Shanghai First Day: Yu Gardens, The Bund & Huangpu River Cruise

First Time In China! Stressful Arrival in Shanghai…

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation:24.9 million
First Time In China! Stressful Arrival in Shanghai…
Alex Again2025-08-0120 min

Hey, it's Alex again and today I'm taking you along on my very first day in China. After flying in from Germany, I land in Shanghai and, honestly, the arrival was a bit stressful. But once I got through it, the city immediately started to impress.

In this video, you’ll see what my first impressions of Shanghai were like as I explore the streets, check out a 7-Eleven, and try some crab soup. I also hop on a sightseeing bus that takes me to the beautiful Yu Gardens, one of the highlights of the day.

Later, I head down to the Bund to take in the skyline, walk along the promenade, and soak up the atmosphere. As the sun sets, I wander through Nanjing Road and end the night with a cruise along the Huangpu River — a perfect (and surreal) way to close out my first day here.

It’s been a wild start to this trip, and there’s a lot more to come. Hope you enjoy the ride :)

--- Alex Again
August 1, 2025, Summer in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Flight to China
  2. 2:02First Impression of the City
  3. 3:03Inside a 7-Eleven
  4. 4:26Views from the Hotel
  5. 5:01Trying Crab soup
  6. 5:53Walk to next Area
  7. 7:28Yuyuan Tourist Mart
  8. 11:03The Yu Gardens
  9. 13:52The Bund Views
  10. 15:47Back at the Hotel
  11. 16:43Nanjing Road
  12. 18:45Hangpu River Cruise

Alex Again's first China day: Shanghai's vibrant streets, delicious crab soup, and a magical river cruise create unforgettable memories.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Be prepared for heat and humidity in Shanghai, especially during the summer months. Carry water and dress lightly. (2:05)
  2. Tip 27-Eleven in China offers a unique shopping experience with a wide variety of snacks and drinks. Don't be afraid to try something new! (3:04)
  3. Tip 3Crab soup is a must-try in Shanghai, but be prepared for the price. It's worth it for the generous portion and delicious taste. (5:06)
  4. Tip 4Consider taking a sightseeing bus tour to get a quick overview of the city's major landmarks and attractions. It's a great way to orient yourself. (6:24)
  5. Tip 5The Yu Garden Market area is a great place to experience the local culture, shop for souvenirs, and try some street food. Be prepared for crowds. (7:31)
  6. Tip 6Explore the streets on foot to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems. Many areas are designed for tourists, offering photo opportunities and unique experiences. (11:05)
  7. Tip 7A Huangpu River cruise is a must-do in Shanghai to see the city's skyline from a different perspective. However, be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season. (13:52)
  8. Tip 8Choose a centrally located hotel for easy access to major attractions and public transportation. This will save you time and effort during your trip. (15:49)

Alex Again's first day in Shanghai is a whirlwind of sensory overload! From a slightly stressful arrival to exploring bustling streets and markets, this video captures the vibrant energy of the city. Alex's unique experiences include navigating a crowded 7-Eleven, savoring delicious crab soup, and taking a breathtaking river cruise. Get ready for a visual feast as Alex shares personal insights and emotional moments from this incredible adventure.

More about the current video:

First Time In China! Stressful Arrival in Shanghai…

This video follows Alex Again on their first day in Shanghai, China. The day begins with a somewhat stressful arrival at Shanghai International Airport, navigating crowds and queues. However, Alex's initial apprehension quickly fades as they're captivated by the city's unique energy.

Alex's exploration of Shanghai includes a visit to a 7-Eleven, where the sheer variety and presentation of goods leave them in awe. They sample local snacks and are particularly drawn to the colorful packaging and unique offerings. A delicious crab soup provides a taste of authentic Shanghai cuisine, described as both expensive and worth it due to its generous portion and rich flavor.

The video also features stunning visuals of Shanghai's skyline. Alex marvels at the unique architecture and contrasts between older, more traditional buildings and modern skyscrapers. A sightseeing bus tour takes them to the Yu Gardens, though unfortunately, they find it closed for the day. Despite this, they explore the surrounding area, noting the lively market atmosphere and the abundance of souvenir shops. They walk along the Bund, highlighting the impressive views of the skyline from the river promenade.

Alex's experience is further enriched by a relaxing cruise along the Huangpu River. The cruise offers a different perspective of the city, with illuminated buildings and the Pearl Tower standing out. The sounds of crickets are noted as a unique element of the night. Throughout the video, Alex expresses their wonder and excitement at the sheer scale and diversity of Shanghai, contrasting their initial expectations with the reality of this vibrant and multifaceted city. The video ends with Alex back at their hotel, emphasizing the convenient location and showcasing the futuristic design of the hotel's bathroom. The overall impression is one of excitement, wonder, and a deep appreciation for the unexpected beauty and energy of Shanghai.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the 7-Eleven like?
A: It was amazing! So many cute and tiny snacks and drinks. I was in shock!
Q: How was the crab soup?
A: It was super delicious and the portion was huge! A bit pricey, though, because they only use the best parts of the crab.
Q: What was your favorite part of the river cruise?
A: The view was incredible! Every building was unique. It was a must-see, even though it was super crowded and loud.
Q: What surprised you the most about Shanghai?
A: Probably the contrast between the old and new buildings, and how busy it was, even on a Monday!

Shanghai First Day: Yu Gardens, The Bund & Huangpu River Cruise

Hey, it's Alex again and today I'm taking you along on my very first day in China. After flying in from Germany, I land in Shanghai and, honestly, the arrival was a bit stressful. But once I got through it, the city immediately started to impress. In this video, you’ll see what my first impressions...

Shanghai Exploration: First Impressions & River Cruise

Embark on a whirlwind first day in China as Alex Again navigates a somewhat bumpy arrival in Shanghai. From exploring local 7-Elevens and savoring authentic crab soup to marveling at the historic Yu Gardens and the iconic Bund skyline, this journey captures the essence of a first-time visitor's experience. The adventure culminates with a captivating Huangpu River cruise, offering a surreal glimpse into the city's vibrant nightlife.

Attractions in this video: Yu Gardens, Bund, Pearl Tower, Huangpu River