Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Be prepared for internet restrictions; Google and other services may be blocked. Download necessary apps and information before your trip. (2:10)
- Tip 2Shanghai offers a surprisingly familiar tourist experience, with many attractions and public spaces open to visitors. Don't be afraid to explore! (3:09)
- Tip 3Despite language barriers, the kindness of locals in Shanghai is remarkable. Embrace the opportunity for intercultural exchange. (4:46)
- Tip 4Familiarize yourself with alternative Chinese apps and services before your trip to ensure you can still access necessary information. (5:51)
- Tip 5Be aware of the extensive camera surveillance in Shanghai, particularly in public spaces and transport. While it may not affect your experience, it's a notable feature of the city. (7:09)
- Tip 6Shanghai offers incredible value for money. Accommodation, food, and transport are surprisingly affordable, especially in comparison to other major cities. (9:19)
- Tip 7Don't let exaggerated media narratives deter you from traveling. Many destinations have unique challenges, but your personal experience may differ greatly from what you hear. (11:47)
JetLag Warriors share their honest experience in Shanghai, challenging Western media portrayals of China. Despite initial nervousness, they found the city incredibly clean, efficient, and the people surprisingly friendly and helpful. While navigating the unique internet restrictions presented some challenges, the overall experience was overwhelmingly positive, filled with delicious food and incredible value for money. Their trip highlights the importance of experiencing a place firsthand, rather than relying on second-hand accounts.
Next travel video: ( 8 / 20 )
More about the current video:( 7 / 20 )

This travelogue by JetLag Warriors recounts their recent trip to Shanghai, China, directly addressing common concerns about safety and cultural differences. Their experience challenges the often-negative portrayals of China found in Western media.
JetLag Warriors arrived in Shanghai with a mix of excitement and apprehension, particularly regarding filming in public spaces. However, their fears were quickly allayed. They found the city remarkably clean and well-maintained, comparing it to Singapore in its orderliness and lack of graffiti or litter. This was true both above and below ground, with the city's extensive and efficient metro system being a particular highlight.
What truly surprised them was the overwhelming kindness and hospitality of the Shanghai locals. Despite potential political tensions, they encountered nothing but friendliness, with strangers even assisting them with translations when needed. This human interaction contrasted sharply with the anxieties they'd felt before the trip.
However, their journey wasn't without its unique challenges. The limitations on internet access, particularly the lack of access to Google and Wikipedia, proved more frustrating than anticipated. This highlighted the reliance many travelers have on these platforms for information and navigation. The ubiquitous presence of security cameras, while not personally bothersome to JetLag Warriors, sparked a lively debate in their online comments section.
Despite these minor inconveniences, JetLag Warriors were highly impressed by the affordability of Shanghai. Their accommodation near People's Square was remarkably inexpensive, offering excellent value for its location and amenities. The cost of food and public transport also proved surprisingly low, further enhancing their positive experience.
In conclusion, JetLag Warriors' Shanghai adventure was a resounding success. Their journey serves as a testament to the importance of personal experience over preconceived notions. They encourage viewers to approach travel with an open mind, acknowledging that often, the realities of a place are far more nuanced than the generalized narratives presented in the media. They invite viewers to suggest their next destination in China, hinting at potential trips to Harbin, Beijing, or even Fujian province, a region connected to Ivana's ancestry.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was it like navigating the internet in Shanghai?
- A: It was more difficult than I expected, because I couldn't use Google or Wikipedia. I had to use a Chinese search engine instead.
- Q: How did the people of Shanghai react to you filming?
- A: They were overwhelmingly kind and helpful. People even went out of their way to help us translate when we were struggling to order food.
- Q: What was the most surprising aspect of your trip?
- A: Probably the combination of how clean and affordable Shanghai was, and how friendly the people were.
- Q: What was your biggest concern before going to China?
- A: I was worried about being detained for filming in public, but those fears proved unfounded.