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My First Time in Shanghai 🇨🇳 | Solo Travel in China’s Biggest City
Shanghai Solo Travel: First Time, Iconic Sights & Food
China has been on my bucket list for years, and I finally decided to travel there solo! 🇨🇳
In this vlog, I’m spending my first 48 hours in Shanghai, exploring some of the city’s most iconic attractions including The Bund, Yuyuan Old Town, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, City God Temple, Nanjing Road,...
China has been on my bucket list for years, and I finally decided to travel there solo! 🇨🇳<br><br>In this vlog, I’m spending my first 48 hours in Shanghai, exploring some of the city’s most iconic attractions including The Bund, Yuyuan Old Town, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, City God Temple, Nanjing Road, and the beautiful Huangpu River Cruise.<br><br>Along the way, I also tried some incredible local food including crab xiaolongbao, Shanghai crab roe noodles, scallion pancakes, Sheep Matcha from Matcha Wang, and even visit Pop Mart to buy my first Labubu.<br><br>From futuristic skyscrapers to traditional Chinese streets, colourful markets, beautiful gardens and unforgettable views, this was the perfect introduction to China.<br><br>If you’re planning a trip to Shanghai or enjoy solo female travel, I hope this video helps and inspires you!
In this captivating vlog, Areej Katherine takes us on her first solo adventure to Shanghai, China. From the iconic Bund to the serene Yu Garden, she immerses herself in the city's vibrant contrasts. Her taste of local delicacies like crab xiaolongbao and scallion pancakes adds a delicious layer, while her Pop Mart visit for a Labubu brings a playful touch. This video is a perfect blend of culture, food, and modern marvels – a must-watch for any travel enthusiast.
China has been on my bucket list for years, and I finally decided to travel there solo! 🇨🇳<br><br>In this vlog, I’m spending my first 48 hours in Shanghai, exploring some of the city’s most iconic attractions including The Bund, Yuyuan Old Town, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, City God Temple, Nanjing Road, and the beautiful Huangpu River Cruise.<br><br>Along the way, I also tried some incredible local food including crab xiaolongbao, Shanghai crab roe noodles, scallion pancakes, Sheep Matcha from Matcha Wang, and even visit Pop Mart to buy my first Labubu.<br><br>From futuristic skyscrapers to traditional Chinese streets, colourful markets, beautiful gardens and unforgettable views, this was the perfect introduction to China.<br><br>If you’re planning a trip to Shanghai or enjoy solo female travel, I hope this video helps and inspires you!
Editor's note: Areej Katherine's first solo trip to China begins in Shanghai, and it's a whirlwind of contrasts. After a 14-hour journey, she checks into an apartment with a stunning view of The Bund, then dives into the city's electric energy. Her first night is a casual food exploration — grabbing crispy noodles and a giant mango from a street stall, marveling at the variety of fruits. Day two starts with a proper visit to The Bund, where she compares the European-style architecture to the futuristic skyscrapers across the Huangpu River. She then wanders into Gucheng Park, charmed by the bamboo and stray cats, before entering Yuyuan Old Town. The area feels like a different city — traditional streets, colorful markets, and a pond full of lotus flowers. She gets coaxed into buying White Rabbit candy by a persistent vendor, then tries a freshly made scallion pancake with crab roe — rich and delicious. A quick dinner back at the hotel prepares her for the Huangpu River cruise, where the city's lights reflected on the water leave her speechless. <br><br>On the third day, Areej starts with a visit to a trendy cafe for a sheep-topped matcha latte, calling it one of the best she's ever had. She explores a local supermarket, noting the dried seafood and everyday life of Shanghai. Then she heads to the City God Temple, where she hangs a prayer tablet, and finally enters Yu Garden. Inside, she finds peace among the bridges, pavilions, and pomegranate flowers — a stark contrast to the bustling city outside. She also notices the quirky toilet timers that limit occupancy to five minutes. Later, she visits Shanghai Tower, learning about the thousand-ton tuned mass damper that stabilizes the building, and watches a light show from the 118th floor at sunset. The view is incredible. <br><br>For dinner, she orders the famous Shanghai crab roe noodles, savoring every bite with a view of the Oriental Pearl Tower. Her final stop is Nanjing Road, where the neon lights and crowds create a festive atmosphere. She even visits Pop Mart to buy a Labubu mystery box, embracing the fun of the unknown. Throughout the trip, Areej is struck by how Shanghai feels like ten different cities in one — from ancient gardens to hyper-modern towers, from street food to high-end dining. Her solo journey is filled with genuine curiosity, small mishaps (like a taxi driver trying to tip himself), and a deep appreciation for the city's layered personality. It's a heartfelt, authentic introduction to China.
