A sourced account of travelshorts’ 2024 trip. Opinions and costs describe that journey; hotel benefits, prices and access may have changed. Summaries are editorial paraphrases, attributed to the creator. Read our source notes.
The route, as recorded
Beijing → Xi’an → Shanghai → Chengdu (with a day in Leshan) → Guilin → Yangshuo → Hong Kong.
The supplied itinerary runs from 24 March to 15 April 2024. Calendar dates follow the dataset’s reconstruction; day numbers are the stable way to follow the journey.
This includes arrival and return travel days. The overnight train crosses Days 7 and 8. It is a historical account rather than a ready-to-book schedule.
Follow the 23 travel days
- Day 1
Beijing arrival & Universal Studios
Outbound flight from Manchester via London Heathrow with British Airways, arrival at Beijing Daxing Airport, border control, taxi transfer to Universal Studios Beijing, and check-in at The Universal Studios Grand Hotel.
2024-03-24 · 2 source videos
- Day 2
A full day at Universal Studios Beijing
Full day exploring Universal Studios Beijing with early hotel entry benefit, riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Jurassic World Adventure, Transformers Battle for the AllSpark, watching WaterWorld and the parade, dining at Three Broomsticks and Neon Street Hawkers.
2024-03-25 · 1 source video
- Day 3
The Forbidden City & Wangfujing
Checking out of Universal Studios Grand Hotel, taking the subway to Wangfujing, checking into the Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel, touring Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, climbing Jingshan Park hill for panoramic views, and eating Peking roast duck at Quanjude.
2024-03-26 · 1 source video
- Day 4
Mutianyu Great Wall & Beijing street food
Day trip to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall via Mubus, cable car ascent, hike to Watchtower 20, buffet lunch at Mubus Family Centre, return coach to Beijing, shopping on Wangfujing Street, Walmart snack stocking, and evening street food on Qianmen Street.
2024-03-27 · 1 source video
- Day 5
An evening in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter
Evening street food exploration of the Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, trying Chinese hamburgers (roujiamo), grilled lamb skewers, fresh pomegranate juice, and viewing the illuminated Xi'an Bell Tower.
2024-03-28 · 2 source videos
- Day 6
The Terracotta Army
Day excursion to the Terracotta Army (Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum), touring Pit 1, Pit 3, Pit 2, and the Bronze Chariots exhibition, followed by an evening in the Muslim Quarter.
2024-03-29 · 1 source video
- Day 7
The overnight train from Xi’an
Boarding the overnight D124 high-speed soft sleeper train from Xi'an to Shanghai.
2024-03-30 · 2 source videos
- Day 8
Arriving in Shanghai
Morning arrival at Shanghai Railway Station on board sleeper train D124, followed by taxi transfer to the hotel.
2024-03-31 · 2 source videos
- Day 9
Shanghai Disneyland & Toy Story Hotel
Checking out of Waldorf Astoria, taking a taxi to Shanghai Disneyland, checking into the Toy Story Hotel for two nights, purchasing 8-ride Premier Access passes, riding Soarin, Pirates of the Caribbean, Zootopia Hot Pursuit, and TRON Lightcycle Power Run.
2024-04-01 · 1 source video
- Day 10
A second day at Shanghai Disneyland
Second day at Shanghai Disneyland: early entry from Toy Story Hotel, riding TRON four times, visiting Zootopia, lunch at Pinocchio Village Kitchen, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train with Premier Access, and dinner back at Toy Story Hotel Sunnyside Cafe.
2024-04-02 · 1 source video
- Day 11
The Maglev & a flight to Chengdu
Travel day from Shanghai to Chengdu: checked out of Toy Story Hotel, took a DiDi taxi to Shanghai Pudong Airport, rode the Shanghai Maglev train round-trip to Longyang Road for fun, flew China Southern Airlines flight CZ5776 to Chengdu Tianfu Airport, took a taxi to Crowne Plaza Chengdu City Centre, and had dinner at the hotel cafe.
2024-04-03 · 1 source video
- Day 12
Pandas & an evening in Chengdu
Visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see Giant Pandas and Red Pandas, rode the internal golf cart, ate lunch at McDonald's, and searched for hot pot in Chengdu in the evening before returning to the hotel restaurant.
2024-04-04 · 1 source video
- Day 13
Leshan Giant Buddha & Sichuan hot pot
Day trip from Chengdu to Leshan: took a high-speed train in First Class from Chengdu East to Leshan, visited the Leshan Giant Buddha and climbed down the narrow steps to the feet, explored the Oriental Buddha Capital cave statues, returned by train to Chengdu, and enjoyed an authentic Sichuan hot pot dinner.
