Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Learn how to use Alipay and WeChat Pay for seamless mobile payments in China. These apps are widely used and offer a convenient alternative to cash. (2:55)
- Tip 2In 2023, you can link international bank cards to Alipay or WeChat Pay, making transactions even easier for foreign travelers. (3:52)
- Tip 3Understand that China's social media landscape differs from the West. Popular Western platforms are often blocked, requiring the use of Chinese alternatives or VPNs. (5:25)
- Tip 4Google Maps may not be as useful in China due to limited user contributions. Embrace spontaneous exploration and discover hidden gems! (13:09)
- Tip 5Traveling in China can be a throwback to pre-internet travel, fostering spontaneous exploration and authentic discoveries. (13:30)
Doug Barnard's Shanghai adventure is a vibrant tapestry of cultural immersion and culinary delights! From the bustling People's Square to the trendy French Concession, he navigates the city's diverse neighborhoods with infectious enthusiasm. His exploration of Yu Garden, a captivating temple complex, culminates in a delicious noodle feast. Witness Doug's mastery of Alipay, savor the flavors of Jianbing, and be mesmerized by the breathtaking Bund views. This is more than a travelogue; it's an invitation to experience the magic of Shanghai!
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This vlog captures Doug Barnard's initial impressions of Shanghai, China, during Chinese New Year 2024. He begins in People's Square, the city's central hub, immediately immersing himself in the vibrant atmosphere.
His culinary journey begins with a Jianbing, a delicious Chinese crepe, expertly ordered using Alipay, highlighting the prevalence of mobile payment in China. This experience is followed by an exploration of the French Concession, a trendy area with art deco architecture, where he notes the prevalence of English in trendy neighborhoods globally.
Doug's exploration continues to Yu Garden, a temple complex teeming with people celebrating Chinese New Year. Here, he enjoys a satisfying meal of noodles, soup dumplings, and fried pork chop, noting the unique texture and flavor of the noodles. He also samples various rice wines, a highlight of his culinary experience.
The video concludes with a visit to the Bund, offering stunning views of Shanghai's skyline, showcasing the contrast between traditional and modern architecture. Doug reflects on the unique aspects of traveling in China as a foreigner, emphasizing the lack of readily available Western apps and the resulting spontaneous exploration that makes the journey truly authentic. Throughout the video, Doug's enthusiasm and genuine curiosity shine through, offering viewers a captivating glimpse into the heart of Shanghai.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What's it like using mobile payment in China?
- A: It's super common! I used Alipay, it was easy to scan the code and pay. You can even link your foreign bank card to it.
- Q: What was the Jianbing like?
- A: It was amazing! Crispy, fresh, flavorful, and the perfect breakfast. I loved all the fresh ingredients.
- Q: What's the atmosphere like in Yu Garden during Chinese New Year?
- A: It was absolutely packed! So many people, great decorations, really festive. It felt like what you'd expect China to be like from a Western perspective.
- Q: What was your favorite food in Shanghai?
- A: The noodles were insane! Perfectly chewy, with those little dried shrimps and greens. And the soup dumplings were sweet and savory, almost maple syrup-like, I know that's crazy!
- Q: What's the Bund like?
- A: It's really cool! Tons of people, but the view is definitely one of the best in the city. You've got all these lit-up buildings along the waterfront, and across the way are all the modern buildings, including the Shanghai Tower.