가깝지만 잘 몰랐던 나라, 중국

Incheon Airport I'm off to China!

A country I've never been to before.

Since the visa requirement was lifted, I've been thinking, "I should go someday," and I finally decided to go.

I was debating where to go, and I chose Chengdu. (Not Qingdao)

I wanted a place with lots to see, and Sichuan food is famous, so Chengdu seemed like a great balance.

The food is delicious, it's not an overwhelming mega-city, and there are plenty of historic sites.

It was the capital of the Shu Han state established by Liu Bei in the Three Kingdoms era.

It's going to be fun.

[Scale of a Chinese Airport] I just went through immigration, and they said I look different from my passport photo.

[Took nearly 15 mins alone] Wait, do I?

It was taken pretty recently...

2 years ago.

[First time this happened] Maybe because I look like a mess right now...

Welcome to Chengdu~ [7:00 PM] It's cold?

[Dark and chilly] I'm going to attempt to take a bus from here.

Ah, there are buses waiting for me.

[Arrived at Chunxi Road] [Panda Butt] This is totally downtown.

There are so many people, it's chaotic.

I'll check into my accommodation first, then come out for dinner.

It's huge...

Seriously wide, big, and crowded.

Lots of people, lots of shops.

The LoL World Championship Finals were held here in Chengdu two days ago.

T1 won!

[City of Pandas] I need to grab a quick bite.

I'll just go into any place I see.

[Restaurant seen on the way to the hotel] Xiexie(?)

Xiexie(?) I just used a translator app and asked for their most popular dish.

Oh, you can order from here?

[QR codes on every table] [First impression of China] The image of China I had in mind was...

more like the old-school China.

Compared to what I saw in old media, now that I'm actually here, even though it's a short distance, the scenery I saw from the bus...

looking at those things, it feels very different. (Just a glimpse though) I don't know about the people yet.

[Buckwheat Noodles 14 Yuan] That's less than 3,000 KRW.

(Looking around) [Hardly any spoons in the restaurant] [Sips broth] Mmm!

It's not super spicy.

[Didn't say it's NOT spicy] Sujebi (Dough soup)..?

[Is this a noodle or a blanket?]

Guess I have to tear it to eat.

It IS Sujebi. It's dough flakes.

So chewy.

It's delicious.

Aside from the chili oil floating on top, the broth itself is clear.

It's refreshing.

Feels like hangover soup.

[Good start] Tasty.

I'm gonna gain weight.

[Arrived at Accommodation] [Budget Hotel] Not bad, huh?

I was worried about the power outlets, but it looks like they are compatible.

This works for 220v too.

[The one used in Australia doesn't work] Apparently, it depends on the hotel.

I brought an adapter just in case, but it's a relief I don't need it.

I think this is the best accommodation I've had on this trip.

Is it around 23,000 KRW per night?

Totally worth the money!

Actually, I wanted to try a guest house, but I got scared since it's my first time in China.

No smell of cigarettes either.

Seems decent.

[Bathroom] Ah! (Sniff sniff)

Ah! (Sniff sniff) There's a weird smell in the bathroom.

There's a bug.

[Welcome Cockroach] [Sent to heaven] It smells like rotting food in the bathroom.

But well, I'm not sleeping in the bathroom, so it doesn't really matter.

It's so flashy...

Huh? The crosswalk light is green...

[Pedestrians are the weak ones here] Pop!

It's a panda!

So that's why people were waiting.

[It IS cute though] [Three Kingdoms Trio] I need to go to a convenience store.

[No water] [Countryside mart vibe] Snacks I used to eat a lot in Africa. (Nostalgic)

[Fridge isn't cold] [300 KRW each] It's water, right?

[Street Fried Rice] Wow, he's a pro.

One emergency though.

Chinese people seriously don't speak English.

It feels like they don't feel the need for it.

They don't even understand 'Hello'.

Even calling someone "Excuse me" is hard, so with English sealed off, I've basically become a mute.

I think I need to learn some basic phrases.

The only Chinese I know is...

Nihao (Hello), Duibuqi.

It means 'It's okay', right?

Wo shi Hanguoren (I am Korean).

The end.

[Searching] "I am sorry."

