Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Experience streets that are clean and safe for walking, a stark contrast to many Western cities. (0:07)
- Tip 2Observe the low incidence of bike theft, highlighting a different level of public trust and security. (0:16)
- Tip 3Indulge in the local street food culture; the aroma and fresh preparation are irresistible. (2:44)
- Tip 4Utilize affordable bike-sharing services, a government initiative to enhance citizen quality of life. (5:31)
- Tip 5Navigate ordering with mobile payment apps like Alipay, which often include translation features. (8:31)
- Tip 6Seek out local specialties like traditional dim sum buns, even if they require a bit of a search. (10:57)
- Tip 7Explore older, yet well-maintained, railway stations for a more traditional travel experience. (15:10)
- Tip 8Consider sleeper trains for longer journeys; they offer a unique social and overnight travel experience. (20:23)
- Tip 9Immerse yourself in dedicated food streets, especially in cities like Nanjing known for their culinary scene. (23:23)
That Evan Guy's exploration of China begins in Shanghai, where he's struck by the city's cleanliness, safety, and efficient public transport, drawing sharp contrasts with American urban environments. He's captivated by the enticing street food, particularly a savory bun. His journey continues on a sleeper train to Nanjing, experiencing an impressively modern older train station. In Nanjing, he dives into the local cuisine, savoring a highly-rated roasted duck dish, and ultimately recognizing the city as a culinary destination.
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That Evan Guy's journey through China begins with a profound impression of Shanghai, a city he finds remarkably clean, safe, and efficient, starkly contrasting with his experiences in American cities like New York and Los Angeles. He notes the absence of bike theft, a common issue back home, and is impressed by the ubiquitous greenery and well-maintained streets. The sheer abundance and allure of street food in Shanghai are highlighted, with vendors creating an irresistible sensory experience. He describes a particular savory bun, with a crispy exterior and flavorful, plant-based filling, earning it a solid eight out of ten.
Transitioning to Nanjing via a sleeper train, Evan Guy finds the older Shanghai railway station to be surprisingly grand and modern, functioning almost like a mall with numerous shops and eateries. This leads him to reflect on the Chinese government's focus on improving citizens' quality of life through infrastructure and services, a stark contrast to what he perceives as a decline in American cities. The sleeper train experience itself is described as social and surprisingly comfortable, despite the older train's wear and tear.
Upon arriving in Nanjing, the focus shifts to its culinary scene, specifically duck dishes. He discovers a street bustling with food vendors, where he samples a roasted duck. The duck is praised for its tenderness, juiciness, and a balanced flavor profile of sweetness, saltiness, and a hint of soy. While it doesn't quite surpass a previous duck experience in Chengdu, he still rates it highly, marveling at the quality and affordability of the meal. The video concludes with his appreciation for Nanjing as a vibrant food city.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the most striking difference between Shanghai and New York City?
- A: The most striking difference was the incredible cleanliness and safety in Shanghai, with very few instances of bike theft compared to New York.
- Q: What made the street food in Shanghai so appealing?
- A: The street food was incredibly enticing due to the fresh preparation right in front of you and the amazing aromas that made it impossible to resist.
- Q: How was the experience of using the older Shanghai railway station?
- A: The older station was surprisingly grand and modern, almost like a mall, offering a unique blend of travel and shopping.
- Q: What was the food like in Nanjing?
- A: Nanjing is a food city, and the roasted duck I tried was tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned with a hint of soy, offering incredible value.
- Q: Were the sleeper trains comfortable?
- A: The sleeper trains offered a social experience with clean compartments and beds, providing a comfortable way to travel overnight, though the older ones showed some wear.

