Our last trip to China was a whirlwind of travel that started in Shanghai and ended in Hong Kong. A large percentage was done by bullet train. So what was it like? How do you navigate the train stations?
Honestly, Mary Ann and I aren’t sure if we could navigate the train stations without the help of our Chinese staff and our Australian partner, Cam Mitchell. With a little practice I am sure we could do it, but it sure was nice to have local help!
Sometimes the ticket station was near the entry to the station…sometimes not. There were also many lines to choose from with signs only in Chinese Mandarin. Being foreigners we could not order online, like our Chinese staff, but we had to go in a special line (which didn’t have English). Bigger cities like Shanghai uses English along with Mandarin all over the place, so walking around isn’t too difficult. The subways are bilingual. Once you hit the train stations that seems to change.
The train stations are big, modern, and clean. While waiting, there are usually food options and at the bigger stations, restaurants…even Western ones. Our staff taught us what our ticket information meant which helped understanding the big board and when the train was arriving (see picture below). Most of the time we had first class tickets. They were roomier, more comfortable, less crowded, and not much more than a lower class ticket.
Overall our train experience was excellent! Here is a website, Train Travel in China, if you have more questions about train travel in China.
About Michigan Global Trade LLC:
Removing the Fear of Importing
Let us be your eyes and ears on the ground in China and around the world to manage the suppliers, production, logistics and quality control. We keep you informed and help with:
- Finding the product, you need,
- Visiting the factory to assure it meets your needs,
- Quality checking the order to make sure it meets your specification,
- Overseeing the container to the dock, so you know it’s ready to go,
- Oversee customs clearance and delivery to your door,
- Provide updates via email throughout the process,
- We answer our phones, when you call.
Our partners have worked together for over ten years and understand how to successfully procure materials internationally for most markets. We have partners in the USA, Australia, United Kingdom with sourcing and production facilities in China helping you buy from China, India and Vietnam. We work very hard to locate or produce a product, manage quality control, and get it to you anywhere in the world quickly and within your budget.
Communication:
We streamline communication by having a US office contact to best manage time zone differences and communication. We are available to talk during office hours or any time you need us.
Products and Sourcing:
We can source any supply you are looking for and if we cannot find it, we may be able to produce it in our factory to your specifications. We have key product lines in construction, fasteners, furniture components and custom manufacturing–but we can find or make any product you need.
Logistics:
We handle the heavy lifting. We work with freight forwarders to handle logistics, customs and shipping to your door. Let us worry about finding what you need and getting it to you.
Availability and Quick Turn-Around:
Our team is ready to find what you need. We are easy to work and would love to provide a quote for the products you are looking for in your business. Let us show you how competitive our pricing is for your market.