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 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.