Travelling in rural China with NO PHONE?

I decided to test myself, and see if I could travel for a day with no phone while travelling in South-East Guizhou province.
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[@TPS19891225]

I usually don't mind the "over touristy" attractions, because they are popular for a reason.

[@innaminute523]

What an excellent adventure. And to top it off, hearing that Jasmine's back is just like a cherry on top.

[@nurfieshafies6425]

火大土大4577

[@rickyli9957]

It is indeed an adventure indeed, the goodies and the baddies. When travelling alone these things could happen.

[@ronaldlabelle7274]

@@rickyli9957 she is not alone there a handlers with her dictating what she can film and say.

[@wong7339]

不要核酸么？

[@user-ox6gs9kl3f]

in the situation your were in, no chinese would have paid her the full price. and it is not me saying this. in this situation, not receiving the full price is what she would also expected. with regard to the walking path to the attraction point, that's just how an attraction place helps with local economy.

[@abiii8462]

Blondie, your videos are my weekly get away to China! 😄Thanks for today's adventure 🥰

[@e-maree6570]

As another fellow Aussie these videos are absolutely what I look forward to every week! The sense of adventure, curiosity, and calm felt throughout your videos is so lovely. And I love learning so much each video!

[@taotao98103]

It's kind of funny when you asked "Is this a local specialty?" she said yes, You asked, "What do you call it?" She said, "Potato".

[@btcethdogemoon5213]

哈哈哈哈哈

[@madisonmelvin8817]

and with the cutest smile too!

[@AmelieZh]

没说洋芋已经很给面子了，哈哈

[@marcanthonyskidmore4131]

在贵州他们说‘洋芋’。他们不用‘土豆’这说法。

[@JenniferJJ6688]

😂😂😂

[@CLONDONH]

Some people commented that they felt sorry for the outrageous taxi ride. While I do share the feeling (such as whenever we feel our friends--regardless of where they're from--get taken advantage of by other people), I also wanna point out that Amy has travelled to so many places in China (more than most Chinese people like myself) so she's no stranger to this shady side of taxi culture LOL what matters is that she had a lovely day and we have an amazing video out of it~ I guess that's good enough for us :) Also, it's nice to know how many people care about Amy!

[@RicardoMartinez-oh9sq]

Funny that I grew up without a telephone in a rural area and forget credit or debit cards.

[@monkeynorn]

Loved your very spontaneous, random itineraries in today’s video. It feels very authentic and adventurous! The last village looks stunning 🤩

[@raythink]

meanwhile all of the people in china supports Russia waging war on Ukraine. Marvelous and lovely country.

[@theodorehsu5023]

You have to love the courage Amy had “going off the beaten path” and enjoying herself. Or at least showing she can improvise. Loved the video, Amy!

[@s.m.h.u.]

I've not been to China since 2010 and this was exactly how we used to travel! Especially in provinces like Guizhou. Basically waiting on the side of the road for buses that may or may not take you to the place you want! And then not knowing how to get back! It was proper adventure and the best time of my life :)

[@roycwu]

Admire Amy’s positivity about everything even when it’s frustrating. 😅

[@chongshaoc7839]

꾸미없는 모습으로 좋은영상 보여줘서 감사해요~ 같은 중국을 사랑하는 사람으로써 항상 응원할께요~~^^

[@tamarf4596]

Life before phones required much more planning in advance. It required carrying maps, guide books, and talking to fellow travelers to get tips.

[@gnomevoyeur]

I really liked the shot with the guys staring at a cow. It seems like an old school version of a bunch of Aussie guys, holding a beer, standing around a car with the bonnet up. They are all pretending they know how the engine works but the best any of them can come up with is "Yep, its stuffed." (Or words to that effect.)

[@raymondli6391]

Amy太搞笑，剛開始就上了賊船，女司機：運氣好，遇到大財主，哈哈！還好之後還算順利，而且也看到了美景，要不然估計回不了家了😅。Amy很樂觀性格開朗，這點好，被騙了也沒影響心情。👍👍🥰🥰

[@iWantPeace838]

I think the female taxi driver is a typical over-enthusiastic local who thought she knew all, but actually not. That touristy village is beautiful, especially at night time. Look forward to watching your next video with the crowd favourite Jasmin.

