ITB China, May 2025

I attended ITB China for the first time in May 2025, and it was truly an exciting and eye-opening experience.

The event was held at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, one of the city’s most modern and impressive venues. The atmosphere was vibrant — filled with travel professionals, tourism boards, and industry players from all over the world, each showcasing their destinations and innovations.

We stayed at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Shanghai, a comfortable, elegant hotel by the river. Every morning, we travelled about 20–25 minutes by van to the venue.

The weather in Shanghai in May was simply pleasant — warm during the day and cool at night, perfect for evening strolls along The Bund or exploring the Yu Garden area after a long day at the exhibition. It was quite a contrast from my previous trip in March 2024, when the cold wind made every night feel freezing and foggy.

Overall, ITB China 2025 was not only a productive trip but also a memorable one. The combination of meaningful business meetings, and beautiful weather made the experience even more rewarding.

What I ate throughout the trip

Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai

One of the must-visit places on our list for the Shanghai trip, besides The Bund, is the Yuyuan Garden.

After getting off the Maglev train, we went straight to our hotel for an early check-in. Then, we headed to Nanjing Street for lunch before taking the train to Yuyuan Garden.

It was quite a walk from the train station to Yuyuan Garden, and the weather was colder than we had anticipated for March in Shanghai.

Yuyuan Garden and its surroundings boast many beautiful architectural sights. However, the large crowds made it difficult to fully enjoy the view. We thought we would be able to return at night to see the beautiful lanterns illuminated, which must be stunning. Unfortunately, we were wrong; we didn't have the time or energy to come back. Five days in Shanghai just wasn't enough.

After roaming around for about two hours, we took a short break at McDonald's while waiting for our Didi to take us back to our hotel. Despite the cold weather and crowds, the experience at Yuyuan Garden was memorable. The details of architecture and the unique garden offered a glimpse into Shanghai's rich history and culture. Though we couldn't stay as long as we wanted, the visit was still a highlight of our Shanghai trip.

Qibao Ancient Town, Shanghai

Due to time constraints, we opted to visit Qibao Ancient Town, the nearest water village to downtown Shanghai. Located about 20km from The Bund, it is easily accessible by train or taxi.

On our fourth day in Shanghai, we woke up early, took a morning walk at The Bund (though we couldn't see the sunrise, possibly due to haze or mist), and had breakfast at a Michelin Guide restaurant (kopitiam) near our hotel. Then we took a Didi car to Qibao Ancient Town, which cost us RMB 55.44.

Luckily we chose to take a taxi because it started raining on our way. It was raining heavily when we arrived, so we took a 10-minute break at a nearby cafe. Once the rain slowed down, we began exploring the area. The good thing about visiting the village on a rainy day was that there were very few people around, allowing us to get great bargains at the clothing shops. I did quite a bit of shopping and bought a cheongsam, wool scarf, gloves, skirt, and a pair of winter pants. Hubby and the kids also bought waterproof winter shirt and jacket, and 2 sweaters.

About the river, I think there's only one scenic bridge in the area.  Fortunately, there weren't many people around, so we took lots of pictures on that bridge.  Then, we head for our lunch at a restaurant opposite the bridge.

Before reaching the bridge, you will pass by the food alley, which has many interesting things to see and buy. I bought the famous bak chang, but it didn't taste as good as I imagined, possibly because I ate it cold in the chilly weather, making it feel like it had just come out of the fridge. I was too full to eat it right away. I also bought pear tea, which was tasty and warm, and some traditional cookies. I wished I could buy more, but even with two new suitcases, I didn't think we could fit anything more in there.

We headed back to the hotel in a Didi car at 2pm, cost us RMB62.19

Shanghai + Sapporo | Itinerary & Budget

Our actual itinerary, trips to Shanghai, China and Sapporo, Japan in March 2024.

Shanghai

Day 1- 1st March - Friday

KIA - KLIA - Pudong

Checkin Pudong hotel

Day 2 - Saturday 

7am - Purchase luggage access at Spring Airlines counter, Pudong

9am - Took the Maglev to Shanghai city

Took a taxi to Atour Hotel, The Bund

Lunch at Nanjing Road

Took the train to Yu Yuyuan

Back to the hotel by Didi

Shopping at Nanjing Road

Dinner

9pm - The Bund

Day 3 - Sunday

Breakfast at hotel

Shopping at West Nanjing Road

11:30 Took Uber to St. Ignatius Cathedral

12noon English Mass at St. Ignatius Cathedral

2pm - lunch at Xujiahui Mall

3pm - Took the train from Xujiahui Station Park to Lujiazui station, TV Pearl Oriental.

