I've seen some mixed opinions about traveling in Shanghai. As a travel enthusiast, I'd like to share my thoughts and experiences. #TravelEtiquette #NoOffenseToAnyone #CollegeStudentLife #WhatToDoWhenBored #ShanghaiCityWalk #Shanghai #ShanghaiExploration #ExperiencesInShanghai

Went in 2013. I visited Taipei First Girls' High School where Selina studied and Shida Night Market. Also went to Witch House where Wu Tsing-fong performed, and Jay Chou's Tamkang High School and Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf.

I'm planning 7 days in Taipei and 3 in Taichung. Does that sound reasonable? Also, would I be missing out much if I skipped Tainan? Thanks!

I'm actually thinking of heading to Shenzhen in a few days.

At that popular photo spot by the Ferris wheel in Shenzhen's OH Bay (Happy Harbor), I can't believe the ground can get that filthy.

That's so true, mindset is crucial. Some people seem to be looking for things to complain about wherever they go.

Any recommendations on which district in Shenzhen to stay in? Looking for a place that's convenient for hiking, shopping, and eating. Any specific restaurants worth trying? I'm planning to visit this Chinese New Year.

Leaving Beijing, the city of 30,000 steps a day.

So beautiful, sis! Please share the details!

I also love the changing seasons in Beijing! The light greens and pinks of spring, that sense of vitality and joy – it's something I never experienced in over 20 years living in the south.

To be honest, I find it somewhat uncomfortable when some friends criticize Hangzhou to the point where they call it a "food desert" in one post and then ask for "Hangzhou food recommendations" in another.

It feels as though you want to receive good things from local people, like our warm-hearted food recommendations, while at the same time whispering behind our backs about how terrible our city is. Is Hangzhou really that kind of place where you can just kick around without consequence? Seeing this makes us locals feel hurt.

A Reminder for Travelers Coming to Hangzhou (Traveler's Heads-Up):

• Regarding Food Taste:
  • Hangzhou cuisine (Hangzhou cuisine) is the specialty here, and its taste tends to be relatively light and slightly sweet, unlike Sichuan and Hunan cuisines that are known for their strong flavors. If you don't like it, we understand; after all, everyone has different tastes.
  • Note: If you don’t enjoy a dish, please say that "it doesn’t quite suit your palate" rather than directly stating that "it’s really terrible." If you truly wish to taste a variety of dishes, you may inquire about which ones might better suit your taste.
• Regarding West Lake:
  • West Lake (Xi Hu) for the Chinese is more than just an ordinary lake. It bears much of China's history, culture, and beautiful legends. Many ancient poems and paintings revolve around it. Its beauty may require some background knowledge to fully appreciate.
  • Travel Tip: If you think West Lake is "boring," try learning about its history or appreciating it from a different angle. For instance, you could rent a bike to circle around the lake, or take a boat to the islands within the lake. Its beauty is not one that can immediately wow you; it requires a more contemplative appreciation.

I sincerely hope everyone can visit with an open and respectful attitude, which will help them truly experience the unique charm of each place!

Hangzhou has so many cuisines from all over China and even the world, available anytime! What's all this talk about it being a 'food desert'? Just the restaurants in Hangzhou Center alone would take ages to try if you ate at a different one each meal!

Wow, talking about transportation in Shanghai, I have plenty to complain about!

• Traveling in other cities, I can easily call a taxi whenever I want. But in Shanghai, I would rather walk everywhere!
  • On top of that, I arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (SPV, SHANGHAI PVG) around 11 PM one night.
  • I thought my hotel would offer shuttle service, but they told me the last shuttle had already left at 11 PM.
  • What about the subway? It’s too late; it has already stopped running. So I had to call a taxi.
• Can you guess what happened next?
  • I offered to pay as much as 40 RMB extra using the taxi app, but not a single driver responded!
  • At that moment, I met a girl who just started job hunting in Shanghai. We considered sharing the ride, but she was heading in the opposite direction, so we ended up canceling the plan.
  • Later, after increasing the price more and waiting quite some time, I finally got a driver. And even the taxi app “Hua Xiaozhu,” which usually works alright, let me down this time!

️ Travel Tips & Alert - A MUST READ BEFORE NIGHT TRAVEL FROM SHANGHAI PUDONG AIRPORT

• The colossal Shanghai Pudong International Airport:
  • After getting off the plane, I realized just how massive the airport is! Walking from the departure gate to baggage claim, the distance seemed never-ending.
  • Follow the crowd; take the escalators, perhaps even an internal air train (this is actually a short transit rail in the airport), thinking you’re almost there only to discover that there’s still a "long way to go”!
• Night Traveler’s Curse:
  • Preparation is key! If your flight arrives very late:
    • Confirm beforehand what time the hotel's shuttle service is available at night.
    • Or book a hotel near the airport that is within walking distance, or book an airport hotel with non-stop intercity transportation services 24/7.
  • Do not be misled by “close to airport” claims:
    • My initial choice was a hotel that claimed to be close to the airport AND near a metro station, assuming it would be just a 15-minute drive away.
    • Major mistake! Despite being such a “short” journey, its cost exploded at night due to the rare number of drivers and/or additional costs from starting points like airports, plus the reluctance of many drivers to pick up short-haul rides.
    • Suggestion: If you have no choice but to call a taxi during the night hours, prepare mentally and financially. Or, consider booking a hotel offering clear 24-hour paid shuttles, even if it comes at a higher price, it will save both heart and hassle.

#ShanghaiPVG #difficultnighttaxiride #transportationinshanghai #traveltips #howtoavoidpitfalls

Took this tonight.

Hahahaha. I fell for that one when I first came to Shanghai.

Couldn't agree more.

Wow, it's 2023 and I was a bit surprised to find out that the Suzhou subway system still doesn't support directly scanning in with WeChat or Alipay!

• Attention, all visitors!
  • Unlike in many other big cities in China, you can't just swipe your phone's payment QR code to enter the subway in Suzhou (meaning you cannot use the "get on first and pay later" or "scan now and be automatically charged when you exit" method).
  • You must first download an app called “SuE Travel” (an app designed specifically for public transportation services in Suzhou).
  • Even so, you have to purchase your tickets inside this app before entering the station.
    • When purchasing tickets, you must select which station you will board at and which one you intend to exit from.
    • I wondered what would happen if I decided last-minute to stay on longer and ride more stations—will I need to buy additional tickets? It feels quite troublesome!
• I know some people might argue that having NFC (Near Field Communication) enabled on your smartphone allows direct swiping into the station.
  • However, the problem is not everyone has a phone that supports NFC, nor does everyone set up that feature.
• All in all, compared to other big cities in China, the mechanism for subway entry in Suzhou feels outdated. For visitors like us who are constantly moving around, this isn't very convenient.

#SuzhouTourism

Same here, totally bewildered.

Arriving in Suzhou soon and want to do a Zanhua (hairpin flower) photoshoot. Any recommendations?

Avoid popular spots like Pingjiang Road and Shantang Street. They get incredibly crowded. I'm not exaggerating, it's enough to make you feel sick from the sheer number of people. When in Suzhou, you MUST try the Suzhou-style vegetarian noodles – they're amazing! Also, the Kaiyang wontons on Suyuan Street are incredible. If you're visiting Suzhou, you absolutely have to try these!!!!