2-week trip to China

Just arrived from my 2 week trip to China, where I visited Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai, Suzhou and Beijing.

I first flew in to Hong Kong where I spent three nights. The skyline was as impressive as I’d imagined, especially at night, and I loved the unique blend of east and west. One of the highlights of my stay was the day trip to Macau. As a Portuguese traveler, this stop felt particularly meaningful. Seeing the traces of Portuguese history, architecture, and even language mixed into an otherwise very Chinese environment was fascinating. It felt like a distant echo of home.

From Hong Kong, I flew to Shanghai, where I stayed for four nights. The contrast was immediate as Shanghai felt very modern, fast-paced, and highly international. It was the Chinese city that reminded me the most of other major metropolitan hubs. Still, one of my favorite experiences there was stepping away from that modernity for a day trip to Suzhou. I absolutely loved it. The classical gardens, canals, and traditional architecture gave me a glimpse of what I had always imagined as “old China”. It was a perfect contrast to Shanghai’s futuristic feel.

After Shanghai, I took the bullet train to Beijing where I spent five nights. This was probably my favorite stop of the entire trip. The city felt deeply rooted in Chinese culture and history in a way that Shanghai didn’t. I visited all the major sights: Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, and got lost in the narrow alleys of the hutongs.

In the end, while I appreciated the energy and modernity of Shanghai, it was Beijing that truly captured my heart. The culture felt more present, more tangible, and more immersive. Altogether, China offered an incredible mix of experiences. From colonial history in Macau to futuristic skylines in Shanghai and deep cultural heritage in Beijing, what a pleasant surprise.

Preparing for this trip had its challenges, as they have their own apps, methods of payment, maps, etc… so I’ll be glad to help if anyone is thinking about going.