5pm - Took Didi back to hotel

6pm - Shopping at West Nanjing Road

9pm - dinner at Grandma Restaurant

10pm - The Bund

Day 4 - Monday

7am - The Bund

8am - Breakfast at a Michelin guide restaurant near our hotel

9am - Took Didi to Qibao Water village, RMB55.44

2pm - Took Didi back to the hotel, RMB62.19

4pm - Took Uber to shop at Qipu Lu

Day 5 - Tuesday 

5am - Requested hotel staff to arrange for a taxi to Pudong airport

Sapporo

Day 1 - 5 March

Lunch - Omurice, Japanese Egg Rice

4pm - shopping at Tokyu Hands

Dinner - Ippudo Ramen

Day 2 - 6 March

Breakfast at hotel

Train to Otaru

Taxi from Otaru JR station to the canal

Kaisendon for lunch at Sansaku Fish Market

1pm - took the train back to Sapporo

4pm - took Uber to Mt Moiwa ski resort

6:45 - took the bus to Susukino train station, followed by train back to Sapporo station

Dinner - Butadon

Day 3 - 7 March

Shopping at Susukino and Second Street

Day 4 - 8 March

6am - JR train to New Chitose Airport

10pm - flight back to Kuching

Our planned itinerary, which we had to make some changes due to time and weather constraints.

Day 1 - 1st March - Friday

Klia

Checkin Pudong hotel

Day 2 - Saturday 

To Nanjing road

Shopping

Yu Yuyuan

Day 3 - Sunday 

12noon St. Ignatius Cathedral, Xujiahui Station Park

TV Pearl Oriental, Pudong 400y includes buffet/ boat. Lujiazui station

Day 4 - Monday

AM - Qibao Water village

By Metro - Take Metro Line 9 and get off at Qibao Station. Leave from Exit 2 and walk south for about ten minutes to the old town

PM - shopping Qipu Lu

Day 5 - Tuesday 

4am - Pudong airport

Sapporo

Day 1 - 5 March

Lunch - beef rice

PM - Otaru 

JR train - 750y per way/person  RM24

Sankaku

Naruto

Uber-Otaru Canal

Dinner pork rice

Day 2 - 6 March

Breakfast at hotel

Kokaisou ski resort, gate 17 bus 1.5 hours

Mt Moiwa ski resort, Uber

Lunch at Moiwa

Dinner Susukino

Sapporo tram

Day 3 - 7 March

Shopping - Tokyu Hands

Sapporo tram

Day 4 - 8 March

Airport

Our Budget for flights and hotels:

Flight tickets (AirAsia): Kuching - KL - Kuching RM3k+

Flight tickets (AirAsia): KL - Pudong, Shanghai RM5k+ 

Flight tickets (Spring Air, China) : Pudong, China - Chitose, Sapporo, Japan RM3k+

Flight tickets Chitose - KL (AirAsia) RM5k+

Pudong Hotel, Shanghai RM500

Atour Hotel, The Bund, Shanghai RM3400

Century Royal Hotel, Sapporo RM2700

The Bund, Shanghai

The Bund is what make me agreed with hubby suggestion to have the 1st leg of our holidays in Shanghai. And of cause the 1 year free visa between Malaysia and China play a big role too. 

From the google images, I was so amaze by the view at The Bund. I always like places with water be it a river, seaside, waterfall, as long as its not too hot. So with the view of the waterfront overlooking at those big modern structure, while at the opposite site the traditional weatern building, The Bund is really a must visit in Shanghai. We even picked our hotel as near as to The Bund that we can afford. 

So during our 5 days holiday in Shanghai, we went to the Bund 3 times. it was my 1st time in Shanghai, and 3rd for hubby, the previous 2 were a layover for his working trip. 

The 1st time we went on Saturday night at 8pm. there were so many people we cannot enjoy the view with such a huge crowd.

