A sourced account of travelshorts’ 2024 trip. Opinions and costs describe that journey; hotel benefits, prices and access may have changed. Summaries are editorial paraphrases, attributed to the creator. Read our source notes.
Travel day 1 of 23 · Reconstructed date: 2024-03-24 · Source: travelshorts · Editorial edition: 3 November 2026.
What happened on day 1
- Experienced
Manchester Airport
Departed Manchester Airport Terminal 3 on British Airways domestic flight BA1389 to London Heathrow.
Video evidence (1)
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British AirwaysVideo description
This is the start of our Epic China trip and we begin it at Manchester Airport with a short internal flight with British Airways to London Heathrow on flight BA 1389 (Airbus A320).
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British AirwaysVideo description
- Experienced
London Heathrow Airport
Boarded long-haul British Airways flight BA39 (Boeing 777-300) to Beijing Daxing, departing 2.5 hours late due to delays.
Video evidence (2)
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British AirwaysVideo description
At London Heathrow we get lunch at Wetherspoon's and find out we are going to be delayed, we eventually depart 2.5 hours late on board British Airways flight BA 39 a Boeing 777-300 directly to Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX).
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British Airways · 12:11Caption timestamp checked
We've just boarded the plane.
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British AirwaysVideo description
- Experienced
Beijing Daxing International Airport
Arrived at Beijing Daxing Airport, submitted fingerprints at automated kiosks, and cleared immigration and passport control.
Video evidence (1)
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British AirwaysVideo description
In Beijing we need to submit our fingerprints and go through immigration and passport control.
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British AirwaysVideo description
- Experienced
The Universal Studios Grand Hotel
Checked into a 7th floor theme park view room at The Universal Studios Grand Hotel overlooking Hollywood Boulevard.
Video evidence (1)
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British Airways · 32:18Caption timestamp checked
So this is a Hollywood Boulevard view room. We're on the seventh floor, but there is Universal Studio's, Beijing, right ahead of us.
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British Airways · 32:18Caption timestamp checked
- Visited
Universal Studios Beijing
Entered Universal Studios Beijing in the late afternoon to tour the themed lands.
Video evidence (1)
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in ChinaVideo description
After arriving in Beijing and checking into the Universal Studios Grand Hotel we spend the evening walking around Universal Studios Beijing Theme Park.
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in ChinaVideo description
- Experienced
Journey of the Dragon Warrior
Rode the Journey of the Dragon Warrior indoor boat ride in Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness with a 10-minute wait.
Video evidence (2)
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 8:16Caption timestamp checked
We are going to go on journey of the Dragon Warrior.
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 10:15Caption timestamp checked
The only criticism I've got on that ride is you pull the lap bar down yourself. I put it down onto my legs. I put it a bit too tight and my legs couldn't actually move at all the whole ride.
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 8:16Caption timestamp checked
- Experienced
Untrainable (How to Train Your Dragon)
Watched Untrainable, the live How to Train Your Dragon stage spectacle with flying dragons.
Video evidence (1)
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 13:46Caption timestamp checked
of it, but the dragon, especially flying along the ceiling, was really impressive.
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 13:46Caption timestamp checked
- Experienced
Universal Studios Beijing
Ate late afternoon meal of lamb skewers with pita bread in theme park, paid 271 RMB via Alipay.
Video evidence (3)
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 15:47Caption timestamp checked
Okay, Holly's decided that she wants some lamb on the skewers.
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 17:18Caption timestamp checked
And I paid with Ali paid for this and it came to 271, which I think works out about
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 18:11Caption timestamp checked
Well, that lamb was really tasty. Both Matthew and Holly enjoyed it, although it was a bit tough taking off the skews, if I'm honest.
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 15:47Caption timestamp checked
- Experienced
The Universal Studios Grand Hotel
Ate dinner in hotel room: pepperoni pizza for Holly (98 RMB) and two foot-long hot dogs for Mark and Matthew (156 RMB).
Video evidence (1)
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 45:08Caption timestamp checked
And here's a receipt for Holly's, 98. And here's a receipt for me and Matthew, 156.
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 45:08Caption timestamp checked
What the creator thought
Transport
Travelshorts’ observation: Upon landing at Beijing Daxing, travelers must register ten fingerprints at self-service kiosks before proceeding to passport control and border inspection.
Beijing Daxing International Airport
Video evidence (1)
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British AirwaysVideo description
In Beijing we need to submit our fingerprints and go through immigration and passport control.
