VI
EN
For a long time, China has been a dream destination for Huyen Trang. And Guangzhou and Shanghai were her first choices for exploring this vast country, instead of other ancient cities. This is because she wanted to immerse herself in the modern, vibrant lifestyle while learning about Chinese history and culture in a fresh, lively environment.
The trip lasted 9 days and 8 nights, with 5 days and 4 nights in Guangzhou and 4 days and 4 nights in Shanghai. Each city offered Huyen Trang unique and memorable experiences.
For a long time, China had been Xuanzang's dream destination.
The trip lasted 9 days and 8 nights, with 5 days and 4 nights in Guangzhou and 4 days and 4 nights in Shanghai.
From the moment she stepped off the train, her friend was overwhelmed by its vastness and modernity. The enormous train station was like a miniature airport. The roads were wide and clean, and traffic moved in an orderly manner. The architecture bore a strong Chinese influence, with curved tiled roofs and majestic statues of dragons and phoenixes.
Huyen Trang was overwhelmed by the modernity of these two cities. Everything was new, from the skyscrapers and bustling shopping districts to the modern means of transportation. In particular, the dense network of cameras and the constant presence of police officers made her feel safe, even as a solo traveler.
Huyen Trang was overwhelmed by the modernity of these two cities.
The roads are wide and clean, and traffic moves in an orderly manner.
Guangzhou - A beautiful blend of tradition and modernity.
Walking through Guangzhou's ancient streets, Huyen Trang felt as if she had entered another world. The old houses and winding alleyways bore the marks of time. However, alongside this was the modernity of new neighborhoods and bustling shopping districts. This unique blend of tradition and modernity created a captivating Guangzhou.
Located in southern China, Guangzhou is one of the most vibrant and developed cities with over 15 million inhabitants. Known as the "city of flowers," the "shopping city," and an ideal destination for those wishing to experience the bustling pace of life and explore the unique culture of China.
Walking through the ancient streets of Guangzhou, Xuanzang felt as if she had entered another world.
The unique blend of tradition and modernity creates a captivating Guangzhou.
Guangzhou is one of the most vibrant and developed cities, with a population of over 15 million.
An ideal destination for those who want to experience the vibrant pace of life and explore the unique culture of China.
Guangzhou boasts many modern architectural marvels such as the Canton Tower – the world's sixth tallest building, the Guangzhou Opera House – the city's iconic theater, and Zhujiang New Town – a bustling new urban area. In addition, Guangzhou also preserves many historical and cultural relics such as the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, the Guangdong History Museum, and Enning Old Street.
Furthermore, Guangzhou is known as a "shopping city" with countless markets, shopping malls, and retail stores. Visitors can find everything here from clothes, shoes, and electronics to souvenirs. Some popular shopping destinations in Guangzhou include the 13th Wholesale Market, the Bai Ma Market, the Hua Gang Market, Wanda Plaza Shopping Center, and Shangxiajiu Street.
However, those weren't the destinations that truly impressed Huyen Trang. "What stayed with me were the streets of Yide Lu. One morning, while looking for food based on reviews, I accidentally followed the crowd into the small alleys of the residential area. I decided to stay and admire the peaceful atmosphere of the Guangzhou people there. The tranquility amidst the bustling city," she confided.
Guangzhou is also known as the "shopping city".
Shanghai - The most luxurious city
Shanghai is vibrant and modern, with its skyscrapers and bustling streets. The fast-paced, bustling life of this city overwhelmed Huyen Trang, yet also filled her with excitement. Known as the most modern city in China, Shanghai always welcomes visitors with unique and impressive experiences. With its harmonious blend of traditional and modern beauty, it promises to offer you an exciting and memorable trip.
Shanghai is vibrant and modern, with its skyscrapers and bustling neighborhoods.
Shanghai, China's most vibrant and modern city, always welcomes visitors with unique and memorable experiences.
Shanghai is stunning with its towering skyscrapers, such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower – a symbol of the city – and the Shanghai World Financial Center. Visitors can also discover traditional values in old neighborhoods like Nanking Street, Yu Garden Street, or the Jade Buddha Temple.
Furthermore, this is a melting pot of cultures, creating a diverse and unique landscape. Visitors can participate in traditional festivals, enjoy local specialties, or explore museums and art galleries.
Shanghai is a melting pot of cultures, creating a diverse and unique tapestry.
Tourists can participate in traditional festivals, enjoy local specialties, or explore museums and art galleries.
A grand feast of exquisite Chinese cuisine.
Chinese cuisine has always been a major attraction for tourists due to its diversity, richness, and unique flavors. During her trip, Huyen Trang had the opportunity to sample many signature dishes, from Teochew hot pot and clay pot rice to Cantonese breakfast, stinky tofu, and malatang.
“The two dishes that impressed me the most were stinky tofu and Cantonese breakfast, also known as 'zaocha'. I was particularly impressed by the breakfast culture in Guangzhou (Guangdong). People line up for breakfast, sit down to eat, drink tea, and chat with each other,” Huyen Trang shared.
Chinese cuisine has always been a major attraction for tourists due to its diversity, richness, and unique flavors.
Pocket guide to independent travel in China
Many people think that traveling independently in China for the first time and without knowing the language is difficult. However, in reality, it's not as complicated as you imagine. With thorough preparation, you can absolutely explore this vast country on your own.
Detailed itinerary:Plan each day in detail, including places to visit, transportation, accommodation, and meals. This will save you time and prevent surprises upon arrival.
A beautiful and confident spirit:It's important to bring a relaxed attitude and be ready to explore a new culture. Confidently communicating in English or through gestures will help you overcome many challenges.
Many people think that traveling to China independently for the first time and without knowing the language is difficult.
Prepare the necessary "weapons":A phone with useful apps installed, such as maps, translation, ticket booking, and ride-hailing, will be a great help to you.
Consider the difficulties: You will certainly encounter some obstacles along the way, such as getting lost or communication difficulties. Stay calm and try to find solutions or ask the locals for help.
Safety comes first: China is a safe country. However, you should be careful with your personal belongings and pay attention to security when traveling, especially at night.
With proper preparation, you can absolutely explore this vast country on your own.
Sometimes, the difficulties you encounter during a trip are the most memorable. For example, you might get lost and be helped by a kind local. Or you might have trouble communicating, but it ends up creating some funny stories.
“Before I left, I was very scared because of the language barrier and transportation in China. But when I arrived, everything wasn't as scary as I imagined. With only three Chinese words, I was able to explore and experience two cities in 9 days very fully. Everyone here is very friendly and enthusiastic. When I asked for help or needed anything, everyone was very helpful. So if you want to travel independently but are worried because you don't know the language, don't worry. Just confidently go out with Google Translate and a fully charged phone,” Huyen Trang shared.
Sometimes, the difficulties you encounter during a trip are the most memorable.