The next day we came back again, this time a bit late, we were happy to see not too many people around. getting ready for the photos, the clock sound indicate 10am and the lights on Oriental Tower also went off on 10pm sharp. Noooo we cannot take photos without the Oriental Tower lights, right?!  Shanghai, why you sleep so early?

The next morning, we went for an early walk around 7am at The Bund.  Now we can have the place all to ourselves.  Took tons of photos, hubby did his morning run, while I captured as much photos as possible while soaking in the beautiful senery right in front of my eyes.  Bwfore this can only see this view in some Chinese drama.

The Bund is indeed a beautiful place to visit.

Day 1.

Day 2.

Day 3.

Our vlog..

Atour Hotel Shanghai Bund Nanjing East Road, Shanghai

I would also like to give a big shoutout to Atour Hotel for their amazing staff, free laundry, and great service overall. 

We stayed for 3 nights at Atour Hotel, The Bund, Shanghai. For me, this is the best hotel, in terms of services, that I have stayed in so far. You can have all the drinks in the fridge, Cola, Iced Tea, plain water, and even request for refill if you like. And the front counter, whenever you go and talk to the staff, they will immediately serve hot tea or lemon drinks for you, they even gave us warm mineral water in bottles when we departed for the airport early in the morning. 

And the best part is the free laundry. You just have to bring your clothes to the laundry room, put them in the washer, and all the detergent and softener are provided. The helper will move your clothes from the washer to the dryer and even help to fold your clothes. I was so surprised. It was really convenient with the cold and rainy weather in Shanghai in March, this free laundry service is so much needed and it's so good to have warm fresh clothes anytime. The laundry room is open 24 hours, but the helper might not be there all the time, so sometimes you still need to fold your own clothes ya.

We were even granted an early check-in.  We arrived around 10am and were allowed to go in our room right away, how amazing.

Our room got a balcony, but with the cold weather, we didn't get to enjoy the balcony. Would be nice to have a skip of hot tea or coffee there during spring or autumn, summer night would be nice too.

Breakfast was good, the best part was they served pig's ears... hahahaha, happy me, hubby and kids not so happy, who cares, they can have other food what..

The only not-so-good part was that our taxi driver could not find the main entrance when we 1st arrived there. After turning twice around the block, he just dropped us at the back entrance, there's a sign showing Atour Hotel there, we thought we were scams. We went next door to ask for directions, luckily it is just around the other corner. Haiya.. why la the taxi driver like that.

View of the hotel entrance from the main road.

Found this on their tissue box, Life is ‘Atour’.  Our brand Atour was inspired by Yaduo village’s  naturalness and simplicity.  We are committed to offering humane,  warn, and inspiring lifestyles for everyone who search for the finer things in life.

Our vlog

The location.

Beijing National Stadium

Dulu, masa opening and closing Olympics 2008, memang terpegun la tengok stadium Bird Nest Beijing nie.  Tak sangka hampir 10 tahun kemudian saya dapat menjejakkan kaki ke sini.

Walaupun sekarang dah banyak stadium baru yang lagi besar, tapi saya rasa design stadium yang ni jugak la yang paling unik.  But why Bird Nest? Kot kot dulu banyak agak nyer sarang burung di beijing, tetapi sekarang rasa nyer kat Sarawak lagi banyak sarang burung yang bernilai, kan?!

Jum layan gambar dan video gue di sana..

ohh Boots! In Beijing

Since it's end of Autumn, coming to winter, basically almost every ladies wear boots when I was in Beijing.  Men mostly wear sneakers.

Boots dekat kedai pun melambak... see..

No, I didn’t buy any new boots while in Beijing.

I think boots in Hong Kong are more appealing; then again, maybe boots in Beijing are better suit for the coming extreme cold winter.

See also: ohh Boots! In Hong Kong

Hui Hui Xiang Restaurant, Beijing

Hui Hui Xiang, a halal restaurant in Beijing.

Located within walking distance from Tourism Malaysia office Beijing.  There are few other halal reatuarants in this area too.

Fresh yogurt.

Pentahotel Beijing

3-18 Chongwenmenwai Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 北京市 China, 100062.

I had a pleasant stay in Pentahotel during my trip to Beijing.

