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Alina Mcleod's third trip to China proves that even seasoned travelers can feel intimidated by the country's digital ecosystem. From navigating the high-speed rail from Hong Kong to Shenzhen in under 15 minutes, to losing her hairspray at security, she captures the mix of excitement and overwhelm that defines modern Chinese travel. The highlight isn't just Shenzhen's futuristic skyline or the massive Coco Park mall—it's the small victories: successfully ordering via Alipay, finding a hidden hotel in a concrete jungle, and finally relaxing over lemongrass chicken. Her journey is a masterclass in embracing the learning curve.
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The experience
Alina Mcleod is back in China for her third visit, and she still finds the experience both intimidating and exhilarating. This time, she's taking the high-speed rail from Hong Kong to Shenzhen—a 15-minute journey that feels deceptively simple but comes with its own set of challenges. From the moment she arrives at the station, she's navigating a labyrinth of train lines, passport control, and a new online entry form. She warns future travelers: give yourself at least an hour, because the process can take as long as airport customs. She uses the Chinese ride-hailing app DD to reach her hotel, which turns out to be a bit of a lesser-known place—the lobby is on the 10th floor, and it's not a name-brand hotel. But for $50 a night in a prime area near the Ritz-Carlton, she considers it a win. The room even comes with a mini washing machine.
Details from the visit
Her first stop is Coco Park, a sprawling mall and entertainment complex that she describes as 'absolutely huge'. She loves using malls as a gateway to understand a new city. At a Vietnamese restaurant with Thai and Chinese influences, she demonstrates a crucial travel skill: ordering via QR code and paying with Alipay. It's a system that still makes her nervous, but once it works, she feels a wave of relief. Alina reflects on the broader challenges of traveling solo in China—the need for a working VPN, the struggle with translation, and the intimidation of unfamiliar cuisine. She hopes her friend Bianca can join her for a day to help navigate the food scene. Walking through Shenzhen's futuristic district, she's struck by how brand-new everything feels, unlike the historic cities of Europe. The cleanliness and technology are years ahead of North America, and she's eager to explore more.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: How early should I arrive for the high-speed rail from Hong Kong to Shenzhen?
- A: At least one hour minimum, because you have to exit Hong Kong and enter mainland China, plus fill out an online entry form.
- Q: What's the easiest way to order food in China?
- A: Scan the QR code on the table at the restaurant, order and pay directly through Alipay. No waiter will come to take your order.
- Q: What should I do if my hotel is hard to find?
- A: If you book a non-brand hotel, check if the lobby is on a high floor—mine was on the 10th floor. Also look for hotels near a Ritz-Carlton to find a safe, good area.
- Q: How long did the rail trip from Hong Kong to Shenzhen take?
- A: Alina describes the high-speed rail ride as a 15-minute journey, while warning travelers to allow at least an hour for station and entry procedures.
- Q: What did Alina do at Coco Park?
- A: She visited the mall and ordered at a Vietnamese restaurant with Thai and Chinese influences using a table QR code and Alipay.
