My first day in Shanghai was quite unexpected! I arrived at Songjiang Station around noon, then took the metro to my hotel after having lunch. The plan was to rest, but after changing the disposable bed sheets, I couldn't sleep. I dozed off until 4 PM, woke up to revise my resume, and went out to buy some daily necessities. The dinner delivery wasn't good at all, making me miss the simple white rice from home. After wandering a bit, I finally got ready for bed, hoping for a good night's sleep.
A Frustrating Experience: During lunch, I had Shaxian Delicacies (a popular fast-food chain in China). I was really hungry and tired, so I started eating right away after ordering and paying. However, because I was so exhausted, I ate slowly. The female owner kept staring at us, with a frowning face, which made me very uncomfortable. When we were about to leave, she suddenly shouted, 'Pay the bill!' Everyone in the restaurant turned to look at us. I told her I had already paid, but she didn't believe me and checked her phone for a long time. I showed her my payment confirmation, but she ignored it. This was really frustrating and tiring. We left, pushing our luggage, and I even said, 'We wouldn't skip the bill!' It was a disappointing first impression of Shanghai. (Please don't argue, this is just my personal experience.)\nToday's expenses: 203.5 RMB on transportation, 103 RMB for the hotel, 14 RMB for lunch, 16 RMB for dinner, and 15 RMB for daily necessities.

People from Henan and Anhui are quite numerous here.

Pan Yulin's sweet porridge is a must-try; the red bean with mini rice balls is exceptionally tasty.

I encountered a similar tactic today too; they asked where I bought my shoes.

I haven't stayed in a youth hostel in Taiwan, but I did stay in a huge motel, haha.

I'm not usually one to laugh.

Come to Talent Park to check out the good-looking guys and girls.

People post this because they genuinely want Shenzhen to improve. The ones who actually litter couldn't care less if it's dirty or not.

It's best to notify the police. In China, the situation with many homeless individuals isn't just about being down on their luck; there can be more to it. For instance, during the pandemic, there was a man who often lived under a bridge near us. We felt sorry for him and would frequently bring him food or give him some money. When the city went into lockdown, we worried he might starve, so we tried to arrange help for him. But he ran away. At first, we thought he just didn't want assistance, but then he started running every time he saw us. After this happened a few times, it felt wrong, so we called the police. They caught him, and it turned out he had committed murder back in the 2000s and had been on the run ever since. Without an ID, he couldn't work and survived by living under bridges and relying on handouts.

Is that the Hanfu and hairpin flower event?

Hi there! No problem at all! I will give all your foreign friends an easy-to-follow guide so they can enjoy their trip to Beijing more easily.

Beijing Guide:

The Tian'anmen Rostrum Is Under Maintenance at Present

• When we first arrived in Beijing, there were only some scaffolding on the rostrum from which there was almost no influence on taking photos.
• However, after two days, there was scaffolding everywhere!
• Reminder: If you value the perfect image of the Tian'anmen Rostrum, it is suggested to reschedule your visit or check when the maintenance will finish before you arrive.

How To Get Into The Forbidden City From the Front As Early As Possible?

• The Zhongshui Bridge in front of the Tian'anmen typically opens at 8 am. If you want to enter the palace before others, do not go through this entry.
• Saving-Time Tip:
  • Take the subway to the "Dongtian'anmen" stop.
  • Go through security after exiting. Even if you didn't make a reservation for Tian'anmen Square, the policemen will let you into the square as long as you show your appointment to enter the Forbidden City.
  • Once you're inside the square, take the route near the Imperial Ancestral Temple (Imperial Ancestral Temple, an ancient site where emperors worshipped their ancestors), which costs 2 yuan.
  • Come out from the east gate of the temple, and you'll reach the Meridian Gate, the main entrance of the Forbidden City! The road is shaded and cooler, and this is the route that I think is quickest.

Visiting Chairman Mao’s Memorial Hall

• This place has very strict rules about reservations! If you are there before your appointment time, you can't go in early.
• Same with the luggage storage: for example, if the appointment is at 8 am, you can only start storing bags around 7 am.
• Important Note:
  • It is suggested that you store your bags around 45 minutes before the appointment time.
  • There is a senior citizens' lane! Those aged over 70 don't have to mind the time limit; they are allowed to go right away. They may also bring one friend with them.

