CHINA - Why did I not know China was like this?

So, for 5 years, I've now traveled the world. But there is one place that has fascinated me above all others. A place that might be the most misunderstood destination I've ever visited. And the truth is, getting here was surprisingly

easy. Just a regular flight and not even a visa needed. So, why have so few

easy. Just a regular flight and not even a visa needed. So, why have so few international travelers [music] discovered this place?

Okay, that was a interesting experience. >> This is Kazgar. Once at risk of devastating earthquakes, it's a place that has now transformed into China's hottest cultural destination. But how can such a successful transformation

remain internationally unknown? to find out. For the next seven days, my dad and I will live in this [music] reborn city with the goal to uncover the truth about this special place and share my findings with the world. [music]

>> So, we've been asked to dance as well. All >> [music] >> right, let's go escape. Question. >> Question. Yeah. Hold on.

>> Do you want to go to China with me? >> China with you. [laughter] Wow. That's

something different than so. >> All right. So, this is my dad and I think he's coming to China.

>> We have to leave in 2 days. >> Yeah. >> So, I'm on a mission to find some of the most remote [music] and interesting stories in the world. And this time, I wanted to take my dad looking for somewhere completely different to

[music] travel together. And this is when we started stumbling across a place [music] called Kazgar. It's way out in western China. And I started asking around. Had friends already been there where there YouTube videos and [music]

around. Had friends already been there where there YouTube videos and [music] searching for any info I could find. At first, I thought it was a place you couldn't really get to.

But the more I dug, the more I realized that the [music] complete opposite was true. And the more I looked into it, the more appealing [music] the destination got.

true. And the more I looked into it, the more appealing [music] the destination got.

Are you going to miss daddy? It's heavy. Why do I travel so heavy?

And this place was basically the major [music] stop on the ancient Silk Road.

See, it turns out most people here often mix Mandarin and weaguer when they [music] speak. And you will hear Chinese, weer, Russian, and all sorts of

[music] speak. And you will hear Chinese, weer, Russian, and all sorts of languages in [music] the markets. Kazgar was where you would decide to stop. It

was either do I risk crossing the desert and go around [music] the mountains or do I stop in the city? And with 20 million worldwide tourists [music] visiting every year, it made me wonder, is this place just really hard to get

to? Or are we yet to find out [music] how special this place really is?

to? Or are we yet to find out [music] how special this place really is?

>> Surprisingly easy to get to China. But honestly, from the second we got off the plane, we realized we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. into an

adventure that completely changed how we see the world. >> New experience. Good morning. So, we are about to go into Kazgar. So, the first thing we're going to do is we're going

to go onto the market and into the old town. >> My first impression of Kazgar was great.

The atmosphere was calm. The people were kind. And the city felt like a mix between modern and traditional. >> The people selling here, they're locals.

I mean, they're selling to tourists. >> Locals. Okay. And and they the shops are their shops as well or Okay, thanks. >> But this was just the beginning because

the city center turned out [music] to be way bigger and special than I had imagined.

It's actually so nice because all the locals are still living here. So these

are actually all of their houses as well. Beautiful. Such a beautiful village.

like it's the old town of Kaskar, but it feels kind of like a foot village. I

actually really miss filming on this camera because it has such a big screen and uh every time I'm filming with the Blackmagic 6K Pro. It's just so so nice.

It also felt so [music] special taking my dad here. He's been wanting to join a trip of mine for a long time and China has been on his bucket list for years.

>> Looking pretty good. Not sure if I would wear this myself at home. Looks better when you have no hair. >> So that's why for you it looks good. >> I would love.

hair. >> So that's why for you it looks good. >> I would love.

>> While exploring these streets, I already deeply started enjoying my time here.

And those are the moments traveling starts to already shape you. I started

noticing how welcomed we were by locals. And that's the thing about traveling. It

[music] can completely scatter misconceptions and invite a new sense of reality into your world.

>> Like a milkshake. >> Milkshake. You want to try? >> One polite acknowledgement or smile can change you, >> but hundreds will change you forever. >> See him on it as well. >> This guy,

>> thank you. Yeah, >> I think dad was thinking that he was filming um or getting a photo with traditional local women, but these were actually Chinese tourists that were dressing up and then they take photos like that in these beautiful streets.

So, when you walk around the old town here, it actually sometimes starts feeling a bit like a maze. But then I read later that it is actually designed this way. So, it's an intentional maze because back in the days it would

this way. So, it's an intentional maze because back in the days it would confuse invaders and then the locals would know everything about these alleyways, but the invaders wouldn't know anything. So,

>> I'll try the apricot and the honey one. >> Abdul Abdul Abdul.

