D4 Udon Thani (Cliff Temple Pha Phu Kon Temple), Nong Khai (Sala Kaew Ku)-Vientiane (Night Tour: That Luang Temple, Arc de Triomphe, French Street).
D5 Vientiane (Simuang Temple, That Luang Temple, Rosewood Museum)-Shanghai.
D6 Shanghai-Hangzhou.
Journey Begins
On January 1, 2020, at 15:35 in the afternoon, I boarded the bus to Shanghai Pudong International Airport at Hangzhou East Railway Station Airport Terminal. This was the first big surprise of the New Year. This is the new bus from Pudong Airport to Hangzhou Wulin Gate and East Railway Station Terminal that was just put into operation today, a total of four vehicles, and we were the first batch of passengers to enjoy this surprise! This is the Weichai Yaxing ‘Vistada’ coach, with a black body and no nails at all. The new Vistada coach is about 14 meters long and nearly 4 meters high, capable of carrying 66 people, and is truly a ‘giant’ among domestic coaches of the same type.
The vehicle’s body and front design are inspired by European yacht concepts, not only aesthetically pleasing but also with a strong emphasis on safety. Yaxing experts have conducted computer simulations on vehicle impacts, with results showing the force is dispersed to a level that leads the world. ‘Currently, the average lifespan of a standard passenger vehicle is 15 years, while this model can reach 20 years.’ With a length of 13.7 meters, this colossal high-end passenger vehicle, capable of carrying 66 people, is equipped with only 23 business seats. The seats can be adjusted to a reclining position through the smart buttons on the armrests, allowing even someone who is 1.8 meters tall to nearly lie flat. Complimentary WIFI, a film system, and headphones are provided. 220-volt power outlets, a car refrigerator, water dispenser, storage compartments, and a restroom are all available on board. If not for the fact that it’s a long-distance bus, one might mistake it for a first-class airplane cabin.
Encountering such a great surprise on the first day of the New Year delighted all passengers. Our ticket price was 120 yuan, departing from Hangzhou East Railway Station’s bus station to Shanghai Pudong Airport, taking three and a half hours, with one stop at a service station. According to staff, there are currently four such models in trial operation, and the most likely times to board are the last two night shifts. I arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport’s Terminal 2 around 7:00 PM.
