Shanghai Exploration: Beyond the Bund

Shanghai Is More Than Just the Bund

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation:24.9 million
Shanghai Is More Than Just the Bund
Eric G2024-01-1213 min

So you are a travel blogger and you wanna come to Shanghai. I get it, you want to see the water town, the walking street, the Bund and the FFC. But let's face it, we've all seen this vlog a million times. Especially recently, youtube keeps my feed full of this same content repeated by each and every new vlogger on their first trip to Shanghai. Well after you've got the typical sights and sounds out of the way, here is a few tips for some other places to go and things to eat to help spice up the content just a little bit.

--- Eric G
January 12, 2024, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Shanghai travel plans
  2. 2:11Nanxiang soup dumplings
  3. 3:301933 Old Millfund
  4. 5:32Yang's pan-fried dumplings
  5. 7:07North Bund walk
  6. 10:58Avoiding Shanghai scams
  7. 12:08KTV experience

Eric G's Shanghai adventure goes beyond the Bund! He discovers hidden gems, savors delicious dumplings, and shares local insights, creating a memorable and unique experience.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1How to eat Xiaolongbao: Take a small bite, suck out the soup, and dip in vinegar. Don't bite into it whole, or you'll burn yourself! (2:45)
  2. Tip 2Eat Yang's Shengjian Bao fresh, in the morning or lunchtime, when the shop is busy. Otherwise, they dry out and the soup is absorbed into the skin. (6:33)
  3. Tip 3Avoid the common tea house or bar scam in Shanghai. If a woman approaches you for a date, choose the place to avoid getting overcharged. (10:58)
  4. Tip 4Visit a KTV for a fun night out with locals. It can be a great way to experience local culture and create exciting content for your vlog. (12:08)
  5. Tip 5For a more luxurious KTV experience with a chance to meet local women, consider visiting high-end clubs like Club Starlight or Shin Gu. But remember, prostitution is illegal in China. (12:30)

Eric G ditches the typical Shanghai tourist traps for a unique 24-hour adventure. He explores hidden gems like the 1933 Old Millfund building, a former slaughterhouse with stunning Art Deco architecture, and the North Bund, offering breathtaking city views. Foodies will love his culinary journey, from Nanxiang's original soup dumplings to the crispy delights of Yang's dumplings. He even shares tips on avoiding scams and suggests unique experiences like KTV for an unforgettable Shanghai experience.

More about the current video:( 5 / 17 )

Shanghai Is More Than Just the Bund

This vlog offers a refreshing alternative to the typical Shanghai travel videos that flood YouTube. Eric G, the creator, expresses his frustration with the repetitive content showcasing only the Bund, East Nanjing Road, and the Former French Concession. He aims to provide viewers with unique experiences and hidden gems within Shanghai, going beyond the usual tourist hotspots. The video begins with Eric's humorous commentary on the oversaturation of similar Shanghai vlogs, setting a lighthearted and engaging tone. He promises to showcase different aspects of the city within a 24-hour timeframe, focusing on food, sights, and local interactions.

The culinary journey is a significant part of the vlog. Eric starts with a visit to Nanxiang, home to the original soup dumplings (xiaolongbao). He explains the history and proper way to eat these dumplings, offering valuable insights for viewers. He then takes viewers to Hongkou District, showcasing the architectural marvel of the 1933 Old Millfund building, a former slaughterhouse now repurposed as commercial space. Eric highlights its unique aesthetic and potential for creative content creation, contrasting it with the ubiquitous chain stores found elsewhere in the city.

Further enriching the culinary experience, Eric introduces Yang's dumplings (shengjian bao), pan-fried dumplings with a crispy bottom and steamed top. He emphasizes the importance of eating them fresh, ideally during peak hours, for the best taste. The exploration continues to the North Bund, a riverside promenade offering stunning city views and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the crowded Bund. He points out unique architectural features and suggests activities like frisbee and enjoying the green space. The West Bund is briefly mentioned as another great place for activities and local interaction, offering a more authentic Shanghai experience.

Eric then takes viewers to the L J way in Pudong, highlighting its significance in film history, particularly referencing scenes from a movie starring Scarlett Johansson and Joaquin Phoenix. He encourages viewers to visit and recreate scenes from the film. The video concludes with advice on avoiding common scams, particularly the tea house or bar scam targeting single male foreigners. He offers a humorous yet practical tip: if a woman approaches you suggesting a date, choose the location yourself to avoid being overcharged. He also suggests visiting a KTV for a fun and potentially unique cultural experience, mentioning high-end options like Club Starlight or Shin Gu for those seeking a more luxurious experience. Throughout the video, Eric maintains a conversational and informative tone, interspersing his experiences with practical advice and humor. He emphasizes the importance of seeking out unique experiences and avoiding the repetitive content that dominates Shanghai travel vlogs.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What's the best way to avoid getting scammed in Shanghai?
A: Don't go to bars or tea houses with women who approach you on the street. If you want to go on a date, choose the location yourself.
Q: What's a fun and unique thing to do in Shanghai besides the usual tourist spots?
A: Go to a KTV! You might even get invited to sing with locals. It's a lot of fun and makes for great content.
Q: Where can I find the best soup dumplings?
A: Nanxiang is said to be the home of the original Xiaolongbao, but you can find great ones all over the city. Just make sure to eat them fresh!

Shanghai Exploration: Beyond the Bund

So you are a travel blogger and you wanna come to Shanghai. I get it, you want to see the water town, the walking street, the Bund and the FFC. But let's face it, we've all seen this vlog a million times. Especially recently, youtube keeps my feed full of this same content repeated by each and every...

Shanghai Beyond the Bund: Unique Sights, Local Flavors

Shanghai: beyond the iconic Bund! Explore hidden gems like the 1933 Slaughterhouse, uncover the charm of the North and West Bunds, and indulge in authentic Shanghainese cuisine. This vlog offers a unique perspective, venturing beyond the typical tourist trail for a truly memorable experience.

Attractions in this video: 1933 Old Millfund Building, North Bund, Nanxiang