>> Then it was time to try naan bread. A very special bread from this region created and baked in a special type of oven. See how much faster he is.

[laughter] >> Guys, I've lost my job. Back to film.

>> You going to have to try more than one. >> Yeah. So, you chose the honey one. You

had to try the spicy one. >> What do you have? >> We got the melon breads. >> Let's go eating.

>> So, we're now heading to a tea house. And some of the tea houses here are centuries old. The one that we're heading right now is 100 years old. And

centuries old. The one that we're heading right now is 100 years old. And

what is interesting about the tea houses is that it's the place where all of the locals gather. It's where they gossip, where they do business deals, everything

locals gather. It's where they gossip, where they do business deals, everything happens in the tea houses. So, we're heading to one now. And I'm curious what it will be like.

>> I think this was the moment when I realized that I should have taken my dad on a trip earlier all along, >> but also when I realized that all of the things I thought about China were completely untrue. [music] And I was very happy that I said yes

when Chen Chen and Vincent invited me to visit. >> You know why I'm listening? Because I

put it in the tea and it's like cracking.

[music] >> So what's interesting is that apparently if you are from here and you're older than 70, you can come here for free. So this one is a little bit more touristic, but you can see some of the older guys coming here as well. Are there many

tourists from uh Europe coming here as well? >> No. >> Okay. >> How many British tourists?

>> British and Germany and also Spanish and yeah also in your country. >> Netherland.

>> And Netherland and also Japanese. >> Which one does she like the most? >> Holland. >> Holland.

>> Yeah. Because there are two of them and they're 100% the best. >> Why? Why? No, I'm joking.

>> I love you too. because you two are so >> and and you're handsome. >> Ah, okay. Okay. What else?

>> And you have a beautiful eyes. >> Um, so we're just having some tea and actually I didn't notice they have instruments there as well. So the guy is starting to play the guitar. I think they're going to do a little show. So

I'm going to grab the black magic and get some shots.

>> [music] >> So, yeah, as you can see, the streets here, they get a bit wider. So, I think we're more in the city center. Uh, you can buy everything here. There's like

fruits, nuts, all kinds of things. So, I think we're going to try some new stuff that we don't have in Europe. We're now entering a store where they sell a lot of the instruments and guitars. Usually you just have normal guitars, but here

everything else looks different. So, I'm going to show you. Yeah. As you can see, they look very different from the guitars that we usually have in Europe.

Like, they have two strings >> and the bass is way wider and bigger.

Actually, it's not so wide. It's just more deep. As you can see, it's like rounded and deep. And then they have two >> two snares. Does Vincent know how to play or No. >> No.

It sounded like it.

[music] >> Really nice. >> Crazy. >> Look how cool this is. Because they even have like violins, I think, cuz they have the stick. So, I'm really curious what that sounds like.

>> [music] >> difficult. >> It's not so easy. >> You're You're a master.

>> difficult. >> It's not so easy. >> You're You're a master.

All right. So, we've been uh walking around the city. We've seen so many of these

right. So, we've been uh walking around the city. We've seen so many of these shops with pomegranates. So, we just pressed one for us and I think it's time to try it.

>> Well, I've had these before, but uh I think after this we're going to try some stuff that we definitely haven't tried before. But, uh this just looks so nice.

It's nice. I was actually wondering if it was going to be sweet or sour, but I think it's more sweet. >> You think it's more sour or sweet? >> I think it's like sweet. No.

>> Sweet. >> Oh, you got two now. >> Yeah. No, no problem for me.

>> What do you think of uh of Kashgar so far? Oh, I love it. >> It's nice, huh?

>> Did you expect this? >> No, not at all. I just uh flabbergasted for this. It's amazing.

>> Really? And see, we have a beautiful weather as well. And it makes it even better. And

>> yeah, amazing. >> Thought my dad looking at something. >> Look at this.

>> There's kebab everywhere. And it looks so good. >> We're going to have some kebab later, eh?

>> I guess. I guess we can't live without kebab. you're dreaming of it as well.

>> So, we're having some lunch now in a restaurant where they do dancing cuz dancing is really big part of the culture here. So, let's see what this looks like. It's going to be cool. [music]

looks like. It's going to be cool. [music]

[music] >> [music] [music] >> So we can have to dance as well. >> Okay, >> time to go dance. as [music] he to

make [music] me super [music and singing] Oh my Thank you. [music] Super.