[@dirkcurritzki9585]

i laughed so ahrd

[@weiliu3393]

I have been watching your videos for almost one year. It provides me a unique view to see China where I was born. I have to say that you are almost a local Chinese.

[@mguo8190]

Amy you showed people in a small way what life in China was like before it went on mobile, at your expense too. At least you got to your destinations safely in the end. Looking forward to more adventures for more.

[@CN_SFY_General]

Paying half price is sufficient. The driver will be happy with half-price, she will be super happy with the full price. Amy just wants to make people feel happy.

[@hopel2805]

Just love love your spirit of adventure and how you take us along for the ride….after your taxi experience no pun intended. Thank you for another wonderful adventure in China ❤️

[@jeryzifield4090]

I have been watching your video for a while now, this is absolutely my favorite. Without the phone, you actually brought up your independence and determination. It's one of your most amazing adventures. Looking forward to seeing you to have more videos about sightseeing without any digital help or preplanning in the future. With all the unpredictable outcomes, they brought out the excitements and adventurous experience of your trip. Love, love, love it. Thank you!

[@julioduan7130]

I saw a lot of comments accusing the taxi driver a scammer. But to be honest, it’s the client, Amy, who made the final decision where to go, the taxi drive only made some recommendations. The taxi driver shouldn’t have to take the responsibility when the site is closed or the road is blocked. Everything is possible to happen during the pandemic disruption. If the driver already knew the site is closed or the road is blocked and she still took Amy there, the driver should be responsible. Otherwise, Amy is the one who should take all responsibility. By the way, if a place, for example some ancient towns, is remote, the taxi fee should be higher that what the taxi meter shows, because the drive usually came back to town without being able to find a customer.

[@tjmctube]

Thanks for sending me down memory lane. Reminds me of my pre-internet-mobile travels in China, Thailand, and Fiji.

[@80KG_Costco_Chicken]

As a Guizhou local I had to feel sorry for your taxi ride😅. That was outrageous amount of charge. You just have to pretend you are the local in China, otherwise the taxi drivers surely will take you for longggggggg rides.

[@yangyang2347]

well, she cannot pretend to be a local :D even we Chinese cannot. the solution is to not ask a taxi driver haha

[@totifernandez9532]

Now having no phone is more expensive than having one.

[@JasonLee-rh1xm]

It's terrible to tell a taxi driver you have no idea where to go.

[@ericgong5030]

@@JasonLee-rh1xm If she could, she would drive you back to Australia 😄

[@JasonLee-rh1xm]

@@ericgong5030 Hahaha

[@theotheleo6830]

I thoroughly enjoyed your phoneless adventure. It's just like going on vacation during the olden days, before smartphones and the internet.

[@triarb5790]

Olden days... 20 years ago...

[@theotheleo6830]

@@triarb5790 Yep. AKA The Dark Ages.

[@AshinAsia]

@@triarb5790 haha

[@AshinAsia]

@@theotheleo6830 haha

[@Hydra999999999]

Amy给你个建议啊，一般去小镇想找出租车旅游，其实可以跟司机讲价，谈一个包天的价格，就不用按表计了，顺便还能有个导游（虽然可能不专业），那样会更划算

[@herrythiauw]

Hi Amy. Just to clarify. The animal you refer is not a cow. Although it is called a 'niu', it is a 'shui niu' or water buffalo. I think it's pretty common in southern part of China and South East Asia. They are used to plough the paddy field back the day before tractors existence.

[@dewuqiu7479]

now they use the water buffalo to fight

[@wangruochuan]

@y y您 你是真的不懂吧.....黄牛和水牛作为动物不光不属于同种甚至都不是同属的动物。两种都是牛科。黄牛和乳牛是同一种。另外，水牛和黄牛是有生殖隔离的，马和驴也不同种但是他们可以杂交。黄牛水牛就不行了

[@sifut333.7]

@y y您 牛。COW. 水牛。BUFFALO. 谁讲他们不懂的。

[@amc3964]

Good for someone of your generation to experience even for a day!! In my day you did that everyday when travelling!! I was 21 - in Turkey and many others places for months ….often alone…leave messages for people at Visa offices!! Lol. That’s travelling! Today a person cannot really be alone travelling: text your mom what you had for dinner from anywhere. My mom wouldn’t hear from me for weeks!! Lol!!! China is amazing!!!

