Shanghai Exploration: Qibao, French Concession & Xintiandi

First time in Shanghai: Old town Qibao | French Concession | Xintiandi | Tianzifang

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation:24.9 million
First time in Shanghai: Old town Qibao | French Concession | Xintiandi | Tianzifang
Suzy2025-04-1622 min

Visiting Shanghai for the first time! I got to explore different parts of Shanghai such as visiting ancient cities like Qibao where I thought I was in a Ghibli movie! Then I went to see the French concession and got to walk around the Tianzifang narrow alleyways. Finally ended the night at Xintiandi which is a luxurious shopping district!

--- Suzy
April 16, 2025, Spring in China

Video Chapters

  1. 00:35Sick
  2. 05:42Qibao
  3. 15:14Tianzifang
  4. 15:53French Concession
  5. 17:01Xintiandi
  6. 18:58Night life in Shanghai
  7. 20:07Back to Hotel

Suzy's Shanghai trip, despite illness, revealed charming ancient towns, trendy neighborhoods, and delicious street food, leaving her with unforgettable memories.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1For a shorter trip to Shanghai, consider visiting Qibao, an easily accessible ancient town near the city. It offers a unique blend of history and culture, with charming streets, local shops, and delicious street food, without requiring a full-day excursion. (7:34)
  2. Tip 2When visiting Qibao, be sure to try the scallion pancakes, a Shanghai specialty known for its crispy exterior and soft, layered interior. Many vendors offer samples, allowing you to taste before you buy. (11:03)
  3. Tip 3If you're visiting Qibao, arrive early to try the limited-edition swordfish wonton soup, as it sells out quickly. This flavorful soup is a local favorite and is a perfect complement to the scallion pancakes. (11:32)
  4. Tip 4Remember to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Carry a water bottle and refill it throughout the day to avoid dehydration, particularly when exploring outdoors. (12:12)
  5. Tip 5While in Shanghai, search for local treats like dragon beard candy. Although Suzy's experience was somewhat disappointing, it highlights the importance of trying to find authentic, freshly made versions of local specialties. (14:17)
  6. Tip 6Tianzifang, a neighborhood in Shanghai's French Concession, is known for its art studios, craft stores, and trendy cafes. While it may be less crowded during off-peak hours, it's still worth a visit to experience its unique atmosphere. (15:32)
  7. Tip 7The French Concession in Shanghai offers a blend of Parisian charm and Chinese history. Explore its shaded streets, quiet cafes, and intriguing historical sites for a unique cultural experience. (16:00)

Suzy's Shanghai adventure wasn't quite as planned, starting with a bout of illness. But once recovered, she dove into exploring the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the enchanting ancient town of Qibao, which felt like a Ghibli film, to the trendy Tianzifang and luxurious Xintiandi. She savored delicious street food, experienced unique local interactions, and discovered unexpected delights. Suzy's journey showcases Shanghai's blend of old-world charm and modern dynamism.

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First time in Shanghai: Old town Qibao | French Concession | Xintiandi | Tianzifang

This video follows Suzy's Shanghai adventure, starting with a few days of illness that delayed her exploration. Once recovered, she embarked on a journey through the city's diverse neighborhoods. Her first stop was Qibao, an ancient town that charmed Suzy with its Ghibli-esque atmosphere. She explored its narrow streets, sampled local delicacies like scallion pancakes and swordfish wonton soup, and even had her hair styled by a friendly shop owner.

Next, Suzy ventured into Tianzifang, a neighborhood known for its art studios and craft stores. Despite finding it less lively than expected, she enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to explore at her own pace.

The French Concession was another highlight, with its Parisian-inspired architecture and tranquil streets. Suzy appreciated the city's walkable paths and green spaces, a welcome contrast to other bustling megacities. Her exploration concluded in Xintiandi, a luxurious shopping district where she marveled at the blend of modern China and Western brands. Suzy's experience highlights Shanghai's unique combination of historical charm and modern luxury, even amid unexpected challenges like illness and the search for elusive dragon beard candy.

Throughout her journey, Suzy shares personal anecdotes, highlighting surprising discoveries and authentic interactions with locals. Her emotional responses to the sights, sounds, and tastes of Shanghai add depth and authenticity to her narrative. The video showcases not only the beauty of Shanghai but also Suzy's personal growth and appreciation for the city's unique character. Even a bout of illness couldn't fully dampen Suzy's enthusiasm for exploring this vibrant metropolis.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most memorable part of Suzy's trip?
A: Probably Qibao ancient town; it felt like stepping into a Ghibli movie!
Q: What was the food like in Qibao?
A: The scallion pancakes were amazing, and I was lucky enough to try the limited edition swordfish wonton soup before it sold out!
Q: What was Suzy's experience like in Tianzifang?
A: It was less crowded than expected, which was nice. I really enjoyed getting lost in the quiet streets and exploring at my own pace.
Q: What surprised Suzy about Shanghai?
A: I was surprised by how many walkable paths and green spaces there were in such a huge city!
Q: What was Suzy's experience with the dragon beard candy?
A: It was disappointing. It wasn't like the ones I used to eat as a kid; they didn't have the same filling and flavors.

Shanghai Exploration: Qibao, French Concession & Xintiandi

Visiting Shanghai for the first time! I got to explore different parts of Shanghai such as visiting ancient cities like Qibao where I thought I was in a Ghibli movie! Then I went to see the French concession and got to walk around the Tianzifang narrow alleyways. Finally ended the night at Xintiandi...

Shanghai Exploration: Qibao Ancient Town, French Concession, Xintiandi

Shanghai adventure! Suzy explores the enchanting ancient town of Qibao, feeling like she's stepped into a Ghibli film. She then wanders the charming French Concession and the narrow alleyways of Tianzifang, ending her day in the luxurious Xintiandi shopping district. A night out in Shanghai completes this captivating journey.

Attractions in this video: Qibao Ancient Town, Tianzifang, French Concession, Xintiandi