Oh my [music] god.

[singing] [music] [singing and music] >> [snorts] >> as [music] facial. [music]

facial. [music] I can dance.

Hey, hey hey hey hey hey [music] foreign. [music]

foreign. [music] [singing] Oh my god. [music]

[music] Okay, that was a interesting experience. >> I cannot dance on the beat, but I tried.

>> How was the dance? Good. >> It wasn't very good. I got it on film, so [laughter] you will see it.

>> I was You think so? >> With my Dutch dance moves, they're never on the rhythm. [laughter]

>> Dance with her. >> With her? Yeah. >> The next opportunity [laughter] And we still have to dance together as well. >> This side or I don't know.

>> And I couldn't see. You were dancing as well. No. >> No. No. It doesn't count.

>> Yes. I I think I get you on camera. [laughter] >> So, at one point I actually had to go grab her hands and then she was like pulling me back like this and I was getting so dizzy after like four or five rounds. I was completely dizzy. We are

now sitting downstairs because there are some more dances. But yeah, this is what happens if you walk around Kashgar. you will just find places like this and dancing, singing, music is a big part of their culture. So, they're definitely

going to invite you to dance as well. Um, yeah, it's so cool. So, this is how it goes. They dance here and then you're sitting here and around and on the

it goes. They dance here and then you're sitting here and around and on the balconies. It's kind of like a big show. There's many balconies as well, so

balconies. It's kind of like a big show. There's many balconies as well, so there's room for many people. And then here, you're eating and then at the end you're invited to dance as well.

Sharon [music] [music] one.

>> So, we're going to one place now to film with ner because you're so handsome. >> Ah, okay.

I asked her name, now she's nervous. [laughter] >> But yeah, now we're filming on one spot because it was a bit busy there just to get a couple more like slow-mo slow-mo

shots and stuff like that. >> But yeah, we still don't know her name. [laughter]

>> My dad just said like, "Oh, this place is even more beautiful than the last one." And I said, "Do you think so? I feel like the other one was more

one." And I said, "Do you think so? I feel like the other one was more traditional." And then he actually is right because this is actually a really

traditional." And then he actually is right because this is actually a really old place. It's it's hundreds of well maybe not hundreds of years but it's it's very old.

old place. It's it's hundreds of well maybe not hundreds of years but it's it's very old.

[music] So, that was an amazing experience. Never expected Kashkar to be like this. It's uh surprisingly >> even nicer than I expected. Thank you. How is it? >> Thank you.

>> You eat the rice with the chopsticks normally. I probably look like an idiot, but I'm eating with this one in the right hand and then I'm shoving the food on the spoon with the left. So, we just got to the roof of the hotel. And as you can see behind me,

there's the entire old city. And then around it, it's all new. It's all

modern. But they restored all of the old city because back in the days, the buildings, they were not earthquake proof. So now they're all earthquake proof. And uh yeah, you can go in them. People are still living there. And as

proof. And uh yeah, you can go in them. People are still living there. And as

you can see, this is kind of where the old city starts. So all of this is the old city of Kazgar. And then around it, it's more new. The next day, we decided to go explore Tashuran, a town that is very well known for its location on the

ancient Silk Road, its high altitude on the Premier Plateau, and its ancient ruins of the stone city. What did you get? Some dates. As you can see, they're very different. So, the taste is different, but also the fruit here grows

very different. So, the taste is different, but also the fruit here grows differently because of the humidity and the altitude. So, yeah, super interesting. We just stopped by the road to uh film these landscapes because I

interesting. We just stopped by the road to uh film these landscapes because I thought they were going to be nice, but they're insane. And uh it's almost like China has all of these hidden gems that people don't know about yet because I cannot find these places on Google Maps. So maybe I'll put them on Google Maps.

But I think it's time for some people to come here and uh put some spots on the map because this is incredible. And the funny thing is that when we got to this place, it felt like Chen Chang and Vincent thought it was nothing

special. But for me, coming from somewhere where there's no mountains at

special. But for me, coming from somewhere where there's no mountains at all, this could have been the biggest tourist attraction of the entire country. But here in China, it seems to be just another cool place next to the

country. But here in China, it seems to be just another cool place next to the road. And from here, we continued higher up to the mountains to a very special

road. And from here, we continued higher up to the mountains to a very special place on the Premier Plateau, Bisha Lake, which is known for its striking blue water, which contrast dramatically with the surrounding wide sand dunes.