[@eddiegerahty3454]

The length of this video is satisfying. I would love to watch every long video you make. Well done, Amy!

[@christopherlee4613]

Please take care and stay safe when you are travelling alone.... enjoy yourself with Jasmine 💕

[@user-wb8fi8of6p]

In China, generally speaking, without mobile phones, it is difficult to move. We have not carried cash for many years。The Xijiang Miao Village in Guizhou Province is very beautiful, although it is very commercialized。Guizhou has great scenery. You should go to Huangguoshu Waterfall and Fanjing mountain

[@Mayangone]

I wish you would have been as a traveling companion in Guizhou. I am 80, thus, you would be very very safe with me, or the other way around. Although I have a Chinese last name, I could only utter, hello and thank you and nothing else. I have been to Australia six times, and honestly, you are the most friendly and sweet Aussie I have never met. I met two young Buyie girls in Kunming, and I hope to meet them again in Guizhou someday. Thanks for sharing your experience. G'Day Mate!

[@esa2236]

China’s got so many different types of foods. They must be…very creative.

[@lindy-loves]

I'm always so excited for your uploads, Amy! Thanks for sharing that beautiful village night scene with us. 😍That first taxi ride had me feeling angry through my screen, but you still made the best out of the day with your positivity! Looking forward to your next video

[@michaelman9358]

The feeling at the end of each video and got to wait another week for the next video... must be the same feeling of that Bus ride of yours...

[@scotttan6377]

Thanks Amy for taking us to Thousand House Village @16:18. Pretty spectacular site , a site to behold. The traditional dress of the ladies were quite impressive. China with its diversity is like countries within a country.

[@kidichknight]

This episode is hilarious. Thanks for the positive energy.

[@walterbenicio6408]

That was an amazing adventure, Blond! Thanks again to show to us the old country side cities in China.

[@banson1272]

Our family have been Thousand house Miao village last year, it worth to go travel, no matter morning or night, the view always so great! and Miao village has terraced fields, the view is great too.

[@seamusobrien2675]

love your positive joy for China`, one day we will be able to live with each others politics and it will all be about people. Keep up the great work. I wish I could speak Mandarin , so much a different experience when you can talk with ordinary people (like me).

[@ChinaSongsCollection]

Interesting name. Must be either Scottish or Irish. (By the way, I once spoke probably more Gaelic than an average Irishman 😄)

[@miazhang5132]

Very early here! I have been addicted to your videos Amy and I almost watched every single of them in the past week. Love the family food adventure series so much. I'm also enjoying your most recent videos. (My name is exactly "Miao" haha) Thanks for your positive energies which always put a smile on me. Keep it up!

[@crimsoncoyote1660]

I just love your enthusiasm and energy.

[@twq3182]

Sometimes no plan will ended up with greater things..really enjoy your video...and happy to see jasmine again..more fun videos for sure..

[@tommydevil81]

Nice video. Welcome back Jasmine. So excited for next video.

[@MiniAxolotlStar]

Even as a half Chinese half Australian I am learning way more by watching Amy videos!

[@DemonFox369]

Damn, that taxi driver really drove you around.

[@kloh88]

What a great vid. Now that's an adventure that you will remember for a long long time. I know I will not forget this. Amy brought us there.

[@akshaykankal806]

Everything is so clean. Even the rural areas. We Indians should learn something

[@antimime666]

Traveling in Asian countries 101: Never ask the taxi driver where to go!

