Travelling from Hong Kong to Shenzhen: A Unique Experience

Summary

This video highlights a traveler’s experience on the high-speed train from Hong Kong to Shenzhen. It emphasizes the challenges and excitement of crossing into Mainland China for the first time.

Author

Oliver Dadema

Keyword

Hong Kong to Shenzhen, high-speed train, travel tips, cultural exploration

Abstract

In the video, Oliver embarks on an adventure from Hong Kong to Shenzhen via a high-speed train. It’s his first time visiting China, and he shares his excitement, fears, and unexpected challenges along the way. He discusses the visa process, ticket purchasing, customs, and unique experiences on the train itself. Oliver aims to explore and immerse himself in Chinese culture during his short visit.

Event

• Departure from West Kowloon Station: Oliver arrives at West Kowloon Station in Hong Kong and prepares for his journey into Mainland China.
• Ticket Purchase Challenges: While planning to buy his ticket online, Oliver opts to show his viewers how to purchase tickets manually. However, the automated machine does not recognize his passport, leading him to the ticket counter.
• Security and Immigration: Oliver goes through multiple layers of security and immigration checks. He expresses his anticipation for receiving the entry stamp in his passport, reveling in the excitement of crossing into a new country.
• Missed Train Incident: Content with all preparations, Oliver undergoes immigration but ends up missing his train. The gate closes five minutes before scheduled departure, causing frustration.
• Navigating New Customs: After missing the train, Oliver learns he can switch to another train but must wait for 1.5 hours and pay an upgrade fee. He navigates the customs and security processes while managing his emotions and looking forward to reaching Shenzhen.
• Arrival in Shenzhen: Once on the train, Oliver marvels at the speed of the journey and praises the international outlets available for charging devices. Upon arrival, he is amazed by the size of the Shenzhen train station and the ease of navigating it despite initial challenges.
• Currency and Payment Issues: Oliver faces difficulties when trying to purchase metro tickets. He discovers credit cards are not accepted and must find an ATM for cash. Eventually, he sets up the Alipay app for payments.
• Exploring Shenzhen: Finally, Oliver is ready to explore Shenzhen. He expresses enthusiasm about seeing the city and staying at what he calls a “crazy hotel.”

Opinions

1. Excitement for New Experiences: Oliver conveys a strong sense of excitement about traveling to China for the first time. His enthusiasm is infectious, making viewers eager to join the journey.
2. Traveling Through Customs: The video highlights the complexities involved in crossing international borders, emphasizing the importance of understanding customs and immigration processes, especially for foreign travelers.
3. Navigational Challenges: Oliver discusses the difficulty of navigating using public transport in a new country. This experience serves as a reminder for travelers to prepare for navigating city’s metro systems in unfamiliar territory.
4. Cultural Immersion: He expresses a keen interest in experiencing and immersing himself in Chinese culture, demonstrating an openness that is commendable in travel.
5. Preparation for Payments: Oliver emphasizes the need to be prepared for different payment methods, particularly in China, where cash and mobile payment options like Alipay are prevalent.

Advice

• Plan Ahead: Make sure to check visa requirements and customs regulations before traveling to avoid delays.
• Allow Extra Time: Arrive at the train station early to account for security, ticket buying, and immigration processes.
• Use Technology: Download necessary travel apps, like Alipay, ahead of time to simplify purchases upon arrival.
• Cultural Openness: Approach your travel with an open mind. Be ready to engage with the local culture to enhance your travel experience.
• Cash Preparations: Always have some local currency on hand for smaller purchases, as credit cards may not always be accepted.

Conclusion

Oliver’s trip from Hong Kong to Shenzhen serves as an exciting reminder of the joys and challenges of traveling to new places. His narrative encourages us to be prepared, patient, and curious about the experiences that await us. If you found this exploration intriguing, consider sharing this article with friends or planning your own trip to discover the wonders of Shenzhen!