Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1The 144-hour visa for China requires an onward ticket out of China and the next country you'll be visiting. It's free and allows entry for up to 6 days. Check the details on the UK government website. (0:39)
- Tip 2Christmas is very much celebrated in Shanghai with decorations, markets, and festive music. It's more festive than some might expect. (2:09)
- Tip 3Despite numerous security cameras, the vloggers never felt unsafe in Shanghai, even walking late at night. The cameras are mainly for public safety. (3:06)
- Tip 4Shanghai is exceptionally clean. Many sanitation workers work around the clock to keep the streets spotless, even in the early hours of the morning. (6:46)
- Tip 5Western social media and Google services are not accessible in China. Download alternative Chinese apps or use Apple devices, which generally work well. (14:00)
- Tip 6Shanghai's metro system is remarkably organized and easy to navigate, even for a city of 25 million. There's minimal traffic congestion or honking. (15:45)
- Tip 7China is largely a cashless society; Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used. CITIC bank offers international card withdrawals with no fees. (17:35)
Sun Kissed Bucket List's Shanghai adventure shatters media stereotypes. Their 144-hour visa experience, navigating unexpected questions about Christmas and government sponsorship, unveils a vibrant, festive city. Contrary to negative press, they found Shanghai incredibly clean, safe, and surprisingly festive, even during Christmas. Public transport was efficient, and the locals were friendly, despite the language barrier. A cashless society and readily available alternatives to Western apps added to the unique experience. This vlog is a must-watch for anyone considering a Shanghai trip!
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This vlog by Sun Kissed Bucket List offers a refreshing perspective on Shanghai, China, challenging preconceived notions often portrayed in Western media. The vloggers detail their experience with the 144-hour visa, addressing common concerns and misconceptions surrounding their trip. They highlight the festive Christmas celebrations in Shanghai, contrasting with rumors of a ban. The vloggers emphasize the city's cleanliness, attributing it to the dedicated efforts of numerous sanitation workers. They also address concerns about safety and surveillance, noting that they never felt unsafe despite the presence of numerous security cameras. Their observations suggest that these cameras are primarily for public safety rather than individual surveillance.
The vloggers discuss the language barrier, sharing their experiences using Google Translate and Apple devices. They mention the prevalence of cashless transactions using Alipay and WeChat Pay, and recommend using CITIC bank for international card withdrawals. They also describe their experiences using Shanghai's public transportation system, highlighting its efficiency and ease of navigation. The vloggers share their positive interactions with locals, emphasizing their friendliness and willingness to help despite the language barrier.
The vlog directly counters negative narratives about China, presenting a balanced perspective based on their personal experience. They express their desire to return and explore other parts of China, mentioning cities like Beijing and Chongqing. The vlog ends with an encouraging message for viewers, inviting them to form their own opinions by experiencing China firsthand. Sun Kissed Bucket List's honest and detailed account provides a valuable resource for potential travelers, dispelling common myths and offering practical travel tips.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: Has Christmas been cancelled in China?
- A: No, Christmas was very much happening in Shanghai with decorations and markets everywhere. It was surprisingly festive!
- Q: Are we being paid by the Chinese government?
- A: No way! We wish, but we haven't received any payment from the government. We're just sharing our honest experience.
- Q: Did we feel unsafe in Shanghai?
- A: Not at all! We never felt like we were being followed, even when walking late at night. The security cameras are mostly for public safety.
- Q: What's the deal with the language barrier?
- A: It was challenging, but we got by using Google Translate and Apple devices. We also found that many people tried to communicate with us even if they didn't speak English.
- Q: How easy was it to get around?
- A: Shanghai's metro system is super efficient and easy to use. The traffic was surprisingly light, and we never experienced gridlock or honking.
- Q: What about the cashless payment system?
- A: It was a bit of a challenge, but Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used. We found a bank that didn't charge fees for international card withdrawals.