[@splashsong]

I would be very careful about asking taxi drivers or even local merchants for recommendations! This is especially true in areas that are not completed 'developed' tourist destinations in China. Many taxi drivers aren't necessarily local but will take you extra places just for mileage or in some cases, specifically send you to locations that are expensive (and they may get a cut of the money from the owners afterwards.) It is much safer (physically and economically) to do your research well in advance and to see if you can get in touch with locals you/somebody else knows to look up spots to hit if you want to find less populated areas. Otherwise, it would be better to stick to well developed tourist locations since they are better regulated, sadly. If you are travelling in a large group, it might be even worth it to book itineraries with a driver and or tour guide ahead of time to ensure you're not dealing with any issues that arise. If you want to go for chance encounters, it would be better to do so in larger cities or in places that are entirely not tourist-y since it would both be safer and more genuine. (my favourite places are farming towns next to large cities, those are really nice to visit and often have amazing produce for sell or nice eateries)

[@stvdmc2011]

You make it sound she is a3 years old venturing outside of the family home for the first time. All of what you stated could be all true but so what, if you had no specific destination then take the recommendation and explore. She is fluent enough where she can deal with anything that comes up. Best travel or road I ever had was bring enough money and just go.

[@maxchen9185]

preparations are all the more important if you plan to do a phoneless challenge. 👍

[@splashsong]

@@stvdmc2011 it’s not about fluency or even awareness. I’m Chinese, I live here and I still live by my own advice when I go on trips in China because I don’t want to be ripped off or worse. Why should I or Amy or anybody else choose to accept getting scammed if I can avoid it? Plus there still definitely exists an issue of safety in many developing areas. Amy is wonderful and capable, yes, but I want her to have a good time and not just fall into a bunch of tourist traps that I probably wouldn’t be able to push off if I didn’t know anything about it heading in. How’s that treating her like she’s a child? Besides, she can choose to follow or not follow anybody’s suggestions as she pleases, I’m only here to offer it.

[@nurfieshafies6425]

@@maxchen9185 ，

[@markleung3126]

I really appreciate how positive she stayed and reacted to the first taxi ride situation.

[@AshinAsia]

This film is so so good! I really enjoyed it. Wow, such beautiful buildings. I had to pause the film a few times. You are living the dream, and spontaneous things like this often give you the best stories and memories.

[@shapirofamily39]

Thanks Amy, you continue to produce great content!!!

[@user-xq8qx6bg2j]

Amazing Amy, truely enjoyed meandering with you through the villages… a stranger in an strange land. Frankly, I won’t do what you have done in Oz… much less through any parts of the US. We all envy your freedom to wander😘🙏🇦🇺

[@Polloycaracolas]

I remember those times without phone, traviling in China. I spent 6 months traveling arround China when most people didn't have a smartphone and QR codes to pay didn't exist. I feel bad, because I feel part of my chinese experience is travel without looking the phone. Last time I traveled (2020) there, I love to just walk and find interesting places. I never search where to eat or where to take a good photo. Great video!

[@larenius1]

That's the way to do it 😁

[@nowgettheretravel6877]

Great video as usual! I love seeing the scenery in rural China. and the food.

[@peterj903]

Wow...!! Reminds me of the times pre-internet/pre-mobile when everything seemed soooo much slower. Back in those days all we had was Melways/Sydways, white pages/yellow pages and coins for the phones and bus/train routes printed on paper...!!! I love the internet and my mobile!!!

[@sylvesterfong9275]

👍👍👍 Interesting and adventures vlog. Love it. Thanks for sharing. Kaili village was beautiful; would like to visit it one day. Blessings from Malaysia.

[@qiuyangfu4666]

I'm from Guizhou and I'm surprised that there are actually foreigners visiting this province considering the procince's poverty level. I'm also glad someone is showing the images of these unpopular places in China. Visit China if you have a chance, I promise you won't regret it and the country is nothing like the West promotes. People are extremely welcoming here, you can ask anyone on the streets for travel guide and they would be more than happy to help you.

[@numathesaint872]

war is coming. prepare. west is about to stomp china into oblivion.

[@ronaldlabelle7274]

you are not free to Travel and film what you want . she has handlers with her .