In this solo adventure, Areej Katherine dives into Shanghai's wild contrasts — from the Bund's dazzling skyline to the quiet magic of Yu Garden's lotus ponds. She munches on crab roe noodles, sips a sheep-topped matcha, and even gets a cheeky taxi driver who tips himself. A vibrant, heartfelt first taste of China that leaves you craving more.
A solo traveler explores Shanghai's iconic skyline, traditional gardens, and street food, blending modern marvels with ancient charm.
Solo Female Travel in Shanghai: First Time in China's Biggest City
0:43 When visiting The Bund, go early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cool breeze. The walk from the apartments is only 15 minutes.
6:31 At Yuyuan Old Town, be prepared for persistent street vendors. A firm 'no' in Chinese helps, but buying a small souvenir like White Rabbit candy is fun.
9:02 For a unique food experience, try the scallion pancake (crab roe version) freshly made in front of you. It's oily but very tasty.
10:13 The Huangpu River cruise is a must-do at night. The lights reflecting on the water create an unforgettable view. Book in advance.
15:42 Visit Yu Garden during the day to appreciate the architecture and peaceful ponds. It's a quiet escape from the city's hustle.
18:59 Shanghai Tower's 118th floor observation deck offers a stunning sunset view. The tuned mass damper light show is also worth seeing.
22:01 Nanjing Road is best visited after dark when the neon lights are on. Even with shops closed, the vibrant atmosphere is captivating.
0:43 When visiting The Bund, go early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cool breeze. The walk from the apartments is only 15 minutes.
6:31 At Yuyuan Old Town, be prepared for persistent street vendors. A firm 'no' in Chinese helps, but buying a small souvenir like White Rabbit candy is fun.
9:02 For a unique food experience, try the scallion pancake (crab roe version) freshly made in front of you. It's oily but very tasty.
10:13 The Huangpu River cruise is a must-do at night. The lights reflecting on the water create an unforgettable view. Book in advance.
15:42 Visit Yu Garden during the day to appreciate the architecture and peaceful ponds. It's a quiet escape from the city's hustle.
18:59 Shanghai Tower's 118th floor observation deck offers a stunning sunset view. The tuned mass damper light show is also worth seeing.
22:01 Nanjing Road is best visited after dark when the neon lights are on. Even with shops closed, the vibrant atmosphere is captivating.
0:01 Arrival and apartment tour
1:51 First night food hunt
3:21 Morning at The Bund
5:08 Exploring Yuyuan Old Town
9:02 Trying scallion pancake
10:13 Huangpu River cruise
11:44 Sheep matcha at cafe
13:57 City God Temple and Yu Garden
18:59 Shanghai Tower visit
22:01 Nanjing Road and Pop Mart
0:01 Arrival and apartment tour
1:51 First night food hunt
3:21 Morning at The Bund
5:08 Exploring Yuyuan Old Town
9:02 Trying scallion pancake
10:13 Huangpu River cruise
11:44 Sheep matcha at cafe
13:57 City God Temple and Yu Garden
18:59 Shanghai Tower visit
22:01 Nanjing Road and Pop Mart
How much was the mango at the fruit stall?
It was 31 yuan, and it was super sweet and juicy.
What were those little dried things in the market?
It's a dried seafood snack, very salty and chewy.
Did you try the White Rabbit candy?
Yes, I picked the original flavor and a mix of others. They are iconic Shanghai milk candies.
Why was there a timer on the toilet door?
It's a timer! If you stay inside more than 5 minutes, someone can open the door. Very funny.