Recommendation
Travelshorts’ observation: Untrainable is highly recommended for Universal Studios Beijing visitors, featuring impressive effects and animatronic dragons flying across the theatre ceiling.
Untrainable (How to Train Your Dragon)
Video evidence (1)
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 13:46Caption timestamp checked
of it, but the dragon, especially flying along the ceiling, was really impressive.
Where they actually stayed
The Universal Studios Grand Hotel
Actually stayed · 2 nights · Day 1 · Day 2
Room recorded: Hollywood Boulevard View Room.
Travelshorts’ account: Booked 2 nights at the end of March for £390 via Trip.com; 7th floor room has an amazing direct view straight into Universal Studios Beijing. Staying at the hotel allows entrance 1 hour before general park opening, with a direct view of Hollywood Boulevard from the room. Comfortable room with long desk area, though note it only had one chair for dining.
Observed during this stay: Desk, Early theme park entrance, Facial recognition integration, Large TV, Long desk, Room service, Theme park view, Two double beds. These are historical observations, not a current amenities guarantee.
Video evidence (3)
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British Airways · 32:34Caption timestamp checked
and the total cost for two nights in the end of March, so a Sunday night and a Monday night, came to £390.
- UNIVERSAL STUDIOS BEIJING - Full day at this Amazing Theme Park in China · 0:35Caption timestamp checked
And this is the view out of our bedroom window here at the hotel, straight down Hollywood Boulevard and into the theme park.
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 45:21Caption timestamp checked
Got a really big desk area, but there's only one chair. An extra chair would have been nice, I think.
Getting around
Flight: Manchester Airport to London Heathrow Airport
Actual
Video evidence (1)
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British AirwaysVideo description
short internal flight with British Airways to London Heathrow on flight BA 1389 (Airbus A320).
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British AirwaysVideo description
Flight: London Heathrow Airport to Beijing Daxing International Airport
Actual
Video evidence (1)
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British AirwaysVideo description
we eventually depart 2.5 hours late on board British Airways flight BA 39 a Boeing 777-300 directly to Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX).
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British AirwaysVideo description
Taxi: Beijing Daxing International Airport to The Universal Studios Grand Hotel
Actual
Video evidence (1)
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British AirwaysVideo description
We then get a taxi to our hotel, the Universal Grand Hotel at Universal Studios Beijing where we will be staying for two nights.
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British AirwaysVideo description
Costs mentioned in the videos
Historical amounts with their original currencies and price scopes. Listed prices and category summaries are distinguished from amounts paid; these are not a day-total calculation.
- The Universal Studios Grand Hotel 2-night stay£390.00
Transaction · Paid · Two nights (Sunday and Monday) booked via Trip.com · The Universal Studios Grand Hotel
Video evidence (1)
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British Airways · 32:34Caption timestamp checked
and the total cost for two nights in the end of March, so a Sunday night and a Monday night, came to £390.
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British Airways · 32:34Caption timestamp checked
- Lamb skewers with pita bread meal in theme parkCN¥271.00
Transaction · Paid · TOTAL · Universal Studios Beijing
Video evidence (1)
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 17:18Caption timestamp checked
And I paid with Ali paid for this and it came to 271, which I think works out about
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 17:18Caption timestamp checked
- Honeydukes Chocolate Frog listed price (checked on shelf, not bought)CN¥89.00
Listed price · Listed price · PER_ITEM · Universal Studios Beijing
Video evidence (1)
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 22:27Caption timestamp checked
Holly's favourite, Chocolate Frogs, aren't How much are they here? I think they're about £12 back home. Okay, 89.
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 22:27Caption timestamp checked
- Pepperoni pizza dinner for HollyCN¥98.00
Transaction · Paid · PER_PIZZA · The Universal Studios Grand Hotel
Video evidence (1)
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 45:08Caption timestamp checked
And here's a receipt for Holly's, 98. And here's a receipt for me and Matthew, 156.
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 45:08Caption timestamp checked
- Two foot-long hot dogs for Mark and MatthewCN¥156.00
Transaction · Paid · TOTAL · The Universal Studios Grand Hotel
Video evidence (1)
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 45:08Caption timestamp checked
And here's a receipt for Holly's, 98. And here's a receipt for me and Matthew, 156.
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 45:08Caption timestamp checked
Watch the original account
CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British Airways
Travel day · Uploaded 2024-06-08 · Day 1
Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China
Travel day · Uploaded 2024-06-15 · Day 1