Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Download the Trip.com app for easy ticket booking and seamless travel within China. It simplifies the process significantly. (1:58)
- Tip 2Be aware of which terminal you are departing from at Guangzhou station, as there are several, and try to choose one convenient to your accommodation. (2:10)
- Tip 3Many train stations have massage chairs that can be used by scanning a QR code with Alipay or WeChat. Be mindful of the language barrier if you aren't fluent in Chinese. (4:43)
- Tip 4Restaurants often use QR code ordering with Alipay or WeChat. The process is mostly in Chinese, but translation features are usually available. (5:55)
- Tip 5China is not a tipping culture; the price shown is the final price you pay. (6:27)
- Tip 6If you are taking a long train journey, eat a substantial meal before you depart, as food options at your destination might be limited. (7:25)
- Tip 7Arrive at the train station before your train's scheduled departure to avoid any last-minute issues. (9:42)
- Tip 8If you are planning to visit Zhangjiajie, consider staying in a guest house that has English-speaking staff to assist you with local arrangements, as it is less frequented by foreign tourists. (13:01)
Embark on an extraordinary high-speed rail journey with Alina Mcleod across China! From the bustling Guangzhou station, resembling an airport in scale, to the breathtaking Zhangjiajie, witness the efficiency and modernity of China's rail network. Alina shares insightful tips for navigating the system, from booking tickets on Trip.com to ordering food via Alipay. Discover unexpected cultural nuances, like the absence of a tipping culture and the unique experience of ubiquitous massage chairs in train stations. This captivating adventure is a must-watch for anyone planning a Chinese rail trip!
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More about the current video:( 4 / 14 )
This video documents Alina Mcleod's incredible high-speed train journey across China, from Guangzhou to Zhangjiajie, a journey of over 1000 kilometers. The sheer scale of Guangzhou's train station is immediately striking, likened by Alina to an airport terminal. She details the ease of booking tickets through Trip.com, highlighting the convenience of e-tickets and the necessity of the app for smooth travel within China.
Alina's experience underscores the modernity of China's rail system, noting the speed and punctuality of the high-speed train, averaging around 250 km/h. She shares her observations on different train classes, comparing second class, first class, business class, and soft sleeper options, offering viewers a range of choices for their own journeys. The absence of a tipping culture in China is also highlighted, adding to the unique aspects of her travel experience.
Beyond the train journey itself, Alina's account is filled with vivid details. She describes the extensive array of massage chairs available at the station, a surprising discovery that showcases the integration of technology and convenience in Chinese travel hubs. Her culinary experiences, including a spicy braised beef dish at the station's food court, add a personal touch to the narrative. She also emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, especially concerning food availability at the destination, given Zhangjiajie's relative remoteness.
The video concludes with Alina's arrival in Zhangjiajie, where she checks into a guest house recommended by other foreigners. She expresses her appreciation for the guest house's English-speaking staff, offering helpful insights for travelers seeking a comfortable and communicative stay. The overall tone is one of enthusiastic discovery, highlighting the efficiency, comfort, and unique cultural aspects of traveling by high-speed train in China. Alina's journey provides a valuable firsthand account, rich in detail and practical advice for those planning similar adventures.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: How much did the train ticket cost?
- A: For second class, it was about $70 USD for a 6 1/2 hour journey. I expected it to be cheaper, but the trains are very modern.
- Q: What was the food like at the train station?
- A: I got a spicy braised beef dish, bok choy, rice and soup for about $10 CAD. It was a big portion and pretty reasonable. I didn't realize it was spicy until I started eating it!
- Q: What were the different train classes like?
- A: I tried second class, which was fine. First class was nicer but not much different, just more space. Business class and soft sleeper were also available, the latter reminding me of Eastern European trains.
- Q: What was the most surprising thing about the train station?
- A: Definitely all the massage chairs! Rows and rows of them, super fancy ones too. You pay by scanning a QR code with Alipay or WeChat.
- Q: What was the overall train journey like?
- A: It was great! Very smooth, very fast, about 250 km/h on average, and we arrived at each station exactly on time.
- Q: What's Zhangjiajie like?
- A: I just arrived, but I'm staying at a great guest house in the central part of town. It's called Butterfly Inn, and the lady who runs it speaks good English.
- Q: How much was a meal at McDonald's in Zhangjiajie?
- A: My cheeseburger combo was 5 Canadian dollars, which is way cheaper than at home!