National Museum of China

• If you miss your reserved slot, no entry will be granted to you, so keep track of the time!
• The museum will begin clearing the venue after 4:30 pm, which means everybody will be asked to leave.
• Tips For Taking Pictures & Shopping:
  • When it is nearly clear-out time, the famous exhibition area for Empress's Phoenix Crown (an important relic), usually draws less people. This is the perfect moment to take a photo!
  • If you wish to buy fridge magnets featuring the symbol of the crown, you must pre-order the shopping privilege via WeChat app (Like a small embedded app in WeChat). Don’t forget to scan the code first!

Badaling Great Wall

• You may have to ride a shuttle bus before visiting the Badaling Great Wall.
• For Those Who Wish To Take A Cable Car:
  • After getting off the bus, you will find the cable car station toward the direction of the high-speed train station.
  • If you plan to take the cable car from below to the top, please don’t follow others climbing up the road along the wall – this is to climb up the Great Wall, and it's in the wrong direction!
  • On the other hand, there is a Stele wall which holds a popular Chinese phrase—"He who has never climbed the Great Wall is not a true hero"; many travelers like to take photos around this spot.
  • So for those planning to take both the cable car and a shot at the Stele, it's necessary to take the picture before taking the cable car.

Take The Elder Family Members On Tian'anmen Flag-raising Ceremony

• If you accompany older family members, it is highly recommended that you opt for entering through gate “No.01” of the square.
• Reason: Among all entrances, this one needs the shortest walk and less queuing. On top of that, it's convenient to reach the gate entrance via a taxi and underground passageway. You only have to show your ID or passport at the security check counter.

Entrance Fee Discount For Seniors

• Besides Prince Gong’s Mansion and Forbidden City, seniors (over 60) enjoy a discounted entrance fee in most of the venues.
• In most of the other scenic spots, seniors over 60 years old are exempt from entry fees with valid ID or passport.

Former Residence of Li Dazhao (Lidazhaohui –a great historical giant for a modern China)

• Like some other places, reservations required. The place strictly follows the rules about making appointments.
• Special Note: If an older person above 70, there might be no need for any reservations. Such people can gain access to the house as long as their information has been provided at the entrance.

Driving & Parking in Beijing

• In Beijing, renting a car can be very convenient if you wish to stay here but may travel around by taxi.
• Main Advice:
  • Do make use of public transport when you consider moving around in the city center, such as Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, or Hutongs. Since parking charges are not just extremely high but also very tricky during peak times.
  • But if you plan to visit the Great Wall, Summer Palace, it’s better to drive since both parking lot and routes are quite convenient and safe.

Report About Food Recommendations (Based On Personal Preference; Therefore, References Only)

• Some restaurants around cities are famous in reviews, and they look like:
  • Quanjude Peking Duck: Besides its price can be slightly pricey (like 98 Yuan), the quality is totally worth your money.
  • Fangzhuanchang Zhajiangmian (Noodles with a savory minced meat sauce): Decent taste, nothing particular special about this dish.
  • Dong Lai Shun (traditional lamb hot pot): Fresh lamb and well-presented. Nothing fancy but decent.
  • Ziguangyuan (Halal restaurant chain): Although I didn't think their yogurt could be up to Dong Lai Shun, the overall food quality is good.
  • Chunbing (thin pancakes wrap): Recommend to try those "Fenyuan Chunbing", super delicious and affordable.
  • Dalu Noodles (thick savory noodles): A place named "Beiyaoan", both quality and value for money.
  • Heyan Roubing (meat pies): Delicious taste and decent presentation.
  • Niujie Hongji (famous snacks): Their steamed buns and Tangyoubing (sweet fried dough) are both famous and amazing.
  • Gongdelin Vegetarian Restaurant: Its vegetarian dishes are really recommended.

I hope you have a nice trip in Beijing!

It seems like every damn tour group in the country is all about sales nowadays.

Wishing all my fellow compatriots from other provinces, who are working hard here in our Shanghai, good health and great fortune.

Is this place considered the suburbs? There's literally no one on the streets.

Alright, after the New Year.

I did try. But as soon as they heard it was for May 1st (a major holiday), they just ignored me.

I booked a service provider (shifu) in advance on Xiaohongshu.

Yeah, after that, I rarely travel with friends who are in relationships.

I've been in Shenzhen for three or four years and I'm thinking of moving. Lately, I've also been considering my next job and which city to move to.

High-speed rail tickets are so hard to get!