. You could see numerous groups dancing, exercising and other leisure stroll. That's life precious moment for these people. Glad Amy able to see and experienced such happening on her own and able to communicate seamlessly with the locals. Well Done Amy. Westerners should learn from you what is China and its people are about instead of politicising and smearing China and its govt.

[@jascforfun7576]

@@papabearspitz557 These sort of videos trigger fits in ASPI and NED white-savior trolls who'd be running around in circles, tearing their hair out and crying "No No No, China BAD, you must hate China, they must be subserviant to us!"

[@Crowbot3K]

@@papabearspitz557 It's extra exciting for me because I will be moving to Beijing in August! YTers like Amy are doing a great job helping show the real China - and it looks like a wonderful place to live!

[@monkeynorn]

Walking backwards helps strengthen less used leg muscles and puts less strain on the knees.

[@icebaby6714]

Bingo! I will try it tomorrow.

[@cjesterhuizen419]

Love this series. The food adventures are great too but I love the interactions you have with the people. Not only is it super interesting but it also helps me with mandarin practice . Thank you !!!!

[@alien0715]

Happy to see all the elders enjoying life😊

[@annm2075]

Omg the little girl at the end was so adorable! Thanks for the excellent video!!

[@hadilee685]

Green, clean, beautiful, safe, with friendly happy people. Just perfect.

[@tuskinekinase]

Amy I'm finally in China now and will be returning to Beijing my good old hometown in a month!! I miss Beijing SO MUCH! Thank you for showing me a slice of the old town, I'm gonna befriend some old gramps in the parks and learn Beijing opera

[@RespectOthers1]

That was such a fun, wonderful and educational South to North walk. Really looking forward to your ‘l Blew a Harmonica and Flew a Kite’ video! :D

[@RylHango]

Haha I can already see it

[@tokrot]

I just love the positively of this video...

[@virasopha9808]

Hi Amy, I'm one of your new fans. I like your content how you interact with the locals, elderly people with their own language. I can feel the positive energy and sincerity between you and them are so pure and simple!!!

[@AaroninChina]

The amount of change that's happened in China in the last 40 years alone is incredible!

[@ericnishimura2628]

Look at those people in the park chilling and having fun. love it!

[@jessiegoodman9380]

what a great one-day trip. Beijing is an unique place where still well preserve the features of an ancient Chinese capital city. I’m regretful that i didn’t go on this trip when i was in there.

[@wutanzhang3746]

WOW， so enjoyable 20 minutes' video, that shows you did a fantastic job on the shooting theme, preparing and nice editing!

[@newtonojok9720]

Wow, little Mimi was so sweet and friendly. Oh, by the way, when i saw you grabbing sweet potato, i felt like shouting loud to grab one for me. Since am in Beijing, i will try your similar walk to that place and grab a potato too...it's my favorite too. Great video!

[@cheese-df1yx]

incredible video! You are a charming Beijing tourism ambassador!

[@philclock6361]

Amy, you're interacting directly and well with aged people in Beijing. Good on you 👍

[@ba-gg6jo]

A lovely pick me up for a drab day in the UK. Amazed at all that outside activity, so positive and healthy compared to what you would encounter in many open public areas in the UK. Have a healthy and happy 2022 young lady and that of course goes to all your subscribers.

[@DrJustininJapan]

INCREDIBLE!! it has changed so much in Beijing 😮 definitely see the impact of a new leadership under Xi with 2012 vs. now

[@relaxwhc]

Is China far more advanced than Japan? 💥

[@tracyma9847]

Is change definitely a good thing?

[@carlking4141]

@@relaxwhc Far more developed than Japan now, since China changes everyday and Japan had stopped its development 20 years ago

[@relaxwhc]

@@carlking4141 I heard the Japanese are still using fax 😂💥

[@Matty-yq5sx]

I'd say the major transformation to the "city feeling" of Beijing was the 2008 Games, rather than Xi's leadership though. But anyway, yes, his impact is indeed everywhere now lol. (Personally, I do think that some of the things that happened after 2012 was making Beijing uglier and less lively...)

[@eaglestar2962]

Walking backward climbing inclined path is more relaxing to our leg muscles.

[@noordar786]

Wow. Such a great and informative video . Very enjoyable and it's nice that you interact with the locals . I guess the West has its own idea of China being constantly watching its own people and look down at foreigners . But everyone you met was super friendly and were happy to interact with you . Keep the videos up!!

[@Franck__]

It's so relaxing to listen to you Amy. It helps me disconnect from all the stress for a dozens of minutes. A deep thank you for your work and positivity

[@nutzz1229]

Thanks for posting this video. I grew up right next to Shchihai in the late 80's and early 90's. Seeing my childhood on this video is quite the trip down memory lane

[@sunnyjiang8083]

Thank Amy for taking me to visit Beijing and making me feel the beauty of China and Chinese people in your lens.

[@raquelvaldes1629]

Thank you for sharing Amy, I just arrived to Beijing 2 months ago and watching your videos is such a great way to understand the City! hope I can meet you someday!

