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Suzy's Shanghai trip begins later than planned after she spends several days ill. Once recovered, she visits Qibao, an ancient town whose narrow streets and atmosphere remind her of a Ghibli film. She samples scallion pancakes and limited-edition swordfish wonton soup, then heads to Tianzifang, where the quieter streets let her explore at her own pace. She also walks through the French Concession and its shaded streets, then visits luxurious Xintiandi. Along the way she notices Shanghai's walkable paths and green spaces and looks for dragon beard candy, though the version she finds disappoints her.
More about the current video:(Published on 2025-04-16)
Qibao and its local food
Suzy's Shanghai exploration starts after a few days of illness delay her plans. Once she feels better, she visits Qibao, an ancient town whose narrow streets give her the feeling of stepping into a Ghibli film. She samples scallion pancakes, with their crisp outside and soft, layered middle, and tries the limited-edition swordfish wonton soup before it sells out. A friendly shop owner styles her hair. Qibao gives her an accessible way to see an older side of Shanghai without making a full-day trip.
Tianzifang, the French Concession, and Xintiandi
Suzy next visits Tianzifang, known for art studios and craft stores. It is less lively than she expected, but the quieter streets let her wander and explore at her own pace. In the French Concession she enjoys shaded streets, greenery, and walkable paths, a contrast with the scale of other large cities. She then goes to Xintiandi, where she sees luxury shopping and Western brands alongside modern China.
The trip also includes a search for dragon beard candy. Suzy finds the version she tries disappointing because it does not have the filling and flavors she remembers from childhood. Her experience highlights that a local specialty can vary, and that finding an authentic, freshly made version may take effort. Despite the illness that delayed her plans and the candy disappointment, she enjoys the city's range of historic neighborhoods, food, and contemporary districts.
At Qibao, Suzy walks through narrow lanes and browses local shops, then samples food that gives the stop its own character. The scallion pancakes have a crisp outside and soft layers inside; vendors may offer samples before a purchase. She is also fortunate to try the swordfish wonton soup before it sells out. During the visit a shop owner gives her a hairstyle, adding an informal interaction to the day. She later looks for dragon beard candy, a local treat that she remembers from childhood, and compares the version she finds with those earlier flavors.
The next neighborhoods offer a different pace. Tianzifang has art studios and craft shops, and Suzy appreciates that the streets are quiet enough for unhurried exploring even though she expected more activity. The French Concession's shaded streets and cafes feel pleasant to walk through. She sees green spaces and paths that make a large city feel more accessible. In Xintiandi she encounters luxury shopping and Western labels, which add another contrast to Qibao's historic lanes.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the most memorable part of Suzy's trip?
- A: Qibao ancient town stood out to her. Its narrow streets and atmosphere made her feel as if she had stepped into a Ghibli movie.
- Q: What food did Suzy try in Qibao?
- A: She ate scallion pancakes and tried the limited-edition swordfish wonton soup before it sold out. The pancakes had a crisp exterior and soft, layered inside.
- Q: What was Suzy's experience like in Tianzifang?
- A: It was quieter and less crowded than she expected. She enjoyed walking through the streets and exploring at her own pace.
- Q: What surprised Suzy about Shanghai?
- A: She was surprised by the number of walkable paths and green spaces in such a large city. She found them a welcome contrast to the busy urban setting.
- Q: How did Suzy like the dragon beard candy she found?
- A: She was disappointed because it did not taste like the version she remembered from childhood and lacked the same filling and flavors.
