Positive Experiences So Far

Question

Landed Shanghai 10 days ago and on the 240 hr Visa Waiver.

At first immigration queried that we were visiting Beijing too on self booked trip but on referral to a colleague gave us a card with a list of places we are allowed to visit.

Accommodation for the whole trip has to be booked. We have found all hotels scrupulously clean,excellent value and the staff welcoming. they have their rules about passports and we respect that..

The subway system in Shanghai and Beijing are positively first world- security checks,de fibrillation machines,stickers showing when carriages cleaned and of course Safety Marshall’s. Well done China- don’t know whether Friday night is as fruity as on the London system ! I doubt it.

As for high speed trains - superb food,incredibly smooth and a credit to China.

We applied to go toTianenmen Square through We Chat Mini -helped by a policeman on duty, so make sure you download this before you leave and you can probably set your date. Yes lots of queuing but we picked a time and beautiful sunny day which was probably peak.

Once in ,impressive and a must for a Beijing visit.

Forbidden city was seen by following some Germans to the right kiosk and buying a ticket, followed by a walk around Jinshain Park- blossom out and Magnolia trees beautiful.

For The Great Wall we succumbed from a DIY job and booked a trip with Trip.Com and the delightful Amy was our guide and it was excellent with good English and informative.

Be careful if visiting on a wet day I would e the steep and uneven steps would be lethal. Need good grip footwear for sure. We are late 60’s and found it ok.

Added on to the Gwall was a visit to the Olympic Park and 80¥ got us a trip inside - the highlight of the day with little surprises along the way - including standing on a podium or two!

So, although a few administrative delays occasionally ( no worse than Africa or South America) a great trip.

Now off to Japan and returning to the UK via Shanghai(just under 24 hr Transit from Seoul).

Well done China, take home some lessons about how the UK to lift its game- more Toilets for one thing….

A few musts-some covered by others

Download Alipay, We Chat and Didi before you leave the UK

Have a bit of cash in case for some reason your bank blocks a payment- it could be the critical one getting to the airport

Above all carry a spare phone battery ( we ran out of power at one point and a lovely Chinese lady paid our 15¥ fare…..) Not too big as airlines may take the battery off you.

Get to grips with the emergency battery rentals- small charge for hiring them but you must return promptly…..lifesaver.

Interested to see Japan….

Marco Polo and “the guvnor”…….

Answer

Your experience in China on the 240-hour visa waiver sounds very positive, and your observations will be helpful for future travelers. It's great to hear that, despite minor administrative delays, the trip has been smooth and enjoyable.

Here are some key takeaways and tips based on your experience:

Immigration and Visa: Be prepared to show your itinerary, including all the cities you plan to visit. Immigration may ask questions, but providing details and following their instructions helps ensure a smooth entry.
Accommodation: All hotels need confirmed bookings. The staff are generally welcoming and the hotels are clean and good value. Respect the hotel rules regarding passports and check-in procedures.
Transportation: The subway systems in Shanghai and Beijing are very efficient and safe, with clear security checks and cleanliness protocols. High-speed trains are comfortable, smooth, and provide quality onboard services.

Attractions and sightseeing tips:

Tiananmen Square: Use the WeChat Mini app to book entry times. Assistance from on-site staff can be very helpful if needed.
Forbidden City: Follow local cues to find ticket kiosks; visiting Jinshan Park nearby offers beautiful blossom and magnolia trees in season.
Great Wall: Consider guided tours if DIY feels challenging. Good footwear is essential, especially on wet or steep sections. Late 60s travelers can manage with care.
Olympic Park: Affordable entry and interactive experiences like stepping on podiums make it a fun addition to a Great Wall visit.

Practical travel tips:

Download essential apps like Alipay, WeChat, and Didi before leaving your home country.
Carry some cash in case card payments are blocked or fail.
Bring a spare phone battery or power bank; small emergency battery rentals are available in China.

Overall, your trip highlights China’s efficiency in transportation, hospitality, and tourist infrastructure, and provides useful lessons for travelers regarding planning, technology, and preparation. Your positive experiences, combined with careful preparation, make the visit both safe and enjoyable.

Positive Experiences So Far

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