Shanghai's Mega City Charm: First-Time Shock and Awe in China

OUR FIRST TIME IN SHANGHAI SHOCKED US! 🇨🇳 China's MEGA City

Destination:ChinaProvince:HunanCity:Zhangjiajie
OUR FIRST TIME IN SHANGHAI SHOCKED US! 🇨🇳 China's MEGA City
Two Drifters2025-10-1754 min

Join us as we explore Shanghai for the very first time and share why we absolutely loved returning to China! In this travel vlog, we experience the best of modern Shanghai, from its incredible skyline and vibrant streets to authentic local food and unforgettable cultural moments. We show what makes this city one of the most exciting destinations in Asia and why visiting China feels so special. Whether you’re from China or watching from abroad, this video captures the energy, warmth, and beauty of Shanghai through our eyes. Watch until the end to see why we can’t wait to explore more of China!

--- Two Drifters
October 17, 2025, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Iconic Shanghai skyline introduction
  2. 1:06View from East Nanjing Road
  3. 4:13Breathtaking skyline panorama
  4. 8:30Exploring food street options
  5. 13:39Jia Jia Tang Bao for Xiaolongbao
  6. 17:55Ordering food via Alipay
  7. 20:20How to eat soup dumplings
  8. 25:34Exploring Shanghai cuisine
  9. 26:02East Nanjing Street at night
  10. 31:27Shanghai street art exploration
  11. 33:13Trying crab roe noodles
  12. 38:33Exploring souvenir street
  13. 42:04Shanghai at night
  14. 47:36Ascending Shanghai Tower
  15. 50:01Shanghai from above
  16. 52:38First day reflection

Two Drifters explore Shanghai for the first time, marveling at its iconic skyline, delicious food like Xiaolongbao, and vibrant nightlife. A visit to The Shanghai Tower offers stunning city views.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Visiting Shanghai requires experiencing its iconic skyline, considered one of the most recognizable globally. (0:07)
  2. Tip 2Two must-try local delicacies in Shanghai are essential for any visitor to fully experience the city's culinary scene. (0:07)
  3. Tip 3Visiting the Bund area is a quintessential tourist activity in Shanghai, offering unparalleled views of the city. (1:11)
  4. Tip 4Shanghai is known as China's most 'western' city, offering a more accessible experience for those new to China. (3:24)
  5. Tip 5Consider adding underground walkways to your Shanghai itinerary for convenient access to key areas like the Bund. (8:51)
  6. Tip 6Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Shanghai as honking is prohibited in many areas, creating a calmer urban environment. (9:52)
  7. Tip 7Don't miss Jia Jia Tang Bao for famous crab roe noodles and Xiaolongbao, two must-try Shanghai specialties. (13:39)
  8. Tip 8Ordering food in Shanghai often involves scanning QR codes via apps like Alipay, streamlining the process. (15:36)
  9. Tip 9Using Alipay for QR code ordering can simplify the process, especially when phone numbers are required. (17:55)
  10. Tip 10Convenient amenities like chopsticks, toothpicks, and mints are often found in drawers at Shanghai dining tables. (18:43)
  11. Tip 11Learning the proper technique for eating soup dumplings, involving a gentle bite after cooling, enhances the experience. (19:46)
  12. Tip 12Modern phone boxes in Shanghai are clean, comfortable, and equipped with seating and desks, unlike those in the UK. (29:29)
  13. Tip 13Exploring on foot is key to discovering hidden gems like street art in Shanghai's diverse neighborhoods. (32:32)
  14. Tip 14Pre-payment before receiving food is common in China, offering a convenient dining experience. (38:08)
  15. Tip 15Visiting observation decks like The Shanghai Tower is a recommended activity for panoramic city views. (47:43)
  16. Tip 16Shanghai's food scene is highly rated, with many dishes exceeding expectations for food enthusiasts. (53:14)

Join Two Drifters as they experience Shanghai for the first time, captivated by its stunning skyline and vibrant energy. From the iconic Bund to the bustling East Nanjing Road, they immerse themselves in the city's modern marvels and clean streets. Discovering local culinary delights like the famous Xiaolongbao at Jia Jia Tang Bao, they savor authentic flavors. As night falls, Shanghai transforms into a dazzling spectacle, with illuminated streets and lively markets. Their adventure culminates with a breathtaking view from The Shanghai Tower, offering a panoramic perspective of this dynamic metropolis. This vlog captures the essence of Shanghai's allure, from its impressive architecture to its delicious food, making it an unforgettable Asian destination.