[@4-SeasonNature]

Great video. Thanks for making it. I learned quite a bit about Beijing.I stayed in Beijing for over two months and stayed just outside of Chongwenmen Gate (崇文门外), just south of Yongdingmen(永定门）。I have visited all the places you mentioned, Yongdingmen （永定门）, Temple of the Heaven (天坛), Qianmen (前门）, Tiananmen Square (天安门广场），Forbidden city (故宫）, Jingshan Park (景山公园）, Shashihai (刹士海), etc. But still, I learned quite a bit about the history of the places through your video.

[@stevenqiu4682]

Thank you, Amy, introduce this beautiful city to the world !

[@gensericfung9127]

Amy, long time ago, a Chinese doctor told me walking backward is a good exercise for someone who has a back issue.

[@sharonj5192]

I took a walking class in America, walking backward and sideways helps different muscles and balance.

[@Albert_Einstein_not]

Didn’t know walking class is a thing

[@dividedrighful]

Being living in Dongcheng district for 15 years, never thought of a walking experience like this! Thank you Amy for inspiring me, I'm gonna try this during the spring festival holiday.

[@nabilelberr2213]

Love the positive vibes! Great video!

[@dominoaffabatelal6731]

Excellent.

[@jcgao5319]

After seeing this video, I miss my home even more. Love this video love Beijing

[@michaelarnold13]

I love Beijing and this video took me back there again, keep up the great work, this is my favourite video of yours now 🎉

[@janewang7780]

Miss Beijing so much….. Thanks for sharing!

[@katong1953]

Amy is always bursting with enrhusiasm. Her shows are always Wow.

[@IronKurone]

Entertain, relaxing yet informative video as usual. Thanks you Amy!!

[@BlondieinChina]

Thank you!!

[@frankie2022]

It'll be very interesting to see Amy learning harmonica and look forward to seeing her playing one day.

[@johnrogermaghuyop6106]

Omg! What a leg day indeed, Amy!!! I've been to those places many times and I can truly say that it's not an easy walk! Beijing is still pretty as it was before the pandemic happened. We appreciate this video so much! Happy New Year! 😀

[@Ontheroad2021]

Life in Beijing is always so interesting! You will meet all kinds of people. Will you try to walk from west to east on Chang'an Street in Beijing next time?

[@ellenhuang2997]

Love the tour guide Amy mode 😂 enjoy your videos as always! ❤️

[@madisonmelvin8817]

I LOVEEEE the educational videos (most of them teach me something new) but especially different places to visit.

[@thlim1460]

Honestly I didn’t know about this axis. It just go to show the farsightedness and advancement then of its planners. Now I know where the development of Canberra Parliament and the axis to the War Museum could have borrowed ideas from. Great video Blondie !

[@longchen9382]

Amy, you are so up to date about the fashion dialogues in Chinese, that translation of win, win, win is amazing!

[@scotttan6377]

Again enjoyed the virtual walking tour ! How cool that Amy compared and contrast the vintage photographs with present day. @14:13 Liked the reference to the Inception movie where "The forbidden city will be a heritage site within heritage site" My takeaway , come during the cold season to avoid crowds and long lines. Good thing there wasn't snow and ice to contend with. I assume roller blading or skateboarding isn't allowed. Would be fun if there were Segway or electric scooter rentals.

[@etlay5684]

Good to see those retirees enjoying their life with their friends and living an active healthy lifestyle . Always love Beijing , being there twice .

[@patrenco1]

I love how you love the simple pleasures of life, exploring & eating!

[@Ethan-ww5ig]

It’s great how you speak to people and get us an insight into that time in their life. How many times have I walked through the parks and streets and see people doing some activity and if make still wonder about their life. The ladies and man you spoke with were all very nice and loved what they were doing. Great video. Thankyou.

[@kristinayang7710]

thank you for making these videos, the people seem so kind

[@czcao]

Thanks for making these videos. It’s nostalgic for me, especially since I grew up there near the Temple of Heaven, and I haven’t been able to return to Beijing in at least 3 years now. Your videos in Beijing and around China are always so well done!! Happy new year and hope to see more of these videos!!

[@yinzhan2001]

Really loved this episode. Especially 鼓楼. That place is like a holy place to me when I was a kid as it was one of the most popular spot for video game lovers. Me and my mates used to bike to there from 北四环 to get game consoles, games and other accessories. Really appreciate your efforts for making these videos. Cheers.

[@soulight8205]

There's also a song called "鼓楼" by folk singer 赵雷 (Zhao Lei) It's one of my favorite chinese songs :)

[@airtrack2010]

鼓楼东大街哈哈哈哈， 骨灰玩家了属于是

[@kimleongthen7555]

A very lively and entertaining episode. You look beautiful with the headgear Amy. 👍

[@mr.fahrenheit4793]

Great video! I walked this line several years ago from Olympic Park to Yongdingmen, reverse direction of yours. Took me a whole day and 26km. It's a great line to walk if you want to know more about Beijing. Also, I don't want to be picky, but we say 放风筝, instead of 飞风筝.

[@hankchow]

Wow, you have so much fun in China. Food, people, life style, never cease to amaze. People are walking backward because it is a myth that such movements are good for one’s back. Proven or not? I would not know. But I sometimes try it for fun.

