Traveling to China is an adventure filled with rich cultural experiences, breathtaking cityscapes, and endless opportunities for exploration. For travelers from Indonesia, reaching China has become more convenient thanks to multiple airlines and international airports throughout the country. While several cities welcome international flights, this story focuses specifically on two major hubs: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
Whether you are a budget traveler or seeking full-service flights, options from Jakarta to Beijing or Shanghai are plentiful. Low-cost carriers (LCCs) are a practical choice for those hunting for promotional fares, though regular tickets for LCCs are often comparable in price to full-service airlines if purchased outside promotional periods.
Preparing for Your Trip: Visa and Passport Essentials
Before setting foot in China, travelers holding an Indonesian civil passport must obtain a valid Chinese visa. The process is straightforward but requires first having a passport. Guidance for passport issuance or renewal can be found in official documentation, and the procedure to secure a Chinese visa is well-documented online, providing clear steps for both first-time applicants and those renewing their visas.
Having a visa not only ensures smooth entry into major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou but also allows travelers to explore China’s vast cultural and historical landscape without legal complications.
Experiencing China’s Four Seasons
China experiences four distinct seasons: Spring (March–May), Summer (June–August), Autumn (September–November), and Winter (December–February). Visiting Beijing in late March, for example, brings daytime temperatures around 10°C and nighttime chills dipping to 2°C. In comparison, Shanghai in the same period enjoys milder temperatures, with daytime highs near 20°C and nighttime lows around 7°C.
During my spring visit to Beijing, the combination of cold winds and rain made for an unforgettable, albeit freezing, experience. In contrast, Shanghai’s southern location offered warmer weather, perfect for leisurely strolls. Northern cities, including Harbin, are much colder and host famous winter festivals with ice sculptures and snow-themed activities. To track daily weather conditions, I relied on Accuweather for accurate updates in both Beijing and Shanghai.
An Eight-Day Itinerary: From Beijing to Shanghai
For this journey, I dedicated eight days to exploring China’s two largest cities. Initially, I considered including Hangzhou near Shanghai, but high costs and unpredictable weather made me reconsider. By the end of the trip, I had visited Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Tibet—four unique destinations in Mainland China.
Here’s a detailed itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival at Beijing Airport, Temple of Heaven, and Wangfujing Street
- Day 2: Summer Palace, Bird’s Nest Stadium, and Haidilao Hotpot
- Day 3: Experiencing Beijing Roast Duck at Siji Minfu
- Day 4: Mutianyu Great Wall day trip
- Day 5: Travel from Beijing to Shanghai via bullet train
- Day 6: Exploring Shanghai’s Nanjing Road, The Bund, and Yuyuan Garden
- Day 7: Shopping at Qipu Market for affordable fashion
- Day 8: Visiting the Oriental Pearl Tower and walking on its glass floor
This itinerary balances historical exploration, cultural experiences, culinary indulgence, and modern city attractions.
Budget Overview: Traveling as a Flashpacker
China can be explored on various budgets, and my eight-day trip falls into a flashpacker category rather than strict backpacking. Major expenses included flights, visas, accommodations, local transport, meals, and entrance fees to attractions. For example, round-trip flights from Jakarta via Kuala Lumpur cost roughly IDR 3,350,000, while accommodations for eight nights in hostels averaged 563 Yuan (around IDR 1,125,000). Local transportation—including Beijing’s Yikatong card, the bullet train to Shanghai, and Shanghai Metro Card—added 681 Yuan to the budget. Food, snacks, and local tours amounted to roughly 1,115 Yuan, leaving a total travel cost of around IDR 8,600,000 excluding shopping and souvenirs.
Dining in China is affordable, with meals ranging from 20–35 Yuan. Must-try experiences include Beijing Roast Duck and Haidilao Hotpot for their exceptional flavors and service.
Accommodation Recommendations
Choosing clean and comfortable accommodations is crucial. Hostels in Beijing and Shanghai typically cost between 50–100 Yuan per night, depending on location. I recommend using platforms like Trip.com for hassle-free bookings, allowing travelers to pay cash upon arrival. My selected hostels were clean and well-maintained, especially in Shanghai, where facilities exceeded expectations.
Navigating the Cities: Transportation Tips
In both Beijing and Shanghai, subway systems are highly efficient. Purchasing a Yikatong card in Beijing or a Shanghai Metro Card is essential, requiring only a small refundable deposit. Subways are easy to navigate using digital maps, and I successfully explored both cities without getting lost or using dedicated transit apps.
For travelers in larger groups or seeking airport transfers, private services are available for convenient rides between the airports and city centers. Additionally, China’s bullet train network offers a fast, reliable, and online-friendly method for intercity travel, especially between Beijing and Shanghai.
Staying Connected: Internet and SIM Cards
Connectivity in China requires preparation. Local SIM cards, such as China Unicom, are more reliable than Indonesian SIM roaming, which often loses signal within a few days. Free Wi-Fi is rare and usually restricted to verified users. Since many global services like Google, Facebook, and Instagram are blocked, installing a VPN before arrival is necessary for accessing online tools. Essential apps include Lantern VPN, Google Maps, Google Translate (offline version), CTrip for train bookings, and WhatsApp for communication.
Handy Apps and Online Services
Several apps simplify travel logistics and enhance exploration. Lantern VPN enables access to blocked websites and services, Google Maps provides navigation, offline Google Translate assists with communication, and CTrip allows booking bullet train tickets with ease. Online tickets for attractions like Shanghai Disneyland or the Oriental Pearl Tower save time and avoid long queues.
Conclusion: A Journey to Remember
Exploring Beijing and Shanghai over eight days provides a rich tapestry of experiences—from historic landmarks and modern marvels to culinary delights and bustling markets. With careful planning, essential apps, and knowledge of local transportation and weather conditions, traveling through China becomes a seamless and unforgettable adventure. For anyone passionate about stories, exploration, and cultural immersion, Beijing and Shanghai offer a dynamic and rewarding journey.