[@qiuyangfu4666]

@@ronaldlabelle7274 I don't quite understand what you mean by that, it's not North Korea

[@sorder6509]

@@ronaldlabelle7274 Too much serpentza and laowhy?

[@ronaldlabelle7274]

@@sorder6509 so you know what I'm talking about.

[@Zerpentsa6598]

Thank you for taking us off the beaten tracks. Most interesting. China is so full of surprises.

[@CollinAbroadcast]

That sour soup looks great!

[@BlondieinChina]

Was so good!!

[@scottyang8487]

哇，好高兴，Amy来到了凯里，我自己就是在凯里上的高中，印象深刻，哈哈！ 我家是凯里-镇远的，那里也是一个旅游县城，高中时还认识了好几个去镇远旅游的外国朋友，帮他们翻译。 真希望有机会能和你一起旅游，那肯定很有趣！😄

[@lliamparslow2563]

Great episode Amy! Those lights looked amazing. Lots of smiling and waving with that Cab ride i'm sure... G'day from Brisbane 🙂

[@mickker841]

Interesting to see the ancient towns . We went to Fenghuang ancient town in western Hunan , right on border with Guizhou in 2018 . It was very spectacular at night . Would love to go to Guizhou.

[@condorheroes7728]

She's the female Flash guys 🦸‍♀️ Blondie zipping through the streets of Langde proves it! Another great adventure video. Really impressive how she managed to explore and navigate around these non touristy areas! 👍

[@mickj2334]

The best day is No plan day, great day out thankyou for sharing. From Cairns in Queensland 🙏🏻

[@rachelcookie321]

Her: “wow, 250RMB, that was an expensive taxi trip!” Me in New Zealand were a 20 minute taxi costs more than that: “wow, so cheap!”

[@ericzhang5549]

same in London

[@arlohappy]

it is not about the amount but how the driver cheated her

[@jrwkd6114]

@@arlohappy She asked for a recommendation. As a result, she closed the door at the place. It's not cheating. It can only be said that the driver didn't explain the distance and approximate cost in advance

[@frankwu3193]

Can you get the punchline with "250RMB"? In Chinese language, the "250" means a idiot. She got ripped off from the taxi!

[@Game_Changer_00]

Kaili, this will be one of my destinations when i start a tour in China, such beautiful scenery.

[@kcleung888]

Blondie you speak,read and write Mandarin Chinese so very well you really don't need a cellphone but cellphones and the apps is so convenient a no brainer!

[@aujohn3698]

Amy, like your videos. And you have an incredible ability to speak continuously. Well done!

[@z6811888]

This is funny AF that as a Chinese I need to watch your videos to see where I want to see in China 😂😂😂

[@evelei194]

Love your videos so much Amy. I'd say it's very very interesting to learn more about your own country from a foreigner's point of view. A lot of things that we consider so common, take them for granted are actually also quite worth of attentions and are indeed enjoyable.

[@peaceandprosperitytotheworld]

I am a Canadian Chinese, first time watching your video! Really enjoy your adventure, I would very nervous traveling alone. This place really looks like Universal Studio or Epcot in Orlando, especially at night! Thank you for sharing! I have subscribed to your channel and liked it👍

[@autumn1382]

很喜欢这种更真实的三四五线城市的旅游记录. 中国大部分的人口是成长和生活在这些小城市的, 这些小城市更像是一个真实的中国的缩影, 过去几十年这些小城市也有了很大的变化. 欢迎Amy 去我的家乡四川南充探索, 期待和你一起云旅游. :)

[@eat_pray_porg8450]

However you look at it, you had an adventure today! It's just another of many stories you can pass down in the future. Thanks for taking us along, Amy! :-)

[@ptingdaisy]

Must go to HUNAN province! Zhangjiajie is so marvellous and Fenghuang.

[@gangzhou5407]

You should find a local person. If you run around like this, the taxi driver is the happiest. If you ask them to recommend you, they will take you around for a day. Blessings from China

[@cheryljennings-blanchet2016]

A refreshing change from your food only content. It was nice to follow your curiosity. Although the day had ups and downs. It was wonderful to see that it all turned out pretty 😎 cool

[@ykl8924]

Really like this video!!It's sooooooo cool!!Also happy to see Jasmine again!

