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Q: How do you travel around Shanghai independently? with very limited Mandarin...
I'd like to explore places around Shanghai, such as Suzhou, Yangzhou, Nantong, Wuxi, Zhujiajiao, etc. independently. Is their any way to get there? I don't know too much Chinese.
I found that the information online is quite limited, are you all go with a travel agent or Chinese friends?
10 years 36 weeks ago in Transport & Travel - Shanghai
Lots of trains leaving from the Shanghai area going to many different places. You can check here: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/
I've found the clerks selling tickets at Shanghai Hongqiao train station can usually speak English, so that shouldn't be a problem to get from Shanghai to your destination.
And really...as long as you've got a smartphone with google maps and google translator....you'll probably be ok. Also, learn some basic Chinese. "I want to go to ________" = "yao qu ________" simple huh?
I travel around China without translator or smart phone. My Chinese is non existent. When in trouble, I always turn to the Banks or Pharmacies, where you can find English speaking Chinese.
Thanks guys, I actually prefer to take a bus.
So no one ever try a bus? Is there a website I can search the long distance bus timetable departing from Shanghai?
There are buses to most places leaving the airports and I am sure other places as well. Your best bet is to get a friend who can read Chinese to assist you if you want a time table as there will not be one in English that is accurate.
That being said Shanghai to Suzhou (where I live) by bus is 2 hours. By train is 20 minutes. The 1 time I took the bus from the airport to Suzhou it was 68 RMB which is more expensive then the train.
CharlieB:
Yes it is easy. Here is a link to the train schedule:
http://www.chinatrainguide.com/suzhou-railway-station/stntostn.php
Suzhou to Shanghai return
http://www.chinatrainguide.com/suzhou-railway-station/shanghai.html
Take a G train to Suzhou station. There are 2 Suzhou stations, you want simply Suzhou station and not Suzhou Yuanqu (this is the SIP station). Line 2 of the subway runs to the Suzhou station now (opened DEC 28th).
Simply write down the train number you want to purchase a ticket for and they will know.
Example: G7136
Good luck, if you need any other Suzhou info contact me.
I live in nantong, and there are buses leaving from shanghai every 15 minutes, not sure about suzhou though. After arriving at the bus station, u will probably need to take a taxi to nan da jie （南大街） which is the downtown area. From there u can find hotels and restaurants, whatever ur looking for.
lindholm:
Have little knowledge about Nantong, I heard that there are some interesting things there.
Buy me the ticket,I can be your 
quide
Scandinavian:
Victoria, maybe this would be an activity for you http://www.toursbylocals.com/find_guide&area=176
lindholm:
Thanks, I have some friends around, but I just want to do some little adventure :D