And it's a very unique landscape. >> Chills here are actually insane.

>> And the lakes's color changes with the light going from a bright Tiffany blue to an emerald green.

And the water actually flows in from underground, but then it has no way to leave. So that's why there's always water year round and it never dries up.

leave. So that's why there's always water year round and it never dries up.

And ages ago, all of this was actually glacier. So that's why all of these minerals and all of this sediment has been left behind. I think that's what makes these conditions for it to look so nice. All of it combined makes [music] it look so

beautiful. So for one and a half years, I hadn't seen my dad. And a couple of

beautiful. So for one and a half years, I hadn't seen my dad. And a couple of weeks ago, something changed in me. It's not that I didn't want to see him for such a long time. It's more so that life just got into the way. I was so busy

focused on my businesses [music] and my travels that I thought I didn't have time to visit.

But when I was there, I [music] realized something. I'm so fortunate to be able to travel around the world and decide where to go next every time. And I

thought, why don't I just bring him? >> Sir. Hello, sir. >> Do you want to go on the yak?

>> Oh, would be lovely. >> Let's go on the yuck. >> All the [music] Chinese do as well.

>> You going to go in the water? Eh, >> we go swimming. He's getting all of the pictures and he's telling dad how to pose and he's doing the I love you sign. Thumbs up.

>> We then made it to Kalakle Lake which sits at the bottom of the impressive mountain mustach ata. They say it's the easiest mountain to climb, 7,000 m. And

the first time someone from from like Europe tried to climb it was someone from Sweden 18 1897 I think. But uh I'm not sure how easy. I think I'm going to look it up. Maybe next year we can go climb it. So if anyone wants to climb

this, let me know in the comments. But yeah, in the end I'm his son, so we're similar.

And I realized that he for sure would have loved back in the days [music] to do what I do for a living, to travel the world and have these adventures in general. And now being here with him, I realize that I should have done this way earlier.

general. And now being here with him, I realize that I should have done this way earlier.

That these are the moments and the memories that when I'm older, I can look back on and really [music] cherish. So there's one thing my dad is really good at. Every time we get to lakes, he used to shuffle stones. You got three

good at. Every time we get to lakes, he used to shuffle stones. You got three trolls. I got three throws. Let's see who does it better. >> Okay, let's go. Ready?

trolls. I got three throws. Let's see who does it better. >> Okay, let's go. Ready?

>> Yeah, I'm going. >> Three throws. Three. Okay, let's count this third one. Two three four five.

One, two, three, four. I think your stones were too too heavy. >> Heavy but good. pick your stones.

>> No, this is a good one. It's a five. >> I think it was five.

>> You know, I think many children and parents believe a dad should be just an authorative figure, someone you should always listen to and follow without push

back. But over the last years, I've come to realize that that's not what a dad

back. But over the last years, I've come to realize that that's not what a dad is. that a dad instead should be a friend, someone you can share the things with you enjoy.

is. that a dad instead should be a friend, someone you can share the things with you enjoy.

>> Right. So, we're getting some really special food. We're getting Yak hotspot.

Someone that you can learn from and learn from you. And therefore, being able to take him [music] on these travels and enjoy our time means the world to me.

>> [music] [music] >> real quick.

[music] for you.

[music] Oh. [music]

Oh. [music] >> [music] >> We're all from different [music] cultures, but when you travel, you start to realize that some things are universal.

[music] foreign [music] I can definitely tell the temperature here. [music] It's a little bit colder

in a kasaskar. So, it's nice to have some warm to try. So, >> so what's interesting here is that the naan bread stay tastes good for a very long time. And there's actually two reasons for that. So the first reason and hopefully unrived because I'm being

watched by a lot of locals is that um the recipe [music] needed to be done for endurance because people would take the naan bread on very long trips. So my

guess is that the recipe over the years has evolved into a recipe that is made for endurance. So made for long trips. And then one other reason is that the

for endurance. So made for long trips. And then one other reason is that the climate here is kind of like a natural food preservation because it [music] takes out the moisture out of everything. So the bread becomes really dry and that's why it's difficult for mold [music] to grow anywhere. So I

think that also has to do with it. So he's guessing by age. >> What did he say? >> 18. >> 18. >> 18.

>> 18 to 24. >> H higher. >> 28. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> So either I really look 18 or he's just smart and he's just guessing much lower. So, it feels like um we've been here for

a week already. It's only been three days. It's been We've done so much so much cool stuff.

foreign. [music]

After our time in Tashkugan, we returned to Qashqar. And while strolling the streets and hoping to connect and get to meet even more locals, the most unexpected thing happened.

