Shanghai and Beijing: An Amazing Adventure
Still buzzing from my incredible 5-day trip to Shanghai and Beijing! It was a truly eye-opening experience, filled with surprises, from the cities' impressive scale and convenient technology to delightful cultural discoveries. I was initially a bit hesitant due to the language barrier and payment systems, but everything fell into place. Returning home, I found myself utterly captivated by China's charm.
Shanghai: Dazzling and Delicious
The adventure began with a slightly disorienting landing in Shanghai, when map apps wouldn't load, but thankfully, I had pre-downloaded Amap, which led me straight to my hotel. The highlight of Shanghai was undoubtedly the Bund at night. It's absolutely stunning! The Oriental Pearl Tower across the river shimmered like a giant gem. It felt like stepping into a movie scene. After a pleasant walk, hunger struck, so I stopped at a stall for some xiao long bao. One bite, and a burst of hot, fragrant soup filled my mouth – delicious. Forget the diet!
The next day, I dedicated to Shanghai Disneyland, which brought out the inner child in me. It's simply amazing! However, be prepared for long lines. Popular attractions like Tron Lightcycle Power Run and Pirates of the Caribbean require waiting for ages. My advice: consider purchasing a Fast Pass or visiting on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Beijing: History and Culinary Delights
After two exciting days in Shanghai, I hopped on a high-speed train to Beijing. This train is a fantastic way to travel. It's incredibly fast, smooth, and comfortable. The journey felt much more enjoyable than a domestic flight. Beijing greeted me with a chilly bite (lesson learned: always check the weather!) and majestic, ancient buildings. The Forbidden City is enormous! Walking through it felt like traversing centuries. Luckily, I had booked my tickets online in advance. It was incredibly crowded, and many people were disappointed to find that they could not enter.
My favorite experience in Beijing was the Great Wall. Photos don't do it justice; seeing it in person is truly awe-inspiring. However, climbing to the top of the Great Wall is not for the faint of heart! The steps are steep and high, and by the end of the ascent, I was ready to cry with exhaustion. The view from the top is worth every ounce of effort!
Beijing's cuisine also exceeded expectations. Peking duck was the star, with its crispy skin, served with pancakes and a special sauce. It was unbelievably delicious. I also savored spicy hot pot, flavorful grilled skewers, and HeyTea bubble tea (which was less expensive than back home!). The food scene here is far from bland. Just prepare your taste buds for a bit of spice and numbing flavors.
Travel Tips
- Social media is restricted, so acquire a data sim card beforehand.
- Use Alipay or WeChat Pay for easy transactions.
- The metro systems in both cities are convenient; download the MetroMan app for easy navigation.
- Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases will be incredibly helpful, as English isn't widely spoken.
In conclusion, China is more impressive than I imagined, the food is more delicious than I expected, and the cost is more reasonable than many people claim. If you're considering a trip, don't hesitate to book your tickets. It's a truly unforgettable experience!
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