2024-04-05 · 1 source video
- Day 14
Business class train to Guilin
Travel day from Chengdu to Guilin: departed Crowne Plaza Chengdu, accessed the VIP Business Class lounge at Chengdu East, rode the G3705 high-speed train in Business Class lie-flat seats to Guilin (5 hours), checked into Holiday Inn Express Guilin City Centre, and explored Guilin's snack streets in the evening.
2024-04-06 · 1 source video
- Day 15
Li River cruise & Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
Travel day from Guilin to Yangshuo via a 4-hour 4-Star Li River cruise passing karst peaks and the Xingping 20 RMB viewpoint, followed by checking into Yangshuo Mountain Retreat and having dinner at the resort restaurant.
2024-04-07 · 1 source video
- Day 16
Yulong River rafting & changed evening plans
Full day in Yangshuo: breakfast overlooking Yulong River, bamboo rafting down the river over small waterfalls on Line 4, relaxing at Yangshuo Mountain Retreat for lunch, and cancelling the evening Impression Sanjie Liu show after Matthew suffered food poisoning.
2024-04-08 · 1 source video
- Day 17
The train to Hong Kong & Salisbury YMCA
Travel day from Yangshuo to Hong Kong: 1-hour taxi to Yangshuo Railway Station, high-speed train to Guilin West, bullet train G319 to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, clearing joint immigration, checking into The Salisbury - YMCA of Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui with a Harbour View King Suite, and watching the Symphony of Lights.
2024-04-09 · 1 source video
- Day 18
Victoria Peak & Explorers Lodge
First full day in Hong Kong: exchanged currency at Chungking Mansions, crossed Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry, rode the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, took the Peak Tram to Sky Terrace 428 on Victoria Peak, shopped at Don Don Donki, ate at Jollibee, took the MTR to Disneyland Resort, and checked into Disney's Explorers Lodge.
2024-04-10 · 1 source video
- Day 19
Hong Kong Disneyland & a quieter afternoon
First day at Hong Kong Disneyland: took the resort shuttle, rode Mystic Manor and Ant-Man and The Wasp, had lunch at Royal Banquet Hall, but cut the park visit short as Holly fell ill; spent the afternoon swimming at Disney's Explorers Lodge and touring Disney's Hollywood Hotel.
2024-04-11 · 1 source video
- Day 20
Frozen, Mystic Manor & the fireworks
Full day at Hong Kong Disneyland: early rope drop from Disney's Explorers Lodge, riding Jungle River Cruise, Big Grizzly Mountain, Mystic Manor, Winnie the Pooh, and Iron Man Experience, seeing Festival of the Lion King, exploring the new World of Frozen (Frozen Ever After and Wandering Oaken's Sliding Sleighs), dinner at Starlight Diner, and watching Momentus fireworks from the Premier Access castle viewing area.
2024-04-12 · 1 source video
- Day 21
Ngong Ping, Tian Tan Buddha & dim sum
Final day exploring Hong Kong: checked out of Disney's Explorers Lodge, took the MTR to Tung Chung, rode the Ngong Ping 360 Crystal Cabin cable car to Ngong Ping, climbed 268 steps to Tian Tan Buddha, visited Po Lin Monastery, had Michelin-starred dim sum at Tim Ho Wan, walked along the Avenue of Stars to see the Bruce Lee statue, and visited the Wing On Plaza filming location from Jackie Chan's Police Story.
2024-04-13 · 1 source video
- Day 22
Leaving Hong Kong
Departure from Hong Kong: collected luggage from Disney's Explorers Lodge, took a taxi to Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1, checked in for Qatar Airways flight QR815, and departed on overnight flight to Doha.
2024-04-14 · 1 source video
- Day 23
Doha, Manchester & the journey home
Return to the UK: transited through Doha Hamad International Airport, flew Qatar Airways to Manchester Airport, retrieved car at JetParks 3, and drove home to North Wales, concluding the 23-day trip.
2024-04-15 · 1 source video
Hotels they actually stayed at
Ten recorded hotel stays. A visit to a hotel restaurant or a hotel tour is not counted as an overnight stay.
The Universal Studios Grand Hotel
Actually stayed · 2 nights · Day 1 · Day 2
Room recorded: Hollywood Boulevard View Room.
Travelshorts’ account: Booked 2 nights at the end of March for £390 via Trip.com; 7th floor room has an amazing direct view straight into Universal Studios Beijing. Staying at the hotel allows entrance 1 hour before general park opening, with a direct view of Hollywood Boulevard from the room. Comfortable room with long desk area, though note it only had one chair for dining.
