When in China, Go to China (Part 2) - Next stop Shanghai

Forbidden Palace Markets - Photo credit to Lora

Still in Beijing, China

As we had decided to go on this trip over the National Holiday weekend, meaning we would get a few more days of traveling whilst missing less class. It also meant we had to deal with a shockingly large number of people and police/military presence everywhere. It's quite a strange experience to go through, particularly when every time you enter into a metro station, your bags need to be scanned and a metal detector to be walked through. It can also be an interesting experience watching your water bottle be weighed for what ever reason, and for those in the group who smoke, say good bye to a countless number of lighters and matches.

Major discovery: its ridiculous how many people can manage to fit into one area.




Another thing that came as a slight shock, was the toilets. Heralding from a very western country (Australia and England), the fact that everywhere you went, I mean everywhere in mainland China, had squat toilets, including the train. And about 80% of the time (not accurate statistics mind), they were not ideal. I consider myself lucky in this regard however, as I was never in the situation where I had to brave one of these infamous public toilets (which probably hadn't been cleaned in way too long). You always know when you get close to a public toilet (which are everywhere), simply because of the smell, not pleasant.

 Another thing to make a note on is the actual weather we experienced, primarily the pollution. The actual plus side of going to the Chinese capital over the national holiday was that the first few days it rained constantly, however on the holiday, the skies were so clear, you forgot that there was a pollution crisis in China. It is an exceptional treat to visit one of the wonders of the world and actually be able to see as far as one's eye allowed.

Waiting for our train tickets. - Photo credit to Lora

Second Train - Beijing to Shanghai

Warning!! Do not do this!!

After the success and relaxed state of the 24hr train ride from Beijing, our group had made the wrong assumption in thinking that the train to Shanghai would be the same. And we were so wrong.        

The facts:

  It takes around 15 hours by train to get to Shanghai. 

Sleeper Cabins - Full

Seats - Taken, every one

The existence of a Standing ticket

 Booking for the day after the National Holiday

Result: The 6 of us, standing on a train for 15hours.

We didn't actually stand for the entire 15hrs. Instead we made camp on the floor, legs under the seats, heads resting on backpacks, squished next to each other, trying to sleep and avoid the bathroom. Sitting up constantly to allow people to pass, hoping not to trip them up, or them to fall on you (happened to me, she also didn't move for a number of minutes), having to get up fully with pins and needles in your legs and arm, as the food cart made its way down the carriage and back again.

It was a long trip..

Once we has arrived in Shanghai, it was straight to our hotel to shower and dress for the rest of the day - a day of walking around the city, taking in the view of the Huangpu River, eating sushi and crêpes and ending the day with a beer watching the sun and smog set. An excellent way to end this adventure into Mainland China.

Photo taken by Lora