Even though this is my third time going to China, I still get a bit overwhelmed with making sure I have everything set up properly, trying to find my way around and of course the very strong language barrier. Thankfully Shenzhen is very modern city though that once you get the basics, there is SO MUCH to explore!
Alina Mcleod navigates the high-speed rail from Hong Kong to Shenzhen, tackling digital payments, finding hidden hotels, and discovering a futuristic city that’
Travel Guides & Tips in this video
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.
Intimidated by Shenzhen China High Speed Rail Hong Kong to
Even though this is my third time going to China, I still get a bit overwhelmed with making sure I have everything set up properly, trying to find my way around and of course the very strong language barrier. Thankfully Shenzhen is very modern city though that once you get the basics, there is SO...
Shenzhen High-Speed Rail from Hong Kong Travel Tips and First Imp
Even though this is her third time going to China, Alina Mcleod admits she still gets a bit overwhelmed with making sure she has everything set up properly, trying to find her way around and of course the very strong language barrier. Switching from Hong Kong's buzzing streets to the hyper-modern world of Shenzhen, she captures the sheer awe of stepping off the high speed rail into a city that feels like it lives in the future. But getting there is half the adventure—navigating immigration, linking up Alipay, and figuring out the train system. The real payoff? Once you get the basics down, Shenzhen reveals itself as an incredibly advanced and exciting place with SO MUCH to explore. <br><br>From the moment she arrives, the intimidating scale and tech-infused energy of the city hit hard and it's a wild, rewarding ride. She dives into local Chinese food, tests out digital nomad essentials, and discovers why so many travelers say this city is 'crazy' in the best possible way. It's a raw, v
Attractions in this video: Coco Park
Shenzhen China's Silicon Valley: Futuristic Megacity Tour
More about the current video:(Published on 2026-04-19)
<p>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. And don't bring aerosols—they confiscated her hairspray.</p><p>Once in Shenzhen, Alina relies on her Airalo eSim to get online (she even has a discount code for viewers). She uses the Chinese ride-hailing app DD to reach her hotel, which turns out to be a bit of a hidden gem—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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>
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.