Observed during this stay: Desk, Early theme park entrance, Facial recognition integration, Large TV, Long desk, Room service, Theme park view, Two double beds. These are historical observations, not a current amenities guarantee.
Video evidence (3)
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - UK To Beijing with British Airways · 32:34Caption timestamp checked
and the total cost for two nights in the end of March, so a Sunday night and a Monday night, came to £390.
- UNIVERSAL STUDIOS BEIJING - Full day at this Amazing Theme Park in China · 0:35Caption timestamp checked
And this is the view out of our bedroom window here at the hotel, straight down Hollywood Boulevard and into the theme park.
- Universal Studios Beijing - Our First Day in China · 45:21Caption timestamp checked
Got a really big desk area, but there's only one chair. An extra chair would have been nice, I think.
Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel
Actually stayed · 2 nights · Day 3 · Day 4
Room recorded: Club Room.
Travelshorts’ account: Convenient hotel with Club Lounge breakfast before early morning tours. Paid extra for a room on the 16th floor with a view overlooking the Forbidden City.
Observed during this stay: Club Lounge, Club Lounge access, Floor 16 view. These are historical observations, not a current amenities guarantee.
Video evidence (2)
- THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA is NOT what we expected (BEST Day Trip from Beijing)Video description
having breakfast at the Club Lounge at our hotel, the Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel
- BEIJING CHINA is NOT what we expected - Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square · 7:46Caption timestamp checked
I said, this is floor 16, and I paid extra for a forbidden City view.
Holiday Inn Express Xi'an Bell Tower
Actually stayed · 2 nights · Day 5 · Day 6
Room recorded: Family Room.
Travelshorts’ account: Conveniently located within a short walk of the Bell Tower and Muslim Street. Great central location a few minutes walk from Xi'an Bell Tower and Muslim Quarter; family room has two double beds plus sofa and handy USB ports in every socket. Had breakfast at the hotel early before taking a DiDi taxi to the Terracotta Army.
Observed during this stay: Breakfast, Safe, Shower, Sofa, Tea making facilities, Two double beds, USB wall sockets. These are historical observations, not a current amenities guarantee.
Video evidence (3)
- XIAN CHINA STREET FOOD is NOT What We Expected (The Best Chinese Street Food in China?) · 0:32Caption timestamp checked
All we've got to do is turn left out of the hotel, head towards the bell tower,
- Riding the WORLDS FASTEST Bullet Train from Beijing to Xian in China · 34:30Caption timestamp checked
Then this is a family room, so we've got two double beds plus a sofa. There's Matthew and Holly relaxing after our long train journey to come here.
- TERRACOTTA WARRIORS In XI'AN is it the BEST Attraction in CHINA?Video description
We start the day very early, have breakfast at our hotel the Holiday Inn Express Xian Bell Tower then get a taxi (DiDi) from outside to take us to the Terracotta Warriors.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
Actually stayed · 1 night · Day 8
Travelshorts’ account: Arrived at the Waldorf Astoria on the Bund via taxi from the railway station. Stunning luxury hotel located directly on the Bund with views across to Pudong.
Observed during this stay: River view room, Swimming pool. These are historical observations, not a current amenities guarantee.
Video evidence (2)
- CHINA HIGH SPEED SLEEPER TRAIN in a PRIVATE ROOM from Xi'an to ShanghaiVideo description
When we finally arrived into Shanghai we got a taxi to our hotel, the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund.
- FIRST TIME in SHANGHAI CHINA - NOT what we Expected - Yu Gardens, Shanghai Tower, the BundVideo description
After a quick taxi ride to our luxurious hotel, the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, we were greeted with breathtaking views of the famous Pudong Skyline.
Toy Story Hotel
Actually stayed · 2 nights · Day 9 · Day 10
Travelshorts’ account: Fun, heavily themed Disney hotel with convenient complimentary shuttle bus running directly to Disneytown and park entrance. Great perk of getting one hour early theme park access, though shuttle bus queue in the morning was 35 minutes.
Observed during this stay: Disneyland shuttle bus, Food court, Sunnyside Cafe, Themed elevators, courtesy shuttle bus to Shanghai Disneyland, early park entry. These are historical observations, not a current amenities guarantee.
Video evidence (2)
- SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND - Our FIRST VISIT to this DISNEY THEME PARK in CHINAVideo description
where we check in to our new hotel for two nights the Disney Toy Story Hotel at Shanghai Disneyland. We then get the shuttle bus to Disneytown and enter the Shanghai Disneyland Theme Park.
