Andorra, a journey to explore a hidden gem in Europe.

In continental Europe, there's a niche and charming country—Andorra. It sits quietly between France and Spain, like a hidden gem, waiting for travelers to discover. Andorra offers visa-free entry for Chinese passports, but since it doesn't have an airport, you'll need to enter through a Schengen country. It's worth noting that although Andorra is located in Europe, it's not a member of the European Union. When you enter Andorra with an EU SIM card, you'll find no signal. In this case, the free Wi-Fi in surrounding shopping malls and hotels will come in handy, or you can purchase a local SIM card. If your phone is an international version, you can also use airalo's eSIM card to solve the network problem. Andorra is not a large country; it generally takes only one or two days to explore. The heart of the country is located in the central region, which is also the bustling city center. Thanks to its duty-free advantages, it attracts major brands from all over the world, making it a paradise for shoppers. Whether it's fashionable clothing, exquisite jewelry, or high-end electronics, you can find your favorite products here. Northern Andorra is home to the majestic Pyrenees Mountains, with rolling hills and picturesque scenery, reminiscent of Switzerland. There are two main viewpoints in the north that are definitely worth a visit. One of them is an iron chain bridge, the second longest span in the world, which is quite spectacular. When I went there, due to time and weather constraints, I only visited this one viewpoint. When I reached the middle of the bridge, it suddenly started to rain and wind, so I had to turn back. This became a small regret of my trip. Transportation in Andorra is a bit unique. Ride-hailing apps don't work here, and Google Maps can't find bus routes. You need to use the local app "mou-te" to call a car. If you want to go to the northern viewpoints, you can take the L4 line from the city center and get off at the Paula de gel station. After getting off, continue walking forward for about 50 meters, buy tickets at the tourist center next to Carrefour, then walk back to the gas station and take the shuttle bus up the mountain. It's recommended to book tickets online in advance, otherwise, you might end up like me, asking several people before finding the ticket center. Because Google Maps doesn't work and the ticket center is relatively hidden, many online guides don't mention the specific ticket purchase location, so be sure to prepare in advance. Andorra is only a 3-hour drive from Barcelona. If you have enough time, you can start from Barcelona and visit Andorra for sightseeing and shopping, killing two birds with one stone. Since the network in some areas of Andorra is not good, it's best to download offline maps and plan your itinerary in advance so that you can travel smoothly even without internet access. In Andorra, you can not only admire the beautiful natural scenery and experience the unique charm of European towns but also enjoy the fun of duty-free shopping. Whether strolling through the bustling streets of the city center or climbing the high mountains in the north, you'll have unforgettable memories. Travel tips: 1. Prepare a Schengen visa in advance for smooth entry into Andorra. 2. Remember to bring enough cash, as some small shops may not accept credit cards or mobile payments. 3. When going to the northern viewpoints, pay attention to weather changes and bring appropriate clothing and rain gear. Come to Andorra and embark on a unique European adventure!