Duì bu qǐ Oh? Duibuqi means sorry?

Oh? Duibuqi means sorry?

Isn't it "It's okay"?

[Restaurant earlier] [Knocked over the camera] Uhh... okay.

Uhh... okay.

Dai... Daijoubu (Japanese mixed up) (I meant) I'm sorry.

(That's why she laughed) [Ignorance brought humility] (Then) It's okay.

Méi shì Excuse me~ (Most important) ......Huh?

......Huh?

[Difficulty spiked suddenly] Let's just not call anyone.

(Dizzy) ..Let's just rely on the translator app.

..Let's just rely on the translator app.

[Automatic Curtains] Ah??! The window was open.

Ah??! The window was open.

No wonder it was noisy.

[Morning Walk] I slept weird last night, so I can't turn my neck. (Stiff neck)

Is there anywhere to run?

There are so many of these shared bikes.

More bikes than people.

I'll rent one later.

I heard Chengdu doesn't get much sun.

They say it's mostly cloudy.

It really is.

I heard people in Chengdu have pale skin because they don't see much sunlight.

[Bold styling] [Really cloudy] [Turtles etc.]

Oh, they are selling them.

Can't run here.

Too many people.

Whew refreshing.

[Immediate energy refill] [Nice to try various foods] [Tasty, I'll be a regular] [Chinese Buffet] [Self-serve side dishes on a tray]

Is this a snack?

Isn't this a wavy potato chip?

(Can I try?)

(Go ahead) Mmm~ Bland potato chip.

Oh?! It's Mala flavor?

[Mala Potato Chip] I thought all Chinese food would be strong, but there are many mild dishes too.

It's good~ [Famous Park] They're playing Xiangqi (Chinese Chess).

It's huge.

[Seems like a rental boat] [A place serious about pandas] [Weekday morning but feels like a weekend] The water isn't exactly clear.

[Restroom sinks are outside] The views are pretty though.

It feels more like a theme park than a simple park.

There's a food court, a market, they sell flowers, and there are performance areas too.

Should I get something?

[Orange Juice] (One of this please) 1..2..34

1..2..34

5 Yuan?

25 Yuan??

Ahhh...!

I misread the price.

I just spent 5,000 KRW.

It is tasty though~ Actually, 5,000 won isn't that expensive, but while being here, I haven't spent more than 20 yuan (4,000 won) on a meal, (????)

(????)

Wait, this ship...

This is...

Isn't this the Battle of Hansan?

[Naval power of the continent] Actually, it's the Battle of Red Cliffs.

Looks a bit like a Haechi (Korean mythical creature)?

[Not a Haechi] Looks similar.

(Ice cream) Looks tasty.

Aside from the crowds, it's nice.

There's no entrance fee either.

[Kids Playground] It's basically an amusement park.

[Bumper cars??]

This looks dangerous.

The bullets are bouncing everywhere.

[Almost got hit] Raising them strong.

Children of the continent.

Children of the continent 2 [Has most rides] [Dalgona Master] [Crowded]

Must be for making wishes.

Wait, I don't think so.

[Translating] [Unexpected identity] It's a public marriage proposal corner.

[Age height location job etc.] (Self) Neat facial features... haha.

Desired conditions.

Phone numbers are there too!

[There's even a deadline] Some even posted photos.

There's someone born in 1995.

'98 too.

Younger than me.

Born in '99!

Let's check this person's ideal type.

Ah wait.

It's all women here.

Come to think of it, I'm the only guy looking, people are staring weirdly.

Most prefer someone over 155cm.

Ahh...!

So that's why it was all women.

Then.. for me..

[Found the other side] [Women are pink] Oh! Someone my age.

Oh! Someone my age.

She lives here in Chengdu.

Born in '97, 163cm tall.

Only child, slim figure and elegant.

College grad, stable job at a state-owned enterprise, supports both parents, and everyone owns a house.

Her ideal type is...

Her ideal type...

....She's picky.

Hahaha, that's not the end.

Ha ha ha ha ha.

(Son-in-law cut-off line is crazy) Not easy, huh?

[Turns out it's a famous culture] There are way more notes for women.