[@dededoi]

@12:35 it depends on the region and the type of miao that inhabit the area. the miao themselves are a extremely diverse conglomeration of subgroups who live, dress, speak in very diverse and different ways from one another. I really hope you visit other miao groups while you're in guizhou, it's basically the miao diversity hotspot. please visit the western speaking miaos too, they wear less silver but what they lack in silver they make up for it in embroidery and really distinctive dresses. if you ever make it to guangxi, yunnan, or many of the other southern provinces there are miao populations there too with their own set of cultures, dialects, clothing and customs, please check them out too.

[@KayainChina]

Amy:这个是当地特色当地特色吗 阿姨：是 Amy: 叫什么？ 阿姨： 土豆 This is one of the best parts of the video. 😅 Aunt's smile was also so nice.😀

[@JacquelineChanKaki]

Im living vicariously through you, I cannot wait til we can travel to China without having to quarantine!

[@googlegoo6814]

Welcome to Guizhou, which is my hometown. Nice video, Amy! After seeing this video, I'm a little homesick...

[@zcai2672]

Hey Amy, really love your videos about China. Would be great if you can team up with Katherine to do a show together. I think you guys have similar positive vibe and should have plenty of fun together!

[@RicardoMartinez-oh9sq]

Nice video, speaking Chinese. It makes one forget for a moment the awful things happening elsewhere. From Ohio, USA.

[@MG-ik4ef]

Some of those moments seems plain or ordinary today, but for sure, it will flash back in your head now and then. The aftertaste is quite strong, cause it's so unique experience.

[@MarkinChina]

It's sad in today's society that turning off your phone seems so difficult, great video..Peace and JaYoe

[@Runningbowels]

Congrats on being able to not use your phone - I would have turned it on halfway through the trip. I like your sense of adventurism!

[@freddyhe719]

You can actually ask the taxi driver to be your personal driver for the day and pay his day off at a reasonable and cheaper price. That’s what we did when I was a child and my family didn’t have a car. We used to pay about 200RMB for a day and you can ask him to take you to anywhere.

[@shanli6980]

thanks for taking us to travel and explore new things with you. It is especially precious during these hard times.

[@j.6357]

What? It is my hometown and some of your shots on really near my parents house. Really miss them now! Thansk for sharing this video.

[@seinundzeiten]

I liked the 1,000 house village- it was an amazing sight/site...

[@RespectOthers1]

Laughing at the resemblance to E.T…you both have no phone, taken on a ride (him on a bike and you in a taxi) and a happy ending! :D

[@SkyHeaven9]

Its lovely to see people wear their traditionals clothing .

[@victorxu1605]

when you hold that laziji to the camera, my mouth started watering straight away. You cant really find this version of chilly chicken anywhere in Sydney. Good stuff Amy

[@wattszz6073]

That’s so cool to do so! Loved the Video!

[@taijistar9052]

Your Chinese is so good! Better pronunciation than most Chinese!

[@yukigautau]

these villages are freaking breathtaking. if i ever go to china i need one of them to be my first stop🥺

[@amyhuang8644]

做人没有捷径也没有窍门，只有脚踏实地实实在在做人做一个好人好好管好自己就是赢家 别人都说你是个天才！一个脚踏实地的天才！如果没有土地的坚实托付，什么才都不是！

[@jenme4796]

It so beautiful there, good video, just shared it with a few of my friends

[@jupplut6159]

Fantastic adventure and exploration very beautiful village sceneries, Kaili and its shrouding villages along the riverside was fascinating to explore. I was there many moons ago when there was no tourist facilities. Good show.

[@jili2455]

funny.. i am randomly searching hometown's clips, end up finding you are aussie in Kaili. and I am a Kailier in AU. 牛瘪，羊瘪，酸汤鱼，酸汤粉，榕江卷粉，丝娃娃，洋芋粑，烤豆腐，tons of food recommend. enjoy youself!

[@maxchen9185]

2:06 im actually impressed that you understood the owner's words on 2nd try. 😅