Shanghai Exploration: Bund Views & Cultural Delights

Surprised by Shanghai! VLOG of our 3-Day Trip to China!

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation:24.9 million

Kenny Thomas2025-01-0730 min

Welcome to our unforgettable Shanghai travel adventure! We flew in from Hong Kong, just a short 3-hour flight away. We arrived in chilly weather (single digits!) and checked into the Crowne Plaza Hotel, perfectly located on the iconic Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets. From street food to high-end shopping, everything was right at our doorstep.

As an Indian traveler, I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth and friendliness of the people in Shanghai. Locals were eager to help and share their culture, making our experience even more special. Exploring Nanjing Road, we indulged in delicious street food snacks and later tried North-Western Chinese cuisine with flavors reminiscent of Arabic dishes – barbecued meats, sauces, and bread. Foodies, you’re in for a treat!

Day two started with a delicious breakfast at Baker and Spice in the French Concession. The tree-lined streets and historical buildings, including Wukang Mansion and Anfu Road, were simply enchanting. In the afternoon, we visited the serene Jing'an Temple, followed by lunch at a Michelin-starred Shanghai Noodles place. The highlight of the evening was the Huangpu River Shanghai Cruise, offering stunning views of both the historic Bund and the modern skyscrapers of Pudong.

Christmas in Shanghai was another highlight! We explored the charming Florentine Village Christmas Market at the Waldorf Astoria in The Bund District, filled with festive vibes, decorations, and holiday cheer. As someone who’s lived in Dubai for over a decade, I was thrilled to find an incredible Arabic restaurant serving authentic dishes – a delightful and unexpected surprise in China! Hats off to the team for bringing a taste of the Middle East to Shanghai.

Despite a hiccup with a closed church, we found another to visit. The cultural diversity in Shanghai truly impressed me, with historic streets, churches, and modern attractions blending seamlessly.

On our final day, we boarded the Shanghai Maglev train,

--- Kenny Thomas

January 7, 2025, Winter in China

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Kenny Thomas's Shanghai adventure began with a short flight from Hong Kong, landing in chilly weather. The Crowne Plaza Hotel, situated on bustling Nanjing Road, provided easy access to both street food and high-end shopping. He was pleasantly surprised by the warmth of the locals and the diverse culinary scene, from street snacks to North-Western Chinese cuisine with Arabic influences. Day two included exploring the French Concession, visiting Jing'an Temple, and a memorable Huangpu River cruise. Christmas in Shanghai added festive cheer, particularly at the Florentine Village Christmas Market. Despite a minor setback with a closed church, Kenny was impressed by Shanghai's cultural diversity and the blend of historical and modern attractions. The trip culminated with a ride on the Shanghai Maglev train.