VỐN TIẾNG TRUNG BẰNG 0 - CHÚNG TÔI ĐÃ ĐI HÀNG CHÂU - Ô TRẤN- THƯỢNG HẢI 8N7D TỰ TÚC NHƯ THẾ NÀO?? 😆😆 ( 6/1-13/1/2026)
We had zero Chinese language skills - HOW DID WE TRAVEL HANGZHOU - WUZHEN - SHANGHAI 8N7D ON OUR OWN?? 😆😆 (6/1-13/1/2026)
We were also very hesitant about whether to go to China on a tour or independently. Because we were afraid that not knowing the language would make it difficult to travel here and there. However, since we wanted to have free and comfortable time to explore as much as possible, our group decided to plan an independent trip. Fortunately, the trip in the end went smoothly and successfully. 🥰
Passing on the motivation to those of you who are hesitating, just boldly pack your suitcase and go.
1/ VISA:
We chose to apply for a group visa (5 people) to be safe because in November and December, we heard many people say that sticker visas were rejected a lot, so we were worried too.
(Flew on 6/1 but only received the visa in hand on 31/12)
2/ ITINERARY - FLIGHTS
Our itinerary was referenced from many sources and self-arranged, adding and removing destinations to suit the group.
We chose to fly HN-Hangzhou (transit Guangzhou 3 hours). Return flight direct SH-HN.
Outbound flight ticket we bought from China Southern Airlines and return from Juneyao Airlines. Hunted sales on TRIP around 6 million VND.
Flight at 8:15 AM, arriving at 3:10 PM (China time). New plane, friendly flight attendants, quite full meal. But the seats are a bit small.
Return flight at 10 PM at night, maximizing time to stay and play 😆
3/ HOTELS - TRANSPORTATION
All booked on Trip because hotels are abundant and guaranteed accommodation for foreigners.
👍In Hangzhou, we booked EBO Hotel (Hangzhou West Lake Wulin Square Store) 4*. Price 1.2 million VND/night
This hotel is in the center, near metro, bus stops, very convenient.
Room clean, spacious, breakfast buffet okay. Staff friendly, can speak English.
👍In Wuzhen, we chose Wuzhen Homestay price nearly 3 million VND/night
Homestay located inside Wuzhen for convenience to stroll and admire scenery early morning and evening. Free in and out without ticket.
Especially, the homestay's breakfast prepared by the host is very diverse and delicious. We chose river view room, quite beautiful and poetic. Instagram-worthy check-in spots are unbeatable 😆
👍In Shanghai, we booked Guisu Homestay (Nanjing East Road Bund). Price around 4.5 million VND/night
Room spacious, for 3 people, but only 1 toilet so waiting is a bit inconvenient. View straight to the TV tower very beautiful.
The best point is the central location very close to Yu Garden and The Bund, 600m to metro station.
So we were flexible with travel and eating.
For transportation in Shanghai, we combined Didi (convenient, fast when carrying bulky luggage), Metro (cheap, less traffic jam).
4/ MONEY - PAYMENT
I didn't top up Alipay but linked Visa card for payment. The exchange rate at the bank is cheaper than the market rate.
Oh, also carried some cash as backup.
5/ BOOKING HOT RESTAURANTS
👍We booked Hangzhou Imperial Banquet via Wechat miniapp. VIP seat 2 price 498 CNY/person. Upon arrival, rented Hanfu and makeup 100 CNY more.
Booking is very easy, just catch the opening time at 10 AM China (9 AM VN) and there are plenty of seats.
VIP 1 and VIP2 seats require full payment. Other seats 3,4,5 do not.
I highly recommend everyone to go to Hangzhou Imperial Banquet. Truly worth every penny.
👍PHOTOGRAPHY IN WUZHEN
We referenced many studios, finally chose Zhichun studio right outside the Wuzhen gate - price a bit high but results worthwhile.
Contacted via the studio's Wechat, booked and deposited 100 CNY/person in advance.
Studio makeup and photography very beautiful. Everyone in our group loved the photos here.
👍CASANOVA Shanghai - restaurant with extremely beautiful Bund view.
But the outdoor balcony was too cold, nighttime photos with phone not beautiful 🥲
You all should hire a Chinese photographer to go to the restaurant for nice shots, we thought we could self-photo so no need to hire, result no nice photos here, very regretful 🥲
This restaurant we also self-booked on Wechat miniapp.
Food is Western European, I didn't like the taste much. Price quite high.
👍COSINA 19 Spanish Restaurant - 19 Fuzhou Rd.
This Spanish restaurant right on The Bund with view to TV tower very pretty.
Western food here quite tasty, to our taste. Price not too high.
👍Hanxiangbenbang liver noodle - opposite Wukang building
This place food quite good. Bowl of noodles big like a basin 🤣
Very crowded so have to queue for a table.
👍Xieshanghuang hairy crab noodle
Crab noodle okay, a bit bland compared to our taste. Maybe because I didn't eat at the right good place so felt quite ordinary compared to expectations.
…..(many more restaurants I haven't loaded yet)
5/ OVERALL
Before going, I was quite worried, but after returning, I found it easy. Hangzhou and Shanghai very worth experiencing.
Personally, I like Hangzhou and Wuzhen more, autumn must be beautiful, winter too cold. Shanghai at night lit up modern and overwhelming.
Security in these two cities very good. People friendly. Met many Vietnamese. Especially at hot tourist spots.
English in Hangzhou very few people know 😂, in Shanghai more people can speak. Overall, everyone should learn a few basic Chinese phrases plus translation app to travel.
Success for me is having a super satisfying ancient costume穿越 photo set and Bund night light video with loved friends 🥰
Wish you all a successful trip like ours ☺️
Cre: Lâm Nhung
