Shanghai Arrival: Ken Abroad's First China Trip

Stressful Arrival In Shanghai, China πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation:24.9 million
Stressful Arrival In Shanghai, China πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³
Ken Abroad2023-11-1424 min

Stressful Arrival In Shanghai, China - My 1st time in China

What's Shanghai and China going to be like? Let's find out!

Today, we are going to travel to Shanghai, China. It's going to be my first time in China, so I am very excited. Not many western tourists are traveling to China, so I am not really sure what to expect. I will take a flight from Bangkok directly to Shanghai, where I then hopefully be able to get a visa on arrival. Join me on this traveling day to the very interesting country of China.

--- Ken Abroad
November 14, 2023, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Flight to Shanghai
  2. 1:09Arrival in Shanghai
  3. 2:07Visa on arrival process
  4. 4:18Getting to city center
  5. 7:12First food experience
  6. 12:49First glimpse of Shanghai
  7. 14:07Reflecting on arrival
  8. 17:34Buying a SIM card
  9. 20:19Taxi to hotel
  10. 22:24Hotel check-in

Ken Abroad's Shanghai arrival is a whirlwind of new experiences: visa on arrival, metro adventures, delicious street food, and a unique hotel room. Despite some initial challenges, his China journey is off to an exciting start!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1If you are a German citizen, you can obtain a 144-hour transit visa on arrival in Shanghai, allowing you to stay within the city for six days. This process is relatively straightforward, although communication might be challenging if you don't speak Chinese. (2:07)
  2. Tip 2When traveling to a new city, consider arriving without pre-planned transportation to experience the local options. This can lead to unexpected adventures and interactions with locals, as you figure out the best way to reach your destination. (4:18)
  3. Tip 3Learning basic phrases in the local language enhances your travel experience. Even knowing simple greetings like 'hello,' 'thank you,' and 'how are you' can significantly improve interactions with locals and create a more positive atmosphere. (6:02)
  4. Tip 4Be prepared for potential challenges in using foreign credit cards in some countries. Carry multiple cards from different banks to ensure you have access to cash when needed. (8:22)
  5. Tip 5Consider purchasing a local SIM card to easily access the internet. Downloading a translation app can also be incredibly helpful, especially when navigating unfamiliar environments and communicating with locals. (14:13)
  6. Tip 6Use ride-hailing apps or taxis to get around efficiently. Compare prices and methods before choosing your transportation. Be aware of the local customs and payment methods, such as using meters instead of fixed prices. (20:19)

Ken Abroad's first China adventure begins with a surprisingly smooth visa-on-arrival process at Shanghai's airport, despite initial language barriers. Navigating the unfamiliar public transport system adds to the excitement, showcasing the vibrant energy of Shanghai. Ken's culinary journey starts with a delicious, albeit mysterious, noodle dish, highlighting the unique flavors of Shanghai's street food. Despite some initial hiccups with internet access, Ken's resourceful spirit shines through as he secures a local SIM card, adding another layer to his immersive experience. The video ends with Ken settling into his hotel, ready for further explorations of this captivating city.

More about the current video:( 12 / 32 )

Stressful Arrival In Shanghai, China πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³

This vlog documents Ken Abroad's exciting yet stressful arrival in Shanghai, China. His journey begins with a spontaneous flight from Bangkok, marking his first time in mainland China. The video highlights the unexpected challenges faced by a Westerner navigating a predominantly Chinese-speaking environment, from airport procedures to public transport. Ken's initial interactions with airport staff and locals showcase both the language barrier and the unexpected kindness of strangers. The process of obtaining a visa on arrival is detailed, emphasizing the unique 144-hour transit visa available to certain nationalities.

Ken's attempt to use ATMs and navigate the Shanghai Metro system provides humorous anecdotes about cultural differences and communication hurdles. His efforts to purchase food and drinks, despite the language barrier, underscore his adventurous spirit. The video offers a glimpse into the daily life of Shanghai, from the modern airport to the bustling city streets. Ken's struggles with getting internet access and installing his e-SIM add another layer of realism to his journey.

The video's emotional arc centers around Ken's initial apprehension and eventual excitement about exploring a new culture. His personal insights into the differences between Shanghai and other Asian cities he's visited add depth to his narrative. The conclusion shows Ken successfully checking into his hotel, ready to embark on further adventures in Shanghai. Throughout the video, Ken's adaptability and positive attitude are evident, making his experience relatable and inspiring for viewers. His interactions with locals are genuine and heartwarming, offering a personal touch to the travelogue. The video provides a realistic portrayal of the challenges and rewards of traveling in a foreign country, while still maintaining a lighthearted and engaging tone. The unique details, like the open-plan bathroom in his hotel room, add a surprising element to the narrative. Overall, the video promises an engaging journey through Ken Abroad's exploration of Shanghai, highlighting both the difficulties and the sheer excitement of experiencing a new culture.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most challenging part of my arrival?
A: Probably figuring out how to get from the airport to the city center, especially since I didn't plan my transportation in advance and had to rely on figuring it out on the ground.
Q: What was the food like?
A: I had a delicious noodle dish with minced meat, chickpeas, and vegetables. It was flavorful and not too spicy, a perfect first meal in Shanghai!
Q: How was the experience of getting a SIM card?
A: It was surprisingly easy! Even though everything was in Chinese, the shop assistant was super helpful, and I managed to get a SIM card with 30GB of data.
Q: What surprised me the most about Shanghai?
A: How calm and quiet the traffic was! I expected it to be much more chaotic, but it was surprisingly peaceful.
Q: What's the most memorable thing about my hotel room?
A: Definitely the open-plan bathroom! I've never seen anything like it before, it's quite unique.

Shanghai Arrival: Ken Abroad's First China Trip

Ken Abroad's Shanghai arrival: First China trip, visa suspense, cultural immersion.

Shanghai Arrival: Visa, Metro, & Street Food

Ken Abroad's first China experience begins with a flight to Shanghai. Uncertainty about the visa process and the lack of Western tourists add to the anticipation. This vlog documents his journey, promising insights into Chinese culture, food, daily life, work, beliefs, and perspectives. Get ready for an immersive travel experience in a fascinating country!