Shanghai

I was searching for a tour from Shanghai to Hangzhou by bullet train and found this one. Our guide, Mr. Zhang, called me the day before the tour, so I was able to relax and enjoy the day. After being picked up at my hotel, we walked and then took the train to the bullet train station. I chose first-class seats, and tea and snacks were served on the way there. From Hangzhou, we chartered a car. After a stroll through the old town, we took a leisurely boat ride on West Lake, guided by Mr. Zhang. Lunch was delicious, and every dish was delicious. The shrimp dish in particular was the best I had in Shanghai. After lunch, we visited a pagoda overlooking the lake, and finally went to a tea factory where they apparently produce and sell tea, where we were given an explanation about the tea's benefits. Since I had originally intended to buy tea, I was very satisfied with the excellent product I was able to buy. On the way back, snow in the northern region caused delays and cancellations to the bullet train, but Mr. Zhang kindly helped me change my scheduled train to an earlier one, so I was able to return safely without too much delay. Thank you so much, Zhang-san! China's train stations are large, so you have to walk quite a bit to transfer. I realized that in winter, trains can be canceled or delayed due to snow. I chose the Shinkansen after a tour participant commented that it would take a long time to travel by car, but I thought that if you're not particularly confident in your legs, a tour that takes you by car from Shanghai might be a good option! (That day, I stopped by Yuyuan Garden on the way back, so my total steps were 20,000.)

The Xuyan Imperial Banquet restaurant exudes a sense of ceremony from the moment you step inside. The decor is exquisite and elegant, the atmosphere calm yet relaxed, as if you've entered a royal court for a meal. The dishes are meticulously presented, not only with exquisite plating but also with clearly defined flavors, showcasing the freshness of the ingredients and the careful seasoning. The service staff are attentive and thorough in explaining the dishes, and the pace of service is well-controlled, ensuring a stress-free experience. Overall, it's not just a meal, but a complete dining experience, suitable for important gatherings or when you want to treat yourself.

The driver was punctual, had excellent driving skills, and was kind, friendly, and cooperative. It was a wonderful experience, and I highly recommend it to my friends. You should definitely check it out; it's great!

The area isn't too crowded, allowing for multiple entries and exits. Queues for rides aren't too long, and the roller coaster is quite exhilarating. The high-speed train journey from Hongqiao Station takes just over ten minutes, while the return trip by taxi takes about an hour. Therefore, taking the high-speed train is a worthwhile option.