HANGZHOU - SHANGHAI 8N7D WITH 2.5-YEAR-OLD BABY
I was once hesitant about whether to go to China (Shanghai - Hangzhou) by tour or free and easy. I also looked into small group tours with few people, no shopping, and online guide services from Hằng China team. However, because of the 2.5-year-old baby, I was afraid it wouldn't guarantee the schedule, so I was determined to plan a free and easy trip.
With limited English and almost zero Chinese, I was quite worried at first. But since I had once dared to go to Korea free and easy, I dared one more time to see how it goes. In the end, the trip was successfully great.
Passing on the motivation to those of you who are hesitating, just boldly pack your suitcase and go.
1/ VISA:
I find China Visa quite easy, just need to prove one of 2 conditions: job or savings balance.
The thing is, mainly only single-entry visa ($45 + 725k service fee for Visa Application Center), fee is double that of Korea visa ($20 + 390k service fee for Visa Application Center).
There are 2 ways to do it, I think using a service provider isn't too expensive, but it's troublesome to find a reputable one and also have to prepare documents.
So I did it myself. For me, applying for visa is also a fun experience, starting a free and easy trip.
I have shared a personal guide article on visa application experience, you can read it on my page.
2/ ITINERARY - FLIGHTS
Actually, my itinerary has few destinations, initially I planned to go to Wuzhen but because of the small baby, didn't dare to crowd too much.
I prioritized less travel time so chose one-way SG - HC - SH - SG instead of flying to SH and back from SH.
Flight tickets I bought outbound SG - HC of Eastern Airlines on Trip.
Flight at 2am arriving at 7am (China). Plane new, flight attendants cute, breakfast quite full. But seats a bit small.
I think it suits those with little time and good health (since sleep is quite restless).
Return ticket I bought Vietnam Airlines directly on website because nice flight time, reasonable price suitable for us.
3/ HOTELS - TRANSPORTATION
All booked on Trip because hotels abundant and guaranteed for foreigners to stay.
In Hangzhou, I booked Haoyi Hotel (Hangzhou West Lake Southern Song Yujie store).
This hotel I find central, near West Lake very convenient, has 2 frontages: front through pedestrian street, back opens to road where can pick up car.
Room clean, spacious, breakfast buffet quite diverse, free laundry in basement. Staff friendly, know a bit of English.
In Hangzhou, I mainly moved by bike and Didi so just need central location, no need near metro or bus stop.
In Shanghai, I booked Crystal Orange Shanghai Yu Garden On the Bund
This hotel price a bit higher so service more professional. Rooms very clean comfortable. Buffet diverse, seasoning just right.
Best point is central location near Yu Garden and The Bund, in front is bus stop, walk 100m to metro station.
So I was flexible with travel, eating. Every evening also went to Yuyuan Garden Shopping Mall area to eat, visit, shop.
In general, both these hotels I give 9/10 points, nothing to complain. Recommend to everyone.
For transportation in Shanghai, I combined Didi (convenient, fast when carrying bulky luggage), Metro (cheap, less traffic), Bus (cheap, quick on-off, view scenery on road).
Bike also helps avoid walking but too cold couldn't pedal 😂
Transportation cost I didn't spend much although used Didi a lot. I think from airport, train station, everyone don't be stingy go metro extreme (have to scan luggage). Just Didi for quick.
4/ MONEY - PAYMENT
I was a bit opposite to everyone, used quite a lot of cash. Because husband couldn't verify Alipay and have small baby so brought along for peace of mind.
In reality 100% can pay via Ali but cash everywhere still 100% accepts, just have to wait for change.
Between topping up RMB and linking card, I linked. In the end no big difference, actually cheaper.
Only thing is my card has fixed fee on small transactions (e.g. scan 6 RMB then up to 32k, while 231 RMB is 870k).
Bank said this fee bank doesn't keep but payment gateway charges. Around 10-15k per time also 100-200k not much so just go ahead.
5/ OVERALL
Before going I was quite worried, but after coming back I find it easy. Hangzhou and Shanghai very worth experiencing.
Personally I like Hangzhou more, should have stayed longer, Shanghai more grand but feel like SG because only buildings structures, few scenic spots.
Security in both cities very good. People friendly (everyone auto thinks the other is Chinese - and husband really looks like 😆) so speak Chinese regardless even after I shook hand not understand.
English useless (they don't even know One Two Three, Passport what), Chinese also not important, just need translation app.
I find no need voice read. Just prepare one sentence: I am Vietnamese in Chinese for them to choose translation language.
Want what just type on phone, other side also type on phone. Read text is accurate, no mishearing. But guess with "waving" language also ok 😆
In the pictures I shared more details on each experience, article a bit long, but this is how I pass back value.
Like those who went before provided useful info for me before the trip.
Hope the Group will develop more and affirm value for everyone. Thanks admin too 🥰.
Cre: Trần Thị Huyền Trân
