Shanghai Exploration: First Impressions of China

People told us not to visit China…(we were SHOCKED!) 🇨🇳

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation:24.9 million
People told us not to visit China…(we were SHOCKED!) 🇨🇳
JetLag Warriors2023-12-1628 min

China is not what we expected! Check out our first day exploring Shanghai... We were shocked by China because many people told us not to go to China. What Is China REALLY like in 2023? Is China safe? Check out our first impressions of Shanghai, China. We were shocked by China because many people told us not to go to China. What Is China REALLY like in 2023? Is China safe? Check out our first impressions of Shanghai, China. The Old City (Nanshi) in Shanghai (WORTH SEEING!). Massive dumpling that's filled with soup? Another day, another 40cm stick of pork :D :D City walk 1.0 - Perfectly organized bikes, and traditional tricycles. The French Concession: Historical and tourist friendly :). Ivana buys a lovely Chinese dress. First time trying lunchbox chicken? With rice cakes. City walk 2.0 - Toilet highway signs, massive yo-yos in the park. The Bund at night, great view, but Oriental Pearl was dark? Many people tend to dress the same in Shanghai.

--- JetLag Warriors
December 16, 2023, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Tim Hortons! A Canadian classic
  2. 00:36Friendly local Chinese man sells me a hat
  3. 3:37The Old City (Nanshi) in Shanghai (WORTH SEEING!)
  4. 5:12Massive dumpling that's filled with soup?
  5. 9:04Another day, another 40cm stick of pork :D :D
  6. 11:25City walk 1.0 - Perfectly organized bikes, and traditional tricycles
  7. 14:22The French Concession: Historical and tourist friendly :)
  8. 15:16Ivana buys a lovely Chinese dress
  9. 18:41First time trying lunchbox chicken? With rice cakes
  10. 23:13City walk 2.0 - Toilet highway signs, massive yo-yos in the park
  11. 25:37The Bund at night, great view, but Oriental Pearl was dark?
  12. 27:28Many people tend to dress the same in Shanghai

JetLag Warriors' Shanghai adventure defied expectations! Exploring the city's unique blend of old and new, they savored delicious street food and discovered hidden gems, leaving with a positive and surprising first impression of China.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Explore the Old City of Shanghai for a unique blend of cultural showcase and personal discovery, feeling like you're uncovering a hidden gem. Despite being a tourist attraction, the relatively few foreign tourists create an authentic and adventurous experience. (3:37)
  2. Tip 2Try the soup dumplings in Shanghai! These liquid-filled dumplings are a unique culinary experience. Slurp them up before they get cold! (5:21)
  3. Tip 3Venture beyond the main tourist areas to discover incredible street food. Don't be afraid to try something new! (9:05)
  4. Tip 4Embark on a city walk to experience the vibrant streets of Shanghai. Observe the organized electric bicycle culture and the blend of modern and traditional vehicles. (10:59)
  5. Tip 5Visit the French Concession for a historical and tourist-friendly experience. Explore the narrow streets, charming bars, and unique shops. (14:22)
  6. Tip 6Try the 'lunchbox chicken' – a unique dish featuring rice cakes and a delicious barbecue-like sauce. It's a tasty and comforting meal. (18:46)
  7. Tip 7Pay attention to the unique details of daily life. Notice the toilet signs, clothes drying methods, and the overall cleanliness of the city. (23:13)
  8. Tip 8Visit the Bund at night for a stunning view of the Shanghai skyline. Consider timing your visit for when the Oriental Pearl Tower is illuminated. (24:40)

JetLag Warriors were SHOCKED by their first day in Shanghai, defying expectations set by others who advised against visiting China. Their initial impressions were shaped by the unexpected discovery of Tim Hortons, offering a familiar comfort in a foreign land. From there, their journey took them through the charming Old City, the bustling streets where they sampled unique soup dumplings and massive pork skewers, and the elegant French Concession, where Ivana found a beautiful traditional Chinese dress. The video captures the blend of modern and traditional aspects of Shanghai, highlighting the city's cleanliness and the organized electric vehicle culture. The Bund provided a stunning night view, although the Oriental Pearl Tower was unfortunately unlit. Overall, JetLag Warriors' experience in Shanghai was one of delightful surprises and cultural immersion.

More about the current video:( 5 / 20 )

People told us not to visit China…(we were SHOCKED!) 🇨🇳

This travel vlog by JetLag Warriors subverts expectations about China, focusing on their surprising and positive first day in Shanghai. The video begins with a relatable moment—finding Tim Hortons in Shanghai—establishing a sense of familiarity amidst the unknown. Their exploration of the Old City reveals a unique blend of tourism and authenticity, highlighting the relative lack of foreign tourists and the resulting feeling of personal discovery. This contrasts sharply with the usual tourist experience, making their visit feel like a genuine adventure.

The vlog details several unique culinary experiences, including the unusual soup dumplings that are slurped through a straw and a massive 40cm pork skewer. These encounters are presented with humor and vivid descriptions, capturing the sensory details and emotional responses of JetLag Warriors. Ivana's purchase of a traditional Chinese dress adds a personal touch and showcases a unique souvenir from their journey.

The exploration of Shanghai extends beyond food, encompassing a city walk that highlights the organized electric vehicle culture, the cleanliness of the city, and the juxtaposition of modern infrastructure with traditional three-wheeled vehicles. The French Concession offers a historical context, with its unique architecture and narrow streets providing a charming backdrop for further exploration and shopping. Their visit to the Bund concludes with a stunning, albeit partially obscured, night view of the city skyline.

Throughout the vlog, JetLag Warriors share their observations about Chinese culture and people, noting the uniformity in fashion and the overall sense of discipline and order. The video is a testament to their adventurous spirit and their ability to find joy and surprise in unexpected places. It's a positive and engaging account of a first-time experience in Shanghai, offering a fresh perspective that challenges preconceived notions about China. The vlog is visually appealing, offering a glimpse into the beauty and vibrancy of Shanghai, while also highlighting the personal experiences and emotional responses of JetLag Warriors, making it a truly engaging and memorable watch.

Shanghai Exploration: First Impressions of China

Shanghai surprised JetLag Warriors! Exploring the city's charm, delicious food, and friendly locals changed their perceptions completely.

Shanghai Exploration: A First-Timer's Unexpected China Journey

JetLag Warriors were SHOCKED by their first day in Shanghai, defying the warnings they received about visiting China. Their experience was filled with unexpected delights, from a friendly local selling a hat to exploring the charming Old City (Nanshi) and indulging in massive soup dumplings. They marvelled at the organized cityscapes, featuring perfectly aligned bikes and traditional tricycles, and discovered hidden gems like the French Concession. The trip also included unique shopping experiences and delicious food adventures, culminating in a nighttime stroll along the Bund, offering stunning views despite the dark Oriental Pearl Tower. Their initial impressions were completely overturned, showcasing a vibrant and surprisingly welcoming side of Shanghai.

Attractions in this video: Old City, The Bund, French Concession, Oriental Pearl Tower