Hidden China: Solo Hitchhiking to Naadam Festival & Nomadic Culture

The Side of China the Media is Hiding from You 🇨🇳

Destination:ChinaProvince:InnerMongoliaCity:Hohhot
The Side of China the Media is Hiding from You 🇨🇳
Oli Barrett Travel2025-09-1630 min

Join me as I share the side of China the media hides from you. A solo travel vlog from the vast grasslands of northern China — me, a thumb, and not much of a plan. Hitchhiking my way towards the Naadam festival, hoping to stumble across Mongolian nomads and a bit of culture along the way. What could possibly go wrong?

--- Oli Barrett Travel
September 16, 2025, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Solo hitchhiking challenge begins
  2. 1:18First hitchhiking ride experience
  3. 6:30Decision to stay in a hotel
  4. 6:55New strategy: hitchhiking with truck drivers
  5. 10:38Long distance ride secured
  6. 12:38Morning struggles and stroke of luck
  7. 13:26Continuing the quest for nomads
  8. 15:22Encounter with police and nomads
  9. 19:41Setting up camp in Inner Mongolia
  10. 23:15Morning in China, packing up
  11. 24:34Losing the sign, seeking final ride
  12. 26:11Journey to the Naadam Festival
  13. 28:07Arrival at the Naadam Festival

More about the current video:

The Side of China the Media is Hiding from You 🇨🇳

Embark on an extraordinary solo journey through the hidden landscapes of northern China, far from the usual tourist trails. Oli Barrett Travel shares an unfiltered look at rural China, hitchhiking towards the vibrant Naadam festival. Experience the allure of Mongolian nomadic culture, yurts, and the heartwarming hospitality of herders in this unforgettable adventure.

Hidden China: Solo Hitchhiking to Naadam Festival & Nomadic Culture

Join me as I share the side of China the media hides from you. A solo travel vlog from the vast grasslands of northern China — me, a thumb, and not much of a plan. Hitchhiking my way towards the Naadam festival, hoping to stumble across Mongolian nomads and a bit of culture along the way. What could...

Attractions in this video: Grasslands, Yurt Culture, Mongolian Village