Shanghai Exploration: Culture, Surveillance, and Modern China

I Visited the Most Hated Country in the World 🇨🇳

Destination:ChinaCity:NanjingPopulation:9.4 million
I Visited the Most Hated Country in the World 🇨🇳
Harry Jaggard2024-01-2743 min

China is currently the world's most populous country. They have a rich history marked by influential dynasties and the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Under the governance of the Chinese Communist Party, China has become the second-largest global economy, characterized by rapid industrialization and urbanization. We embark on a journey to explore streets of Shanghai! Join us as we navigate through the vibrant neighborhoods, taste authentic local Chinese dishes, and get immersed in the unique culture. We also dive in on how China's heavy censorship and constant surveillance affects its citizens.

Shanghai's Maglev Train and my first impressions of Shanghai. How China became an economic powerhouse. Finding love in China's Marriage Market. The Police, CCTV's and couples dancing in a park. Bumped into a brilliant multilingual Chinese NPC. Visiting a local spot for authentic Chinese noodle dish. What do the locals think of the surveillance? Walking around the neighborhood and afternoon tea in Shanghai. Time for beer and roast duck! Full body massage to end the day. Exploring Jing'an Temple Shanghai. Negotiating for a Fear of God Essentials shirt. Slammin' an Americano at a robot cafe. My thoughts about my trip to China.

--- Harry Jaggard
January 27, 2024, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Pack your bags boys, we're going to China!
  2. 4:31We've landed! Reuniting with the gang (Mac & Ali)
  3. 5:07Shanghai's Maglev Train and my first impressions of Shanghai
  4. 8:20How China became an economic powerhouse
  5. 9:45Finding love in China's Marriage Market
  6. 14:42The Police, CCTV's and couples dancing in a park
  7. 16:12Bumped into a brilliant multilingual Chinese NPC
  8. 19:45Visiting a local spot for authentic Chinese noodle dish
  9. 23:32What do the locals think of the surveillance?
  10. 25:11Walking around the neighborhood and afternoon tea in Shanghai
  11. 29:42Time for beer and roast duck!
  12. 31:28Full body massage to end the day
  13. 34:46Exploring Jing'an Temple Shanghai
  14. 36:33Negotiating for a Fear of God Essentials shirt
  15. 40:55Slammin' an Americano at a robot cafe
  16. 42:19My thoughts about my trip to China

Harry Jaggard's China trip: Bustling markets, delicious food, and unexpected kindness. His journey challenges assumptions and leaves a lasting impact.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Chinese people love to drink Pepsi. (2:10)
  2. Tip 2Women in middle age come to the park to dance for exercise and socialization. (15:30)
  3. Tip 3Learn the local language to connect with people on a deeper level. (17:16)
  4. Tip 4Eating at local restaurants helps you understand the local culture better. (21:26)
  5. Tip 5High surveillance leads to very low crime rates in Shanghai. (23:50)
  6. Tip 6Electric vehicle usage in China is 40%, and they are very affordable. (27:52)
  7. Tip 7Teslas are the cheapest in the world in China due to local manufacturing. (28:05)
  8. Tip 8Experience a traditional full-body Chinese massage for a unique cultural experience. (31:41)

Harry Jaggard's China adventure shatters stereotypes! From the futuristic Maglev train to the bustling marriage market and the surprisingly friendly police, Harry's journey is full of unexpected twists. He navigates through vibrant neighborhoods, savors authentic cuisine, and engages with locals, revealing a side of China rarely seen. His experiences challenge preconceived notions and offer a fresh perspective on this complex and captivating country.

More about the current video:( 1 / 2 )

I Visited the Most Hated Country in the World 🇨🇳

This vlog documents Harry Jaggard's first trip to China, aiming to dispel common Western stereotypes. He sets four goals: find a Chinese wife, eat the best Chinese food, meet a local who changes his perception, and buy a fake product. The journey begins with a high-speed train ride to Shanghai, showcasing China's technological advancements.

Harry's exploration of Shanghai includes a visit to a marriage market, where he interacts with parents seeking partners for their children, highlighting cultural differences in dating. He observes the pervasive CCTV surveillance, noting that while it's omnipresent, it doesn't seem to deter the locals' enjoyment of life.

He encounters a multilingual local who offers insights into Chinese society and challenges Western media portrayals. Harry and his friends sample authentic Chinese food at a local eatery, enjoying the experience and engaging with the friendly staff. They also indulge in a traditional roast duck dinner and experience a unique full-body massage.

The vlog also touches upon China's economic history, explaining its rapid growth through a blend of communism and capitalism. Harry visits Jing'an Temple, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern architecture. He even tries his hand at negotiating for a Fear of God Essentials shirt at a fake market, adding a humorous touch to his exploration. The video concludes with Harry's reflections on his trip, acknowledging the unexpected friendliness of the people and the delicious food, while acknowledging concerns about surveillance.

Throughout the vlog, Harry's personal experiences and observations provide a unique perspective on China, challenging preconceived notions and offering a glimpse into the country's multifaceted culture and rapid development. His interactions with locals, his attempts to navigate cultural nuances, and his honest reactions to his experiences make the video engaging and relatable.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What did you think of the marriage market?
A: It was interesting to see how parents and grandparents try to find partners for their children. It's very different from how things are done back home.
Q: What was your favorite Chinese dish?
A: The roast duck was incredible! The skin was so soft, and the flavor was amazing.
Q: What surprised you the most about China?
A: Probably how friendly the people were and how technologically advanced the country is. I also didn't expect the food to be so good!
Q: What was your experience at the fake market like?
A: It was fun negotiating for that Fear of God shirt! I managed to get a good deal.
Q: How did you feel about the constant surveillance?
A: It was a bit unnerving at first, but it didn't really affect my enjoyment of the trip. It seems to have kept crime very low.

Shanghai Exploration: Culture, Surveillance, and Modern China

Harry explores China's vibrant culture and contrasts its economic boom with daily life under surveillance. Shanghai's energy and unique encounters leave a lasting impression.

Exploring Modern & Traditional China: Shanghai, Food & Culture

Harry Jaggard's China journey started in Shanghai, exploring its vibrant streets, savoring authentic cuisine, and experiencing the unique culture firsthand. He delves into the impact of China's censorship and surveillance on its citizens, offering a balanced perspective. From navigating the Maglev train to encountering a multilingual local and enjoying a full body massage, his experiences are rich and varied. The trip includes visits to a local noodle spot, Jing'an Temple, and a robot cafe, painting a vivid picture of modern China. His reflections on the trip conclude this insightful exploration of the world's most populous nation.

Attractions in this video: Jingan Temple, Bund