- The BEST DAY at SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND | We Rode TRON 4 TIMES! · 0:26Caption timestamp checked
We've just spent the night at Toy Story Hotel, which is right behind me there.
Crowne Plaza Chengdu City Centre
Actually stayed · 3 nights · Day 11 · Day 12 · Day 13
Room recorded: Twin Room with rollaway bed added.
Travelshorts’ account: Base room rate was very cheap (£60 a night), but charged an additional 398 RMB per night for an extra rollaway bed for Holly, which almost doubled the room cost.
Observed during this stay: Plaza Cafe restaurant, executive lounge, swimming pool. These are historical observations, not a current amenities guarantee.
Video evidence (3)
- CHINA TRAVEL DAY - SHANGHAI TO CHENGDU by MAGLEV and FLYING China Southern Airlines · 38:00Caption timestamp checked
So for three nights I'm paying 1600 rmb for the, for the hotel room.
- We visited the CHENGDU PANDA BASE the BEST place to see PANDAS in CHINA · 0:25Caption timestamp checked
After getting up at 6:00 AM this morning, having breakfast at the hotel,
- LESHAN GIANT BUDDHA in CHINA - The Worlds LARGEST Buddha · 60:07Caption timestamp checked
We're back at the hotel, so I think we're going to end this video for tonight here.
Holiday Inn Express Guilin City Centre
Actually stayed · 1 night · Day 14
Room recorded: Standard Room.
Travelshorts’ account: Good convenient overnight base before departing early the next morning for the Li River cruise to Yangshuo.
Video evidence (1)
- CHINA HIGH SPEED BUSINESS CLASS TRAIN From Chengdu to Guilin · 31:29Caption timestamp checked
The hotel we're going to be staying in today is the Holiday Inn Express, Guilin City Centre.
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
Actually stayed · 2 nights · Day 15 · Day 16
Room recorded: River view room with balcony.
Travelshorts’ account: Spectacular tranquil location by the river, much more peaceful than the big cities, and great value at £144 for two nights.
Observed during this stay: balcony, gardens, riverside restaurant. These are historical observations, not a current amenities guarantee.
Video evidence (2)
- CHINA'S BEST RIVER CRUISE Li River Cruise From Guilin To Yangshuo on a 4 STAR BOAT · 44:54Caption timestamp checked
Total cost for two nights came to, I think, £144,
- YANGSHUO in CHINA is so BEAUTIFUL but THINGS GO VERY WRONG! · 0:55Caption timestamp checked
We've come down for our breakfast. We're sitting here on a table overlooking the river and
The Salisbury - YMCA of Hong Kong
Actually stayed · 1 night · Day 17
Room recorded: Harbour View King Suite.
Travelshorts’ account: Prime location in Tsim Sha Tsui next to The Peninsula, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering one of the best views of the Victoria Harbour skyline.
Observed during this stay: living room, separate bedroom, two bathrooms. These are historical observations, not a current amenities guarantee.
Video evidence (1)
- Riding the WORLDS FASTEST Bullet Train from Guilin to Hong Kong in CHINAVideo description
Tonight we were staying at The Salisbury - YMCA Hong Kong, the hotel is in a perfect location in Tsim Sha Tsui next to the Peninsula with perfect views over Victoria harbour and the Hong Kong Skyline. Our room was a Harbour View King Suite so we had two rooms and a huge floor to ceiling window to admire the view.
Disney's Explorers Lodge
Actually stayed · 3 nights · Day 18 · Day 19 · Day 20
Room recorded: Standard Two Queen Room.
Travelshorts’ account: Lovely 4-star Disney resort with adventurous explorer theme and direct resort shuttle access to Disneyland park.
Observed during this stay: courtesy shuttle bus to Disneyland park, outdoor swimming pool, resort courtesy shuttle bus, swimming pool, themed hotel lobby. These are historical observations, not a current amenities guarantee.
Video evidence (3)
- HONG KONG DISNEYLAND Didn't Go As Planned · 0:32Caption timestamp checked
So to get to the park, we just got the courtesy shuttle bus from our hotel, which is Disney's Explorers Lodge.
- HONG KONG DISNEYLAND - THE BEST DAY EVER!Video description
After leaving our hotel, Disney's Explorers Lodge Hotel, we get the shuttle bus to Hong Kong Disneyland.
- FIRST DAY IN HONG KONG SURPRISED US - First Impressions of HONG KONG · 41:43Caption timestamp checked
Okay, we've just checked into the Hong Kong Disneyland Explorers Lodge Hotel.
What the creator spent
The creator reports a total of £12,443.63. The six reported categories sum to £12,444.26, a £0.63 difference. Both source figures are preserved.
