Shanghai to Ningbo High-Speed Rail: A Coastal China Journey

China Rail: High Speed Train to Ningbo

Destination:ChinaProvince:ZhejiangCity:Ningbo
China Rail: High Speed Train to Ningbo
Tim Chambers2024-05-1017 min

Join me and family on a trip from Hongqiao, Shanghai to Ningbo on China high speed trains during the Labour day holiday. 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.

--- Tim Chambers
May 10, 2024, Spring in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Ningbo train journey starts
  2. 0:26Shanghai Hongqiao Station
  3. 1:47Boarding the train
  4. 2:12New passport system
  5. 4:02Jiaxing Station
  6. 5:56Arriving in Ningbo
  7. 7:06Ningbo streets
  8. 7:46Ningbo Intercontinental Hotel
  9. 8:03Rental e-bikes in Ningbo
  10. 12:45Return to Shanghai

Tim Chambers' China high-speed rail adventure from Shanghai to Ningbo offers stunning visuals and insightful glimpses into China's efficient transport system. A memorable journey!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Take line 11 and then line 10 to Hongqiao Railway Station for the high-speed train to Ningbo. This route is efficient, even during peak travel times. (0:05)
  2. Tip 2If you are a non-Chinese speaker traveling through Hongqiao Railway Station, be prepared for a special lane process. This is a common practice for efficient processing. (1:26)
  3. Tip 3Note the new passport scanning system at the station. This automated system makes the check-in process faster and more efficient. (2:12)
  4. Tip 4Ningbo offers rental electric bikes, unlike Shanghai. However, be aware of local regulations regarding helmets and legality. (8:03)
  5. Tip 5During peak travel times, expect busy train stations and potential delays due to bridge closures or other unforeseen circumstances. (13:04)

Embark on a thrilling high-speed rail journey with Tim Chambers from Shanghai to Ningbo and back! This detailed video captures the bustling atmosphere of Shanghai's Hongqiao Railway Station, the smooth efficiency of China's high-speed rail system, and the modern charm of Ningbo's metro. Experience the unique perspective of navigating China's public transport during peak season and discover hidden gems along the way. Don't miss this captivating adventure!

More about the current video:( 20 / 29 )

China Rail: High Speed Train to Ningbo

This video documents Tim Chambers' high-speed train journey from Shanghai to Ningbo and back, offering a unique perspective on China's efficient and modern transportation system. The journey begins at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, showcasing the station's impressive size and bustling atmosphere, especially during the busy Labor Day holiday. Tim highlights the experience of navigating the station as a non-Chinese speaker, noting the designated lanes for foreigners.

The train ride itself is depicted as remarkably smooth and efficient, with Tim providing a brief tour of the train's interior, including a glimpse into first-class accommodations. The journey includes stops at various stations, with Tim pointing out interesting observations along the way, such as a new passport scanning system and the views from the train window. The arrival in Ningbo is captured, showcasing the city's modern infrastructure and busy streets.

In Ningbo, Tim explores the city's metro system, sharing his experience using a standard transportation card and navigating the stations. He also notes the availability of rental electric bikes, a feature not as prevalent in Shanghai. The video includes footage of the Ningbo metro stations and trains, highlighting their similarities and differences compared to the Shanghai system. Tim's observations provide insights into the functionality and user-friendliness of the Ningbo metro.

The return journey to Shanghai is equally detailed, showcasing the similarities and differences between the various stations and train experiences. The video concludes with Tim's reflections on the overall journey, emphasizing the efficiency and convenience of China's high-speed rail network. Throughout the video, Tim shares personal anecdotes and observations, offering viewers a unique and engaging travelogue.

Shanghai to Ningbo High-Speed Rail: A Coastal China Journey

Family's high-speed rail trip from Shanghai to Ningbo, China: efficient travel, stunning views, and a vibrant coastal city!

China High-Speed Rail: Shanghai to Ningbo

Embark on a family adventure aboard China's high-speed rail network! This captivating journey takes you from Shanghai's Hongqiao station to the vibrant coastal city of Ningbo. Experience the seamless efficiency and breathtaking speed of China's modern railway system as you traverse picturesque landscapes. Discover the charm of Ningbo, a bustling metropolis with a rich history and a thriving port, showcasing China's economic dynamism. This is more than just a train ride; it's a window into the heart of modern China.