Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1When in Shanghai, try the local breakfast buns. They are a must-have experience with incredibly thin dough and flavorful, juicy fillings. (1:25)
- Tip 2Explore the French Concession to see historical European architecture. It offers a glimpse into Shanghai's past foreign influences and is beautifully preserved. (5:57)
- Tip 3Experience Shanghai's vibrant local life by visiting packed restaurants and cafes. Local coffee chains like Manor Coffee offer a great alternative to international brands. (11:00)
- Tip 4If you're in Shanghai, seek out the local specialty dishes. Be prepared for potentially smaller portions but flavorful and authentic tastes. (14:13)
- Tip 5Visit historical monuments like the one dedicated to resistance against the Japanese to understand Shanghai's difficult past and the resilience of its people. (17:03)
- Tip 6Witness Shanghai's incredible transformation by walking through modern areas like Nanjing Road, showcasing global brands and a thriving economy. (20:05)
That Evan Guy's Shanghai exploration reveals a city of stunning contrasts and resilience. From the mouthwatering discovery of life-changing breakfast buns to the elegant European architecture of the French Concession, Shanghai captivates. He contrasts its vibrant present with a past of foreign control and conflict, celebrating its remarkable transformation into a modern superpower. This journey highlights Shanghai's dynamic culture, culinary delights, and undeniable spirit.
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That Evan Guy embarks on a captivating journey through Shanghai, a city that continuously astonishes him with its modernity and vibrancy. He contrasts the bustling streets of Nanjing Road with the quieter, local neighborhoods, highlighting the clean, classy, and lively atmosphere that feels worlds away from New York. The narrative delves into Shanghai's complex history, marked by periods of foreign control under French, British, American, and Japanese influences, before China's resurgence and prosperity post-1950s.
His culinary adventure begins with a quest for authentic Shanghai breakfast buns, described as a must-try. The experience of tasting these buns is nothing short of revelatory; he likens the explosion of flavor and juice to a "waterfall of juiciness" and a "magical food" that redefines his perception of buns. He praises the incredibly thin dough, comparing it to a "sexy girl wears in the summer." While a accompanying soup is good, it pales in comparison to the bun's perfection.
That Evan Guy then explores the French Concession, noting its European architecture and comparing it favorably to modern-day Paris, which he suggests is marred by current issues. He reflects on the historical exploitation of Shanghai by foreign powers, who extracted resources while leaving locals impoverished. The area, once under French rule with no Chinese law applying, now stands as a preserved historical site juxtaposed with modern apartments.
His journey continues through vibrant commercial areas filled with packed restaurants and cafes, including local coffee chains like Luckin and Manor Coffee, which he finds superior to Starbucks. He observes the thriving social scene, with people dining out and enjoying life, a stark contrast to the past when Chinese sought better lives abroad.
The video also touches upon the resilience of the Chinese people, referencing a monument dedicated to the resistance against the Japanese occupation. He recounts the brutal history of Japanese control, the suffering of civilians, and the subsequent transformation of Shanghai after the removal of foreign interference. He marvels at the city's modern development, abundant in name brands and technological advancements, contrasting it with the perceived decline of New York.
That Evan Guy concludes by emphasizing Shanghai's remarkable transformation from a city under foreign dominion to a global powerhouse, attributing its success to Chinese leadership and a focus on prosperity and employment. He notes the city's safety and order, with visible police presence ensuring security, and points to Shanghai as a symbol of China's bright future.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What were the Shanghai breakfast buns like?
- A: The dough was incredibly thin, like a 'sexy girl wears in the summer,' and the filling was bursting with juice and flavor. They were a 10 out of 10, a truly magical food experience.
- Q: How did the French Concession compare to Paris?
- A: The French Concession felt more authentically Parisian than Paris itself, offering beautiful European architecture and a clean, pleasant atmosphere, free from the issues plaguing Paris.
- Q: What was the experience like trying local coffee chains?
- A: Local chains like Manor Coffee and Luckin Coffee are excellent, offering creamy and delicious coffee that could easily rival or even surpass Starbucks, questioning why Starbucks still exists.
- Q: What is the most significant transformation in Shanghai?
- A: Shanghai transformed from being under foreign control (French, British, American, Japanese) to a prosperous, modern city with abundant opportunities and a high quality of life, surpassing places like New York.
- Q: What historical struggles did Shanghai face?
- A: Shanghai endured periods of foreign control, exploitation, and brutal occupation by the Japanese, during which millions of civilians suffered. The city's current prosperity is a testament to overcoming these hardships.
