China High-Speed Rail: Ningbo to Shanghai Journey

China Rail: Travelling during the National Holiday Week part two

Destination:ChinaProvince:ZhejiangCity:Ningbo
China Rail: Travelling during the National Holiday Week part two
Tim Chambers2024-10-117 min

Join me as I use the China High Speed Rail System to travel from Ningbo to Shanghai Songjiang during the very busy National Holiday Week.Ningbo is a sub-provincial city in northeast Zhejiang province, People's Republic of China. It comprises six urban districts, two satellite county-level cities, and two rural counties, including several islands in Hangzhou Bay and the East China Sea. Ningbo is the southern economic center of the Yangtze Delta megalopolis. The port of Ningbo–Zhoushan, spread across several locations, is the world's busiest port by cargo tonnage and world's third-busiest container port since 2010.Ningbo is the core city and center of the Ningbo Metropolitan Area. To the north, Hangzhou Bay separates Ningbo from Shanghai; to the east lies Zhoushan in the East China Sea; on the west and south, Ningbo borders Shaoxing and Taizhou respectively. As of the 2020 Chinese national census the entire administrated area of Ningbo City had a population of 9.4 million (9,404,283).Ningbo is one of the 15 sub-provincial cities in China, and is one of the five separate state-planning cities in China (the other four being Dalian, Qingdao, Xiamen, and Shenzhen), with the municipality possessing a separate state-planning status in many economic departments, rather than being governed by Zhejiang Province. Therefore, Ningbo has provincial-level autonomy in making economic and financial policies.In 2022, the GDP of Ningbo was CNY 1570,43 billion (US$233.479 billion), and it was ranked 12th among 293 cities in China. Moreover, Ningbo is among the wealthiest cities in China; it ranked 8th in terms of average yearly disposable income in the year of 2020. As of 2020, Ningbo has global headquarters and registered offices of over 100 listed companies, and many regional business headquarters. In 2021, Ningbo featured the seventh most listed companies of all cities in China. Furthermore, Ningbo was among the top 10 Chinese cities in the Urban Business Environment...

--- Tim Chambers
October 11, 2024, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Ningbo Station Departure
  2. 1:40Boarding the Train
  3. 4:04High-Speed Rail Journey
  4. 4:29Arrival at Songjiang
  5. 5:37Station Construction
  6. 6:01Unexpected ending

Tim Chambers' China high-speed rail trip during National Holiday week offers unexpected delays and a journey ending in a massive construction site. A memorable, if slightly chaotic, adventure!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Be aware of China's unique holiday scheduling, which can lead to unexpected workdays and days off. It's a staggered system that can be confusing for travelers unfamiliar with it. (0:13)
  2. Tip 2Allow extra time when traveling during peak seasons or holidays. Unexpected delays and crowds are common, especially at major transportation hubs. (1:46)
  3. Tip 3Smoking is strictly prohibited on China's high-speed trains, and violations can have consequences. Be mindful of the rules and regulations to avoid penalties. (4:13)
  4. Tip 4Be prepared for potential disruptions to travel plans. Construction projects and unforeseen circumstances can affect transportation schedules and access to destinations. (5:23)
  5. Tip 5Utilize ride-hailing services like Didi for convenient and efficient transportation, especially when navigating unfamiliar areas or unexpected situations. (6:29)

In this captivating travelogue, Tim Chambers embarks on a high-speed rail adventure across China during the bustling National Holiday week. His journey, from the vibrant Ningbo station to the unexpectedly surreal Songjiang, is filled with unique encounters and surprising twists. Witness the sheer volume of travelers, the intricacies of China's public transport system, and the unexpected challenges of navigating a massive construction site at the end of his journey. Prepare for a rollercoaster of experiences, from the initial rush of the busy station to the quiet contemplation of a delayed train, culminating in an unplanned detour via Didi.

More about the current video:( 30 / 34 )

China Rail: Travelling during the National Holiday Week part two

This video documents Tim Chambers's experience traveling on China's high-speed rail system during the National Holiday week. The journey begins in Ningbo, a bustling city where the station is unusually quiet despite the holiday. Tim notes the unique way China schedules holidays, leading to a staggered work week.

The video then follows Tim as he navigates the train station, highlighting the surprisingly uncrowded platform. He boards the train and finds his seat, commenting on the speed and efficiency of the high-speed rail.

However, the journey takes an unexpected turn. The train arrives at Songjiang station, but the station is under heavy construction, resulting in a disorienting and somewhat chaotic arrival. Tim describes the station as a building site with no clear exits or streets, a stark contrast to the organized efficiency of the train journey. He ultimately resorts to a Didi (ride-hailing service) to reach his final destination.

Throughout the video, Tim provides unique insights into the Chinese travel experience, highlighting both the impressive infrastructure and the occasional unexpected challenges. The video offers a glimpse into the daily lives of Chinese commuters and the unique cultural nuances of the country's public transportation system. The overall tone is one of amused observation, capturing both the smooth efficiency and the surprising obstacles encountered during the trip. Tim's journey, though initially planned as a straightforward high-speed rail trip, becomes a memorable tale of unexpected detours and a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of China.

China High-Speed Rail: Ningbo to Shanghai Journey

Tim Chambers rides China's high-speed rail from Ningbo to Shanghai during the National Holiday, experiencing the country's efficient transport system.

China High-Speed Rail: Ningbo to Shanghai Songjiang Journey

Experience the efficiency of China's High-Speed Rail during the bustling National Holiday week with Tim Chambers. His journey takes him from Ningbo, a significant port city in Zhejiang province, to Shanghai Songjiang. Discover the beauty of the landscape as he seamlessly travels through the heart of China's dynamic transportation network. This captivating journey showcases the convenience and speed of China's high-speed rail system, offering a unique perspective on travel during a peak season.