Back in Shanghai: Transportation
Traveling within the city of Shanghai has developed rapidly in the last several years, with a new line or expansion being opened every year on average since 1994. But what makes Shanghai, and China for that matter, particularly unique when it comes to transportation is the bullet train. Cities around the country are as connected as can be thanks to this convenient and quick form of transportation, which allowed me to explore Hangzhou, Nanjing and Suzhou.
The Train
Bullet trains are totally awesome. The first time I rode in one was back in Japan a few months ago and I was shocked by how efficient and comfortable this form of transportation was. Bullet trains really make a country feel much more connected, and traveling around Asia the last year has made me almost a bit mad at the US for not implementing these trains earlier. Traveling 300 km/hr between the major cities around Shanghai allows you to see three stunning cities within an hour.
Subway stations are no joke out here
The seats in economy have fantastic recline, although be warned, Chinese people do not mess around when it comes to reclining on the train. Every time I would take advantage and fully recline, I would be met with an incredibly judgmental stare for an uncomfortable amount of time, prompting me to return to an upright and locked position. Pro tip, because of this societal norm, if you can, book your ticket as the last row on the cart, that way you can recline without a Chinese woman staring at you.
Every few carts there is a solid snack and drinks bar, and they walk through the aisle offering them for purchase (although I don't think they care much at all about selling anything because they book it through the aisles without even caring to check if anyone wants to buy a cup of milk tea).
When it comes to bathrooms, be careful. They have two toilet options, one being the well-known-to-an-American toilet seat, and the other being a hole in the ground. I unknowingly walked into the bathroom with a hole in the ground and I'll save you from the visual description but, well, let's just say holy shit.
Lastly, the bullet train stations are all massive, and most stations actually look the same and have sufficient English signage. Everything is inside one massive complex, with the ground floor being where all the gates and shopping is, and the mezzanine being where the food is. Getting from one side of the station will take you at least five minutes, and every gate is split on each side of the building to provide access on whichever side your car will be, so make sure you go to the exact correct gate (5A vs. 5B could mean the difference of a full five minute walk down to the other end of the bullet train).
Almost all the bullet train stations in China look something like this
If you have a week or more in Shanghai, I highly recommend checking out at least a couple of these cities, as they provide surprisingly beautiful nature and history less than an hour from Shanghai Hongqiao Station.
Hangzhou
Our first day trip on the bullet train was to what is considered the most heavenly place in China, thanks in large part to the natural and historical beauty of West Lake. Start your day seeing the original laughing Buddha and exploring the surrounding caves at "The Peak Flown From Afar" (it's given this name because this mountain is made mostly of limestone, which is nowhere else to be seen in the surrounding area, leading people to believe it was flown in, of course). Then go for a boat road on West Lake in a traditional Chinese lake boat and finish your day with buying trinkets and eating a traditional dinner on Zhong Shan Road.
Buddhas everywhere
Make a pit stop at the tea gardens in Hangzhou, the views are totally worth it, plus you can learn a bit about the history of tea in a traditional tea house
What surprised me most about Hangzhou, and frankly all these surrounding cities I am getting to, is the incredible amount of nature they have. It is seriously green here and I had no idea (naïve Milad thinking all of China was buildings and rice farms). Before you enter the gates of "The Peak Flown From Afar", there is a sign which in Chinese roughly translates to "One inch West of Heaven". The sign is totally correct, as you feel like you step into a natural wonderland, granted joined by thousands of tourists.
Pictures on a gloomy day at West Lake does not do the beautiful scenery justice
Nanjing
The furthest of the day trips (a whole hour and fifteen minutes) was to Nanjing. Nanjing is a large city. But even being as large as it is, it's home to incredible nature and history.
We started at the Presidential Palace of Nanjing, which used to be the leader of China's office, along with living quarters. Basically, if Trump decides to move the White House to the Trump Tower in New York, the White House would become the equivalent to the Presidential Palace of Nanjing (and that's a very real possibility, let's be honest). What made this place interesting was that it had been occupied by several Chinese leaders and it showed the furnishings, artwork and layout of each room and wing of the Palace.
Literally and physically breathtaking. 293 up and down!
The most incredible part of Nanjing is the mausoleum of Sun Yat-Sen. Sure, it's overrun by tourists but realistically, everywhere in China is. Seriously everywhere. 293 steps up Purple Mountain to the Mausoleum offers great views over Nanjing (including amazing moments where you can see the bullet trains fly on the elevated tracks across the horizon). It is breathtaking, literally and physically.
Views from the top
The last place we visited in Nanjing may have been the most powerful museum I have ever visited. Along with the Peace Museum in Hiroshima, the Nanjing Massacre Memorial was incredibly emotional. 300,000 people were brutally murdered by the Japanese just before World War II in 1937, and the entire city was subsequently burned down. I had no idea this was even a part of history. Not a single clue. Walking through this museum, behind children no older than seven, I was exposed to the disturbing images of women being raped, men being tortured, and the city being burned. Just writing about this is making me emotional, which makes me wonder how kids so young could see images and stories like that. It will make you sad, but it is important to acknowledge history, especially given that I hadn't a single clue what had happened in this city. Additionally, the architecture of this museum is stunning.
A stunningly powerful museum
Suzhou
Hidden gems like this are scattered around the grounds
The most naturally beautiful of the cities around Shanghai, Suzhou is scattered with gorgeous gardens only 30-minutes from Shanghai. Tiger Hill was the most beautiful of the gardens in my opinion, with incredible history to go along with it. Walking through these grounds, you pass by thousand year old pagodas, waterfalls and bamboo forests, and can easily spend a full half day just roaming the grounds here.
Nature and history collide at Tiger Hill
The Classical Gardens of Suzhou are also stunning, but frankly there were just too many tourists in this smaller garden for it to be even remotely enjoyable. Go early and beat the crowds if you want to actually see the nature rather than thousands of people.
Beautiful bamboo forest in Suzhou
Unfortunately we did not have time to see arguably the most famous part of Suzhou, ShangTan Jie. Almost like the Venice of China, this area of Suzhou is lined with canals and waterways, cutting through traditional Chinese buildings and creating stunning imagery. Bummed I couldn't make it, but hey, I'm young.
A glimpse of the beautiful canals in Suzhou
The transportation in China is truly amazing. The bullet train, subway, and Mag-Lev (a must-use going to and from Pudong airport) are all super affordable and comfortable, which makes seeing the beautiful areas surrounding Shanghai and absolute must. Get out and thrive. Up next: Get drunk.