[Ratio: Men 1, Women 2] [Daughter-in-law Hunting] So they match their children up here.

Is this considered meeting naturally?

Maybe not?

Also, there are many divorcees here too.

Born in '63...

[Even '40s] [Feeling that marriage age is definitely younger than Korea] They must get a lot of calls.

Even if 1 out of 100 passersby calls...

Call me x2 (They say they do call~~) Love in the continent is hot.

Chinese people really don't care what others think.

Is it because there are just so many people?

[Endless Content] What is this?!

[Watch Camera] Where did you buy that?

[Street Caricature] 30 Yuan? / 6,000 KRW.

30 Yuan? / 6,000 KRW.

(Chinese) ..What is he saying?

..What is he saying?

Smile~ [People gathering suddenly] The whole neighborhood gathered...

[This kid was the scariest tbh] [Finally done] [Guy next to me said something] Wo shi Hanguoren! (I don't know) [Think he asked for the price] People stare so much, really.

Seeing someone getting drawn must be fascinating.

It was fine with just one or two people?

Crowded in 5 minutes.

[Zoo Monkey POV] . . . . . .

. . . . . .

Does it look like me?

I need a drink.

Since I'm in China, I should drink tea.

Green tea 17 Yuan / 3,400 KRW.

[Means pour water to drink] The chair is more comfortable than it looks.

It's made of bamboo.

The scent is really strong.

[Leaves keep getting in my mouth] [ Answer: Chengdu Museum ]

You need a QR code to enter. (Passport works too) No entrance fee.

[No. 1 in Scale] Too many people, can't really view anything..

It's noisy and hot.

The worst museum I've been to.

There is no order.

Exhibits are too packed, not enough space.

Mainly, there are too many people, and the layout is bad.

[Only No. 1 in Scale] I thought it was Tantanmen, but they call it Wonton noodles.

Originally, only the noodles come out, and then over there...

[Self-serve toppings] [Dried radish greens-looking topping] [Very salty] [Mix well] Not much broth, it's very thick.

Like corn noodles.

Very sticky/chewy.

A bit greasy though.

The noodles are interesting.

What kind of noodle is this?

The seasoning soaks in well.

People here are seasoning masters.

[Every restaurant has perfect seasoning] This is 16 Yuan.

3,300 KRW?

Food is so cheap.

It's definitely cheaper to eat out.

Or is cooking cheaper..?

What are you guys doing?

[What is this] [Leg wrestling] [Rested and came out for dinner] 1. Scan table QR code

1. Scan table QR code 2. Select Menu / Translation available

2. Select Menu / Translation available 3. Pay

3. Pay (Easy right?)

(Easy right?) [Spicy Beef Rice Bowl] ????

????

(Is this Steamed Eggs?)

[Herbal medicine + Fish sauce smell] Taste is just so-so.

Spice scent is particularly strong.

[Looking around because of the crowd] Ah, they are taking photos.

[Editing on tablet right away] [Local Tanghulu] [Common Panda Dolls on the street] [Night view spot] [Ear Cleaning]

It's about 9,000 KRW.

What is this?

Marco Polo?

[Mini Game] Night view is cool.

Boats passing below too.

I think I saw that.

I think there was a boat tour.

[Aftermath of last night] Can't turn to the left.

I saw a live performance venue earlier.

Singers singing...

It would be great to have a cold beer there.

Thinking about it, I don't know any Chinese songs.

I know a lot of Japanese songs though.

So seeing Chinese people singing is fascinating.

(What is this?)

[People's 4-Cuts (Photo booth)] Too much beauty filter?

They read Tarot too.

[Hearing but not understanding] [Tasting first] Mmm~ ...Xiexie.

...Xiexie.

Tastes like medicine. (Like cough syrup) (Shock) (Scared) They show the ear cleaning in real-time.

A bit...

It's slightly gross.

Too explicit, kind of uncomfortable.

?!! So many live bars.

I should go to a place with good singers.

[Singer Lineup] Everyone sings well.

[Got pulled in] [Looks like an ashtray] Beer 20 Yuan / 4,000 KRW.

[Karaoke backing track] He sings well.

..Or not?

Looks pretty from below.

[End of Day 2]