In this video, I take you through my first 24 hours in China, and let me tell you—it was a complete culture shock. I landed in Shanghai totally unprepared, with many unexpected challenges ahead. From dodging persistent taxi drivers and figuring out the metro system, to the surprisingly tricky task of renting a hotel room—this was nothing like Europe.
Trying to pay with a card? Disaster. Getting cash? A mission. The internet? Don’t even get me started. But that didn’t stop me from diving headfirst into the chaos: exploring the city center, tasting authentic local food, connecting with locals, checking out Shanghai’s most iconic spots—and even joining a sunrise Tai Chi session with local masters in the park.
I was also on the hunt for the legendary Meituan yellow jacket!
Join me for this spontaneous, wild, and eye-opening adventure through my first day in China—you won’t believe what happened.
Homeless Pelican's first day in Shanghai is pure culture shock! From chaotic streets to unexpected kindness, this China adventure is full of humor and heartwarming moments. A truly unforgettable experience.
Travel Guides & Tips in this video
Homeless Pelican's first 24 hours in China were nothing short of a whirlwind! From navigating Shanghai's bustling streets and perplexing public transport to the unexpected challenges of finding a hotel and using cash, this video captures the raw, unfiltered experience of a first-time visitor. Witness the culture shock, hilarious miscommunications, and heartwarming encounters with locals that make this journey unforgettable. Follow along as Homeless Pelican explores iconic landmarks, samples delicious street food, and even participates in a sunrise Tai Chi session. This is a vibrant and engaging account of navigating a new culture, full of humor and unexpected twists.
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Shanghai Culture Shock: First 24 Hours in China
In this video, I take you through my first 24 hours in China, and let me tell you—it was a complete culture shock. I landed in Shanghai totally unprepared, with many unexpected challenges ahead. From dodging persistent taxi drivers and figuring out the metro system, to the surprisingly tricky task of...
Shanghai Exploration: First 24 Hours Culture Shock
Homeless Pelican's first 24 hours in Shanghai were a whirlwind of culture shock! From navigating the chaotic streets and public transport to the unexpected hurdles of securing accommodation and managing payments, the experience was a stark contrast to Europe. Despite the initial challenges, Pelican embraced the vibrant chaos, exploring the city center, savoring authentic cuisine, connecting with locals, and even participating in a sunrise Tai Chi session. This spontaneous adventure showcases the unexpected joys and challenges of experiencing a new culture.
Attractions in this video: People's Square, People's Park, French Concession
More about the current video:(Published on 2025-04-27)
This vlog documents Homeless Pelican's first 24 hours in Shanghai, China, offering a raw and humorous account of his initial culture shock. Arriving unprepared, he immediately encounters challenges: persistent taxi drivers, a confusing metro system, and the difficulty of paying with a credit card. The initial frustration gives way to surprising discoveries and heartwarming interactions. His attempts to find a hotel and secure cash are filled with comical mishaps and miscommunications, highlighting the language barrier and the prevalence of mobile payment systems.
He explores People's Square, navigates the metro system (with considerable difficulty and amusement), and finds a surprisingly affordable hotel near People's Park. The video showcases his interactions with locals, from helpful metro attendants (who he initially mistakes for metro employees) to friendly hotel staff and street vendors. His struggles with using Western cards lead to a humorous quest for an ATM, which involves several false leads and ultimately a successful transaction at a Lawson convenience store.
Food plays a significant role, with Homeless Pelican sampling local dishes like beef tomato soup and Chinese spaghetti. He notes the generous portion sizes and spicy flavors. The video also highlights the unique aspects of Shanghai's streets, including the ubiquitous electric scooters, the quietness of the city despite its size, and the prevalence of security boxes on buildings. A chance encounter leads to an impromptu Tai Chi lesson in a park, providing a touching moment of cultural exchange and connection.
Homeless Pelican's journey continues with explorations of the French Concession, a visually striking area with distinctly European architecture. He interacts with photographers and locals, highlighting the beauty of the area and the friendliness of the people. The search for the legendary Meituan yellow jacket becomes a recurring theme, adding a humorous layer to the narrative. The video culminates with reflections on the unexpected friendliness of the locals, the convenience of the city, and the overall positive experience despite the initial challenges. He promises a series of videos documenting his continued adventures in China, leaving the viewer eager for more.
Throughout, Homeless Pelican's personal insights and emotional responses to his surroundings are central to the narrative. His surprise at the city's quietness, his delight in the Tai Chi lesson, and his frustration with the language barrier and payment systems create a relatable and engaging viewing experience. The video is a testament to the power of embracing the unexpected and finding joy in the midst of chaos.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
Q: How easy is it to pay with a credit card in Shanghai?
A: Not easy at all! I had a lot of trouble using my credit card, most places only accepted cash or mobile payment apps like WeChat or Alipay. I had to find an ATM to get cash.
Q: What's the public transportation like?
A: The metro is a bit confusing at first, especially if you don't speak Chinese. But once you get the hang of it, it's cheap and efficient. Just be prepared for crowded rush hour.
Q: What was the food like?
A: The food was amazing! The portions are huge, and it's delicious. I especially loved the beef tomato soup and Chinese spaghetti.
Q: What was the most surprising thing about Shanghai?
A: How quiet it was! I imagined it being much louder, but it was surprisingly peaceful, except for rush hour.
Q: Did you meet any friendly people?
A: Yes! The people were incredibly friendly and helpful, even though there was a language barrier. I had many positive interactions, especially with the Tai Chi masters in the park.