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OUR FIRST TIME IN SHANGHAI SHOCKED US! 🇨🇳 China's MEGA City

The first-time exploration of Shanghai by Two Drifters begins with an awe-inspiring view of its iconic skyline, a sight they deem essential for any visitor. They navigate the bustling East Nanjing Road, a vibrant pedestrian street lined with hotels and offering breathtaking vistas of the Bund and its impressive financial district. The city's unique architecture, particularly the distinct shapes of its skyscrapers and the unusual design of the telecom tower, captivates them. They are struck by Shanghai's cleanliness and order, noting the absence of litter and the pleasant ambiance, a stark contrast to their previous experiences in other parts of China. The city's modernity and its reputation as the "most western city in China" offer a comfortable entry point for travelers, easing them into the Chinese experience.

Their culinary adventure leads them to Jia Jia Tang Bao, a highly recommended spot for authentic Shanghai cuisine, specifically crab roe noodles and the famous Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). Despite the long queues, they are rewarded with a delicious and affordable meal, with the Xiaolongbao exceeding their expectations, becoming a highlight of their trip. They appreciate the efficiency of ordering through Alipay and the open kitchen concept, which allows them to witness the fresh preparation of their food. The experience of eating soup dumplings, from the careful technique to the delightful flavors of pork, shrimp, and crab, leaves a lasting impression.

As evening falls, Shanghai transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights. They explore the energetic East Nanjing Street, noting the blend of modern shops, historic buildings like the Peace Hotel, and the constant presence of police ensuring public order. The city's vibrant nightlife is palpable, with illuminated streets and a lively atmosphere. They also discover unique artistic expressions, such as street art depicting different regions of China and decorative plant pots shaped like the Bund's iconic buildings, highlighting the city's attention to detail and cultural pride.

A visit to The Shanghai Tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the sprawling metropolis from its observation deck. While the experience is visually stunning, they find the amenities at the top to be somewhat lacking for the price. Despite this, the spectacular views of the Bund and the cityscape at night solidify Shanghai's status as an unforgettable destination. Their first day concludes with a deep appreciation for Shanghai's blend of modernity, culture, and culinary delights, leaving them eager to explore more of China.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What are the must-try foods in Shanghai?
A: You absolutely have to try the crab roe noodles and Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) – they are famous for a reason!
Q: What was the most surprising thing about Shanghai?
A: The cleanliness and tidiness of the streets were really impressive, and the lack of honking was a pleasant surprise!
Q: How do you order food in Shanghai?
A: It's very common to use apps like Alipay to scan QR codes for ordering, which can be super convenient.
Q: Was it difficult to navigate Shanghai as a first-timer?
A: Shanghai felt like the most 'western' city we've been to in China, which made it easier to get around initially.
Q: What's the best way to see the Shanghai skyline?
A: The Bund offers an iconic view during the day, but seeing the skyline lit up at night from The Shanghai Tower is spectacular.

Shanghai's Mega City Charm: First-Time Shock and Awe in China

Join us as we explore Shanghai for the very first time and share why we absolutely loved returning to China! In this travel vlog, we experience the best of modern Shanghai, from its incredible skyline and vibrant streets to authentic local food and unforgettable cultural moments. We show what makes...

Shanghai First Impressions: Iconic Skyline, Local Food & Nightlife

Prepare to be amazed by Shanghai, a city that truly shocked these first-time visitors! This vlog dives deep into the heart of China's mega-metropolis, showcasing its breathtaking skyline and bustling streets. Experience the authentic flavors of local cuisine and immerse yourself in unforgettable cultural encounters. Discover why Shanghai stands out as one of Asia's most dynamic destinations and what makes a trip to China so profoundly special. This journey captures the vibrant spirit and captivating beauty of Shanghai, leaving you eager to explore more of this incredible country.

Attractions in this video: The Bund, East Nan Jing Road, The Shanghai Tower, Jia Jia Tang Bao