- Visas
- £390.00
- Transport
- £4,132.70
- Accommodation
- £3,269.33
- Attractions and activities
- £3,189.28
- Food and drink
- £1,243.59
- Miscellaneous
- £219.36
Historical spending for the creator’s travelling group, not a per-person package or current price quote. Category totals are not added to individual transactions.
Video evidence (7)
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 31:18Caption timestamp checked
the total cost for every single penny I spent on our China trip came to 12,000 £443 63 which when you look at that big number that is quite I watering
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 4:54Caption timestamp checked
and here's my first cost for this trip our total Visa costs King to £390
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 12:33Caption timestamp checked
it went into Transportation so our total transportation cost came to £ 4,132 and7
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 16:20Caption timestamp checked
so the total for all our accommodation in China came to £ 3,269 and3 3 p
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 21:49Caption timestamp checked
so in total for all attractions and activities so that's non Fe Park and theme park we spent 3,189 and 28 on attractions and activities
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 25:46Caption timestamp checked
that brings our food and drinks total to 1,243 59 which for three people for 23 days I think that was quite reasonable if I'm honest
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 30:54Caption timestamp checked
for basically every country on Earth so that brings our total for miscellaneous items to £219 36
Trip-wide cost records
- Total overall cost for 23-day China trip (family of 3)£12,443.63
Grand total · Paid · Grand total for 1 adult and 2 children across 23 days · China
Video evidence (1)
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 31:18Caption timestamp checked
the total cost for every single penny I spent on our China trip came to 12,000 £443 63 which when you look at that big number that is quite I watering
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 31:18Caption timestamp checked
- Total Chinese Visa costs (three 2-year multi-entry visas)£390.00
Category subtotal · Paid · Three 2-year multi-entry visas for UK citizens processed in Manchester · China
Video evidence (1)
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 4:54Caption timestamp checked
and here's my first cost for this trip our total Visa costs King to £390
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 4:54Caption timestamp checked
- Total transportation costs (flights, bullet trains, sleeper train, taxis, subways)£4,132.70
Category subtotal · Paid · All flights, domestic trains, sleeper berth, taxis and subways · China
Video evidence (1)
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 12:33Caption timestamp checked
it went into Transportation so our total transportation cost came to £ 4,132 and7
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 12:33Caption timestamp checked
- Total accommodation costs (10 hotels across 23 days)£3,269.33
Category subtotal · Paid · 10 hotels across mainland China and Hong Kong (excluding sleeper train) · China
Video evidence (1)
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 16:20Caption timestamp checked
so the total for all our accommodation in China came to £ 3,269 and3 3 p
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 16:20Caption timestamp checked
- Total attractions and activities costs (theme parks, sights, express passes)£3,189.28
Category subtotal · Paid · Universal Studios, Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Li River cruise · China
Video evidence (1)
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 21:49Caption timestamp checked
so in total for all attractions and activities so that's non Fe Park and theme park we spent 3,189 and 28 on attractions and activities
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 21:49Caption timestamp checked
- Total food and drink costs£1,243.59
Category subtotal · Paid · All breakfasts, lunches, dinners, street food snacks, and beverages for 3 people · China
Video evidence (1)
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 25:46Caption timestamp checked
that brings our food and drinks total to 1,243 59 which for three people for 23 days I think that was quite reasonable if I'm honest
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 25:46Caption timestamp checked
- Total miscellaneous costs (souvenirs, eSIM, VPN, laundry)£219.36
Category subtotal · Paid · Souvenirs, connectivity (Airalo eSIM, Astrill VPN), and personal laundry · China
Video evidence (1)
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 30:54Caption timestamp checked
for basically every country on Earth so that brings our total for miscellaneous items to £219 36
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 30:54Caption timestamp checked
Lessons from the journey
Payment
Travelshorts’ observation: Alipay was used for approximately 95% of all daily transactions in China, linked directly to a UK debit card with instant currency conversion notifications.
Video evidence (1)
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 2:06Caption timestamp checked
when we did make purchases in China we predominantly use either alipay or WeChat and I would say 95% of the time we use alipay and the best thing about using alipay there's a in one of the menu options there it actually saves every single transaction you've done
Transport
Travelshorts’ observation: Taxis in China are exceptionally cheap and highly recommended when traveling with children and heavy luggage between train stations and hotels.
Video evidence (1)
- CHINA TRAVEL - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? · 11:56Caption timestamp checked
taxis in China I thly recommend um you don't need to use public transport everywhere you go especially as I was traveling with kids um it would have been a little bit more Awkward especially when we're going from train stations carrying all our luggage taxis made life so much easier