Buzz
Traveling in China
1. Getting Ready
1.1 Airplane Tickets
I booked round-trip air tickets from Hanoi to Shanghai with China Southern Airlines. The outbound journey had a layover in Guangzhou, and the return leg had a layover in Shenzhen. Vietnam Airlines offers direct flights from Hanoi to Shanghai, but the prices are slightly higher. As my trip was somewhat impromptu, I purchased the tickets a week before departure for 8 million VND. If you plan ahead, you might find round-trip tickets for as low as 4-5 million VND.
1.2 Visa Application Process
Ensure your Chinese visa aligns with your intended stay duration. The most common visa for Vietnamese travelers is a 3-month single-entry visa. The visa fee at the Embassy is 60 USD, but we opted for a service, costing between 80 - 120 USD, depending on the processing time and visa type. Currency: The official currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB or CNY), and the exchange rate is approximately 1 CNY to 3,500 VND.
1.3 Transportation
As we all know, the Chinese internet restricts access to Google, Facebook, Instagram, and more. You can either install a VPN to get through or purchase a travel SIM card from Vietnam; no need for a VPN with that option to access all those sites.
1.4 Clothing
I visited in June, during the summer, but as evening falls, the temperature drops significantly, sometimes feeling a bit chilly. Therefore, bring a scarf or a light jacket. This is also the rainy season in Jiangnan, sudden showers can occur anytime, so don't forget to carry an umbrella.
Jiangnan is a beautiful and rich land with incredibly poetic scenery. Look up images of each place you're visiting beforehand to choose outfits that complement the backgrounds. You can buy a gray tunic, a traditional Chinese costume, widely available in ancient towns. Alternatively, if you have time, spend a session renting historical costumes and taking photos in the ancient town; you're guaranteed to have a truly unique set of pictures.
All set and ready to go, now let's hit the road together.
Explore the beautiful land of Jiangnan.
2. Discovering the Charm of Jiangnan
2.1 Taicheng (Giang To Province)
Our journey kicks off with Taicheng. After landing at Hongqiao Airport (Shanghai), we board a high-speed train bound for Taicheng. Just 30 minutes on the high-speed train, and you'll set foot in this quaint and ancient city. Taicheng beckons with its lush green parks, featuring ancient structures like Hanshan Temple, Lion Forest, and Chu Zheng Yuan. Don't miss the chance to explore the beauty of Taicheng.
Taicheng is a picturesque destination with serene canals flowing through the heart of the city.
Taicheng Museum.
Additionally, if you have time, take a scenic drive about 18 km outside the city to reach Dongli Ancient Town. The admission ticket for Dongli is 100 CNY per person.
Dongli.
With its cobblestone streets, intricate canal system, and small boats navigating along the canal banks, Dongli is often dubbed the 'Venice of the East.' When visiting a ancient town in China, don't forget to spend 30 minutes for a boat experience. The rental cost for a boat in Dongli is 90 CNY.
Boating leisurely around Dongli.
2.2 Zhouzhuang
From Taicheng, you can catch a coach to Zhouzhuang with a ticket price of 17 CNY per person.
The simple, tranquil beauty of Zhouzhuang.
Along the narrow lanes of Zhouzhuang are verandas adorned with hanging lanterns, exuding the romantic charm of ancient China.
China’s Premier Watertown
Zhouzhuang sparkles at night.
2.3 Hangzhou (Capital of Zhejiang Province)
'Heaven is above, Hangzhou is below.'
West Lake.
When talking about Hangzhou, it's impossible not to mention West Lake. This place is the symbol of Hangzhou, considered the precious gem of the Jiangnan region. Boating on West Lake is an experience you must try. Boat tickets are 55 CNY per person.
The 13-story Leifeng Pagoda.
Besides that, don't forget to visit the pedestrian street Qinghefang. I love this area for its lively modern atmosphere while still preserving the charm of ancient traditions. You can find everything here: from restaurants, tea houses, pastry shops, and fashion stores to souvenir shops and street artists showcasing calligraphy and wood carving skills. Moreover, Hangzhou is renowned for silk production, so grab a silk dress or scarf as a memorable souvenir with a touch of Hangzhou.
2.4 West Market
Charming little corners can be spotted anywhere around West Market.
Due to time constraints, we opted for the West District. It's highly recommended as it still retains the original beauty of the town. Admission to the West District is 150 CNY per person.
Charming little corners can be found anywhere around West Market.
2.5 Shanghai
Somehow, whenever I hear the name Shanghai, I feel a bit fluttery :))), perhaps due to the excitement and curiosity sparked by the famous Bund area, well-known through the movie of the same name.
Indeed, the Bund is the soul of this city. The Bund is always beautiful and poetic. The Huangpu River flows gracefully, dividing the city into two halves: the East Bank and the West Bank. The East Bank represents modern Shanghai with skyscrapers. People often joke that to admire handsome office guys in Shanghai, just spend a coffee session on the East Bank :))). The West Bank is the district with government buildings, courts, built in distinctive European style, creating the intriguing beauty of the two sides of the Shanghai waterfront.
East Bank.
To travel between the two banks of the Shanghai waterfront, besides the road, you can try taking the ferry. Only 2 CNY per trip, consider it an experience hehe. Also, cruising on the Huangpu River, admiring the city lit up at night, is a definite activity you shouldn't miss. Cruise tickets are 120 CNY per person.
West Bank.
Shanghai Tower
Let's ascend the Shanghai Tower!
Inside the stunning tower, you'll learn about the history of the world's first skyscrapers. Surely, like me, you'll feel immensely proud seeing Vietnam's Vincom Landmark 81 among the top 20 tallest towers in the world at the current time.
View from the Shanghai Tower. Directly witnessing it will leave you even more awe-struck.
This 11-day journey was dedicated to exploring the beautiful Jiangnan region. China, in my eyes, is not just a vast and populous country but also a cultured, developed nation with numerous majestic architectural wonders and enchanting natural landscapes. I hope this article provides some insights to help you better prepare for your upcoming adventure.
