Shanghai Exploration: First Impressions of a Modern Metropolis

Why nobody wanted us to visit China...πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ (FIRST TIME IN CHINA!)

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation:24.9 million
Why nobody wanted us to visit China...πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ (FIRST TIME IN CHINA!)
JetLag Warriors2023-12-1243 min

Our first time in China! We were anxious and nervous to arrive in Shanghai, China on a 144-HR visa free transit because we heard that if we have stamps from certain countries, we may get rejected and denied entry. This exemption would allow us to stay in China within 144-hr or 6 days. It had been our long-time dream to travel China, so we were hoping we could visit the country. With the policy, we were only allowed to explore Shanghai. Because of covid and western medias, many people told us not to visit China. But China was not what we expected. China surprised us! Is China dangerous? Is China safe? What's China really like? Check out our vlog! We were very excited to see Shanghai for the first time. First impression of Shanghai: Very clean, and everyone is well-behaved. McDonald's in China sells German sausages? What is naitie coffee? It's yummy, but what is it? Street food in China: Pork on a stick! (YUMMY!) Electric cars everywhere in Shanghai, and mostly Chinese brands (and Tesla). The best street food in China right now: Howchit bread. 'Main Street' in Shanghai: Nanjing Road is massive and modern. Famous skyline in Shanghai: The Bund does not disappoint.

--- JetLag Warriors
December 12, 2023, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00SIX DAYS IN SHANGAHI!! LET'S GOOOOOO
  2. 1:41Shanghai airport & China's fingerprint security technology
  3. 3:00First look at Shanghai Metro: Cash only, or 'China UnionPay'
  4. 5:09Many of the ticket machines in Shanghai are broken?
  5. 6:31Shanghai Metro map is IMPRESSIVE!
  6. 7:17Train station and train car tour: Very clean, very modern (but no wifi :())
  7. 8:32Quick facts about Shanghai Metro: 10 million passengers per day
  8. 9:36Brief shoutout to my city (Toronto) for having a pathetic metro
  9. 10:16Seems like the metro workers all speak English, very helpful
  10. 11:17FIRST EYES ON SHANGAHI: VERY EXCITED!!!!
  11. 13:13First impression of Shanghai: Very clean, and everyone is well-behaved
  12. 14:11McDonald's in China sells German sausages?
  13. 15:58What is naitie coffee? It's yummy, but what is it?
  14. 17:20Street food in China: Pork on a stick! (YUMMY!)
  15. 21:26Electric cars everywhere in Shanghai, and mostly Chinese brands (and Tesla)
  16. 22:48Google maps is failing us, as we look for our accommodation
  17. 23:43THE BEST STREET FOOD IN CHINA RIGHT NOW: HOWCHIT BREAD
  18. 27:33Shoutout to Canada! (we found 2 more Tim Hortons after this one)
  19. 27:45$60 per night accommodation tour
  20. 29:53'Main Street' in Shanghai: Nanjing Road is massive and modern
  21. 31:09Famous skyline in Shanghai: The Bund does not disappoint (and somehow...

JetLag Warriors' Shanghai adventure: Clean streets, delicious street food, and stunning skylines left them amazed by China's vibrant energy and unexpected charm.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Navigating the 144-hour transit visa process in Shanghai is surprisingly straightforward, with clear English signage guiding the way. JetLag Warriors found the process easy to follow, despite the lack of immediate assistance. (2:19)
  2. Tip 2The Shanghai Metro is a marvel of efficiency and cleanliness. Unlike some systems, it's remarkably quiet and well-maintained, offering a positive first impression of the city's public transport. (2:57)
  3. Tip 3McDonald's in China offers a unique coffee experience. The 'Naitie' coffee, described as stronger than a regular latte, is a must-try for coffee lovers. Be prepared to use mobile payment methods. (14:46)
  4. Tip 4Don't miss the vibrant street food scene in Shanghai. From pork on a stick to other local delicacies, it's a culinary adventure waiting to be explored. Be adventurous and try new things! (17:22)
  5. Tip 5Nanjing Road is a shopper's paradise, offering a wide variety of goods and a lively atmosphere. The street's impressive lighting and modern buildings create a truly unforgettable experience. (30:03)
  6. Tip 6The Bund offers an iconic skyline view that's a must-see for any visitor to Shanghai. The stunning architecture and lighting create a mesmerizing visual spectacle, especially at night. (31:11)
  7. Tip 7Indulge in the delicious beef noodles at one of Shanghai's many noodle shops. JetLag Warriors recommend trying the dish with a thumbs-up symbol on the menu for a truly authentic experience. (36:18)