So yesterday while walking through the streets of Qashqar, we were invited by a family, really kind [music] to come and check out where they live, how they live, and they also said that they wanted us to go and cook with them. So

>> I'm excited. Look how incredible. Can't believe this has been prepared for us.

So there's a chimney here in the middle of the living room that goes up all the way like that out through that window. Never [snorts] seen anything like that.

So the reason the living room and the house looks like this is because [music] we culture is very family oriented. They have these really big pouches in a U form and that's made for gatherings. And then you always have tea, fruits and [music] sweets, but also nuts on the table that are laid out for guests. So

they've done the same for us now. And then hosting people is a sign for respect and warmth. So that's why the living room is laid out perfectly for guests. They actually have the dates again here. But these ones are huge.

guests. They actually have the dates again here. But these ones are huge.

I've never seen dates this big. Look at this. >> The only thing I have no idea about now is how we make the ramen because comes in these circles, but usually I think they're a little bit more flat. So, I'm not sure if she's going to cut them and make them more

more flat. So, I'm not sure if she's going to cut them and make them more flat or if she's going to keep it like this. You can tell her that the one that I make I have to eat because it's all going straight to the boils. So, if I may mess up, I'm just going to eat the messed up ramen. She's thinking about it

if I can try because I think she knows that I'm going to mess it up because it's quite difficult. All right, so we're going to make some ramen. [music]

It's my try now. If I mess up, I have to eat this bowl. >> [music] [singing] [laughter] >> I already messed it up. [music] >> Oh, that's too fast already. [laughter]

[music] [laughter] >> It's impossible. Okay, I give up. We'll let her do it because it's so difficult.

[music] >> Dad, >> when is the food ready? >> Yeah. Yeah. I'm coming. Coming. Don't be

so impatientful here. This is the best one you ever had. >> Oh, finally. He's finished my portion as well. >> Here, boy. Here, boy. Here you can have a good meal [laughter] today.

well. >> Here, boy. Here, boy. Here you can have a good meal [laughter] today.

>> Let me try it. Let's see. Let's see what you make. You >> you just say it. [laughter]

>> All right. So, in all seriousness, of course, my dad and I didn't really help much because it was quite a difficult dish, especially the ramen. We cut some of it, but um apart from that, she did everything, but we just wanted to throw

some humor in there. Um but we're going to try it now. Chenchan just said that it's too spicy because my dad cut the vegetables very small. Um supposedly, if you cut them small, it's going to be more spicy. If you cut them big, it's going to be less spicy. That's why she was saying before, "Hey, hey, you're

cutting it wrong." So, [music] it might be a bit spicy. Let's try spicy. And >> this one just spicy.

>> Okay. [laughter] >> So, I have to make sure I mix it and not just take only the vegetables cuz that's going to be the spicy part.

>> The green one. >> Mhm. Spicy [music] spicy. >> Spicy. >> And the red one. No. No.

>> Okay. That's pretty spicy.

Spicy.

As I continue traveling the world, I once again find myself trying to process all that just happened. Kasgar is behind me now, but I'm not really sure if I've

truly left. That's genuinely how these trips work. Sometimes your body moves on, but your head stays

truly left. That's genuinely how these trips work. Sometimes your body moves on, but your head stays back there. Kusgar's hospitality threw me off. Not because it was unexpected, but because

back there. Kusgar's hospitality threw me off. Not because it was unexpected, but because of how genuine it felt. People inviting me into their homes,

sharing meals, wanting nothing in return except maybe to show that their city and their culture is more than whatever headlines you've read. Okay. [laughter] >> Is laughing at me.

>> What's your name? >> My name is Kai. >> Kai. >> What's your name? >> No. Wine. [laughter]

That was the only word left. I know.

Vincent, >> yeah, >> thank you so much for everything. >> It was very nice. >> Nice to see you.

>> See you next year again in China. >> Chen Chen. >> See you next year. >> See you next year.

>> And I will come to pick you maybe and >> in Europe. >> No, >> in China. >> In China. Uh

>> my school. >> Perfect. [laughter] Yeah, I had a really good time and uh I definitely see China in a different way than before. I think it's beautiful. It was very nice.

>> Really nice. >> Really nice. >> Yeah. See you in the next video probably in [music and singing] China.

[music] >> [music] [singing] >> We love [music] [music] [music] >> I don't know. I'm not lucky. So difficult.