[@2006golfspore]

Have been to Beijing many times but never tried to walk like what you did. It’s looked like to learn a history lesson from you and thank you for sharing those old photos of the old Beijing spots.

[@themindsojourner]

Everything so funny with full of foods and laughs. I am sure the are hours of hard work behind these 20 minutes. Jia You!

[@Ikbeneennestel]

Went to Beijing in the winter, 2018. The Forbidden City was empty and it was all-around an amazing experience. Seeing you walking all these places makes me feel a bit homesick! 祝你万事顺利！谢谢！

[@ftd7435]

Amy, the North~South axis is no accident, it has been designed according to TWO MAIN REASONs: - 1. Sandstorm wind from the North; & 2. Feng Shui 风水 constellations. This tradition were later adopted in South East Asia, particularly Singapore and Malaysia. Cheers❗

[@BlondieinChina]

Oh wow! Had no idea! Thanks for that :)

[@ftd7435]

@@BlondieinChina No problem. Bcoz of the sandstorm wind from the North, moz Chinese homes' main door and gate faces South to avoid the sand getting into the house. This tradition was later adopted by the South East Asian Chinese as the main or auspicious feng shui standard facing direction ( though there is no sandstorm in South East Asia ). Love all your videos, stay safe and stay healthy❗

[@airtrack2010]

@@ftd7435 facing the south also means maximizing the exposure to the sunlight since it's northern hemisphere

[@KGold53]

Thank you, Amy, for showing Qianmen Main Street. Also for mentioning Dashilar side street (hutong). My wife and I spent some time there, where we ate some interesting food on our last Beijing trip in 2018. Didn’t know about that great duck place, though!

[@kinhunglui7658]

Thank you Amy, you just show a new and wonderful way to discover Beijing, I'll do that if I go to Beijing for a visit next time.😉

[@tingwang9465]

One of my favorite videos. It’s such a pleasure watching your video, Amy. Mini is sooo adorable.

[@gracegao7910]

So fun! I will do it next time when I return to 北京。

[@alexyu2184]

This is such a filled contents video I can see a lots things that I can’t see at home here in Ontario, Canada, kindness, friendly, happy people that you met. I also can feel the freedom n safe for a single girl doing things like you.Thanks for making such video.

[@Basketball0506]

I really enjoy watching your videos! Learn so much about China!

[@relaxwhc]

If you believe China is a peaceful and progressive country, raise your hand ✋🙋🏻‍♂️👍

[@mainhoopmchaiwalamodi9596]

🙋🙌✋

[@gensericfung9127]

🖐️

[@saradu8471]

🙋👋

[@whirledpeas1663]

👍✋

[@tokkiliin]

China is absolutely amazing! It’s a pity it has such a bad rep bc of their government and also the typical prejudices towards Asians

[@Chuckme888]

I believe there are a lot of good dumpling places around the Drum tower area. Stay warm.

[@BlondieinChina]

Let me know if you have any recommendations! Always happy to try out new dumplings hahah

[@shiyuwang3689]

Beijing, the city I grew up in, is also my favorite city. I watch this video whenever I get homesick, and I really appreciate Amy's energetic filming! Love you!!!❤ I really miss this city and the people who live in it too much. I'm probably going to cry if I keep writing😢

[@Curly3373]

Mini was highlight of the video! So cute!!! 😋

[@marvinfok65]

OMG!!! I am green with envy that you can watch the Winter Olympics!

[@danieltay8579]

Very interesting episode which I can see some famous spots of old and present Beijing! The best part was the little girl near ending 😂

[@jennyohara4011]

Jan 4th 2013 in Beijing -5 I slipped on a icy thing on the road...got big bruise on my hip, i was a big girl and didn't cry. Beautiful Harmonica music, more videos of you talking Chinese to the locals, you are really good.

[@陈诚-i9f]

haha

[@Tube4mj]

Great video, can't wait to visit there again. Thank you and Happy New Year from Oz.

[@cheese-df1yx]

walking in chill weather is very freshing experience! will mark this path for future try!

[@kokovin6808]

Cool episode Amy, something different from the usual food stuffs and still entertaining. Looking forward to more videos from you 👍

[@vijayrangarajanramakrishna318]

Beijing is beautiful, modern and clean!! 😍 ...Best Wishes from Florida!!

[@youfeiyu3403]

Love to my home city from US! Thank you Amy!

[@steelydan1242]

People are approachable and friendly. What a nice place to visit.

[@aboringuser7696]

thank you for taking us a tour of Beijing！

[@zilingzhai2061]

10:48 Amy being naughty cracks me up 20:35 Mini being naughty melts my heart Love this video!!! People in Beijing are so easy to talk to hahaha, makes me miss home Many greetings from Germany :)

[@acde9355]

Not every Chinese can happily talk to a foreigner like a Beijinger. That's why I enjoy making friends with Beijingers.

[@rckjiang]

You're awesome!!! I've read about all these names in chivalry novels but never had the chance to see them!!! Living vicariously through you and loving it! Keep it up!!!