First Impressions of SHANGHAI, CHINA! Travel Vlog

Summary

Join an American traveler as he explores Shanghai for the first time during Chinese New Year. From savoring delicious Jian Bing breakfast crepes to navigating the vibrant streets of the French Concession, he experiences the unique local culture and cuisine. At Yuyuan Garden, he delights in iconic dishes like soup dumplings and noodles, and enjoys sampling various rice wines from friendly locals. The adventure culminates at the stunning Bund, where the dazzling skyline reflects the city's modernity. This journey emphasizes the joy of spontaneous exploration in a city rich with history and flavor.

Takeaways

• 🎉 The traveler is finally in Shanghai, China, after years of wanting to visit, especially after the lockdowns during COVID-19.
• 🍜 The video begins in People's Square, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere during the tail end of Chinese New Year.
• 🥞 The traveler enjoys a traditional Chinese breakfast called 'Jian Bing', highlighting its ingredients and preparation.
• 📱 Mobile payments, like Alipay, are widely used in China, offering convenience over cash transactions.
• 🏙️ The traveler explores the French Concession area, known for its trendy vibe and historical significance as a former French colony.
• 🌐 Social media in China differs from the West, with platforms like Google and Instagram being blocked, leading to the use of local alternatives.
• 🧩 The traveler encounters various local games in a park, illustrating the community aspect of Chinese culture.
• 🍲 At Yuyuan Garden, the traveler experiences a bustling food market filled with festive decorations for Chinese New Year.
• 🥟 The traveler samples famous Shanghai soup dumplings (Xiaolongbao) and describes their unique flavors and preparation method.
• 🏞️ The video concludes at the Bund, showcasing stunning views of Shanghai's skyline, emphasizing its blend of modern and traditional architecture.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the narrator's trip to China?

The narrator is visiting China to explore various cities, including Shanghai, Xi'an, and Beijing, after the country reopened post-COVID lockdown.

What is the significance of the location where the narrator begins his adventure?

The narrator starts at People's Square in Shanghai, which is a central and popular location, especially crowded due to the celebration of Chinese New Year.

What is 'Jian Bing' and how is it prepared?

'Jian Bing' is a type of Chinese breakfast crepe made from a batter filled with various ingredients, including an egg, vegetables, and sauces, and then folded with a crispy wafer inside.

How do mobile payments work in China according to the narrator?

In China, mobile payments are widely used through apps like Alipay and WeChat. Users can scan QR codes to make payments, and as of 2023, they can link non-Chinese bank cards to these apps.

What is unique about the French Concession area in Shanghai?

The French Concession area is known for its art deco architecture and was once a French colony. It is now a trendy neighborhood popular with locals and foreigners alike.

What challenges does the narrator face regarding social media in China?

The narrator notes that Western social media platforms like Google, Facebook, and Instagram are blocked in China, requiring users to rely on local alternatives.

What types of food does the narrator try during his visit?

The narrator tries various foods, including Jian Bing, fried pork chops, noodles with broth, and soup dumplings (xiaolongbao), as well as sampling different kinds of rice wine.

How does the narrator describe the experience of travel in China?

The narrator describes travel in China as unique and reminiscent of pre-internet travel, emphasizing the need for spontaneity and exploration without reliance on apps like Google Maps.

What notable landmarks does the narrator mention in Shanghai?

The narrator mentions the Bund, a waterfront area known for its stunning views of lit-up buildings, including the iconic Shanghai Tower across the river.

What was the narrator's reaction to the food and drinks he tried?

The narrator expressed great enjoyment of the food, particularly the noodles and soup dumplings, and felt pleasantly warmed by the rice wines he sampled.