Location is good, hotel very clean, wifi are ok, NO access to Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, Google, Blogspot, so ya, I am practically disconnected from the world.

Walking distance to Beijing New World Shopping Mall.

And walking distance to subway station.

The check-in counter.

Lobby area.

The cafe/breakfast area.

Our messy-messy room.

Views from our room.

Sunset views. 

My few days of breakfast spread.

Plain porridge with red bean curd.

Again, plain porridge with red bean curd, and sweet corn rice porridge.

Again, plain porridge with red bean curd plus salted seaweed.

Again, plain porridge with red bean curd plus salted seaweed.

Again, plain porridge with red bean curd.

Hari-hari saya makan bubur nasi putih tu.  The best plain porridge I tasted so far.  Makan kosong macam tu pun sedap.

红京鱼 (Hot Fish), Beijing

红京鱼 Hóng jīng yú

Apparently this fish-in-hot-oil (Sichuan Boiled Fish) is quite a popular dish in Beijing.

At 1st try, I thought it is a hot soup, and had a spoonful of an awful taste of the spicy oil, then only I know that you only take the fish not with the oil soup.  Sakai betul :p

The fish meat was so soft and tender.  I learn that by using oil (normally vegetable oil or palm oil) the fish meat will not be overcooked and will stay tender throughout the meal and the sweetness is kept in the meat.  Interesting!

This is a mild spicy version,  normally it will be covered by the chilies and peppercorn. I don't take spicy food so this is just nice.  I am not sure what type of fish this is, but it looks very similar to Ikan Patin, the meat is soft just like Patin too.

So here are the rest of our lunch meal on my Day 2 in Beijing.

Location map.

Forbidden City, Beijing

Never in my wildest dreams that I will step foot in this historical place, The Forbidden City.

Ever since my younger age, I always love watching Chinese Kung Fu movies from series of Once Upon A Time In China, Ip Man up to Tai Chi Hero.

I always admire the structure of the old Chinese empire, and feel amaze how these Forbidden City are earthquake-proof.

This is my once in a life-time opportunity to not just see from outside but able to explore the whole area of this Forbidden City, including the Treasure Gallery and the Clock n Watch Gallery; well except for the Hidden Garden in which I was not even aware of it’s existence until a day after my visited the City.

For 1st timer, visiting this Palace can be quite tricky, finding the place is easy, it is right in the middle of Beijing, however looking for the entrance can take hours, plus all the long queues.  There are at least 2 long queues that you have to go through, 1st one is the Passport verification and another queue is for tickets verification.  So if you have weak legs and travelling with elderly/children, I would advise you to just join a tour group.

I walked a total of 14,495 steps and climb 16 floors on that day.  An achievement for someone who rarely exercise like me.  But I didn't feel tired at all!  Maybe because I was too excited and the weather was so nice and cold on that day.

Yes, I don't mind coming back to Beijing and bring my family along to see all the historital places. Beijing is totally not what I expected, it is a beautiful place to visit, clean, organise, modern, huge and pleasant; well except for the toilets in public place (include shopping malls) really need lots of improvement.

Thank you Beijing for the wonderful memory and the nice blue sky throughout my visit.  Consider yourself extremely lucky if don’t see haze in this part of the world.

Forbidden City (Palace Museum / 故宫)

Admission Fee: CNY 40 (Nov 1 to Mar 31); CNY 60 (Apr 1 to Oct 31)

CNY 10 for the Treasure Gallery; CNY 10 for the Clock and Watch Gallery

Opening Hours: (Closed on Mondays)

8:30 to 16:30 (Nov 1 – Mar 31); tickets not available after 15:30 and last entry at 15:40.

8:30 to 17:00 (Apr 1- Oct 31); tickets not available after 16:00 and last entry at 16:10.

Constructed from 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 buildings and covers 72 ha.  The Forbidden City limits the daily number of visitors to 80,000, it is recommended that visitors book tickets in advance online at http://gugong.228.com.cn (only Chinese version available). Foreign visitors are required to provide passport numbers and full names when book tickets online. For details, visit http://en.dpm.org.cn/visit/tickets/.  If  you do not have online reservation, please go in the morning, there are usually tickets available in the morning, no guarantee.