JetLag Warriors' first China adventure starts with a thrilling 144-hour visa-free transit in Shanghai. Their initial anxieties about entry requirements quickly fade as they're captivated by the city's cleanliness and order. From navigating the surprisingly efficient metro system to savoring delicious street food like pork on a stick and unique coffee, their journey is filled with unexpected delights. Exploring Nanjing Road and the Bund offers iconic views and a glimpse into Shanghai's modern landscape. Get ready for a captivating vlog documenting their incredible first impressions of this vibrant city!

More about the current video:( 1 / 20 )

Why nobody wanted us to visit China...πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ (FIRST TIME IN CHINA!)

This vlog follows JetLag Warriors' exciting first trip to China, specifically a 144-hour visa-free transit in Shanghai. Initially nervous about entry restrictions, they were pleasantly surprised by the city's cleanliness and order. Their journey begins with a smooth arrival, despite some initial hurdles with currency exchange and navigating the metro system using only a UnionPay card. The Shanghai Metro impressed them with its efficiency, cleanliness, and quietness.

Their exploration of Shanghai included a bustling shopping street, delicious street food encounters (including memorable pork on a stick), and the iconic Bund, offering breathtaking skyline views. They were surprised by the prevalence of electric cars, many of Chinese brands. The vlog highlights the unique coffee at McDonald's, a curious blend they describe as stronger than a regular latte. JetLag Warriors' observations of local life, from fashion styles to the sheer number of security cameras, add a unique perspective to their travelogue.

Despite some initial challenges with language and getting lost, their positive experience shines through. The vlog showcases a blend of personal anecdotes, surprising discoveries, and vivid descriptions, leaving the viewer with a sense of wonder and excitement about Shanghai. The video ends with the travelers expressing their continued intrigue and anticipation for more adventures in China, promising more vlogs to come. JetLag Warriors' experience challenges preconceived notions about China, showcasing a modern, clean, and well-organized city.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most surprising thing about the Shanghai Metro?
A: It was so quiet and clean! No one was talking or eating, and it was way better than the Toronto metro.
Q: What was the strangest thing you ate?
A: Probably that pork on a stick. It was really good, but I wasn't expecting it to be so big!
Q: What was the coffee like at McDonald's?
A: It was called 'Naitie' and it was way stronger than a regular latte. It was really good, but a bit expensive!
Q: What was your first impression of Shanghai?
A: It was so clean and organized! Everyone was well-behaved, and it was way cleaner than I expected.
Q: What was the most memorable view?
A: Definitely the Bund skyline at night. It was so beautiful, it almost didn't look real!

Shanghai Exploration: First Impressions of a Modern Metropolis

JetLag Warriors' first China trip, defying expectations, reveals a modern, clean Shanghai. Exploring the metro, savoring street food, and witnessing the Bund's skyline left them pleasantly surprised.

Shanghai Exploration: First Impressions & Unique Discoveries

JetLag Warriors' China vlog starts with their anxious arrival in Shanghai on a 144-hour visa-free transit. Despite concerns fueled by media reports, they found Shanghai surprisingly clean and modern. Their exploration includes navigating the Shanghai Metro, a marvel of efficiency, albeit with some quirky features like cash-only ticket machines and the absence of Wi-Fi. They sample local delicacies, from German sausages at McDonald's to delicious street food, and marvel at the prevalence of electric vehicles. Their accommodation, while costing $60 per night, offers a glimpse into Shanghai's modern lifestyle. A stroll down Nanjing Road, Shanghai's bustling 'Main Street,' and a breathtaking view of The Bund complete their first impressions of a city that defied their expectations.

Attractions in this video: The Bund, Nanjing Road