Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Arrive at Shanghai airport and arrange transportation via DiDi, noting it's not as grand as Beijing's Daxing. (1:31)
- Tip 2Experience Shanghai's streets, which are clean and modern, offering a different feel than Beijing's more traditional atmosphere. (2:17)
- Tip 3Navigate Shanghai using Chinese maps, finding it surprisingly easy despite the language. (4:26)
- Tip 4Utilize the bus system for an efficient and 'cool' way to get around the city. (4:32)
- Tip 5Discover trendy cafes and a mix of traditional and modern shops, indicating an international and evolving urban landscape. (7:25)
- Tip 6Seek out local, small restaurants with few tables for authentic and high-quality dining experiences. (8:04)
- Tip 7Observe empty malls in the US, suggesting economic struggles and a high cost of living that limits consumer spending. (15:35)
- Tip 8Utilize Shanghai's metro system, noting its efficiency, cleanliness, and advanced surveillance for safety. (21:07)
- Tip 9Use Alipay for seamless metro access, experiencing a clean and secure public transportation environment. (22:18)
- Tip 10Witness Shanghai's rapid transformation, with modern skyscrapers built recently alongside historic European-influenced buildings. (25:44)
- Tip 11Be prepared for large crowds at popular spots like The Bund, and follow instructions to keep moving. (27:47)
That Evan Guy explores Shanghai, a city he found to be a futuristic marvel, starkly contrasting with the negative portrayals often seen in Western media. He observed a relaxed atmosphere, contrary to fears about social credit systems, and was impressed by Shanghai's cleanliness, modernity, and safety. Evan contrasted this with the perceived crime and financial struggles in New York, highlighting Shanghai's efficient transport, delicious food, and photogenic landscapes. He also touched upon the city's historical resilience, adding depth to his experience.
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That Evan Guy's journey through Shanghai reveals a city that starkly contrasts with the often-negative portrayals seen in Western media. Contrary to narratives about a pervasive and oppressive social credit system, Evan observed locals jaywalking and crossing streets freely, suggesting a more relaxed reality than often depicted. He was immediately struck by Shanghai's modernity, cleanliness, and futuristic ambiance, comparing it favorably to New York City, which he felt was plagued by crime and urban decay. The traveler noted the absence of the chaos and constant vigilance required in New York, finding Shanghai to be a surprisingly quiet and safe environment, even in crowded areas.
Evan highlighted the presence of families and a generally calm, happy populace, contrasting this with the financial anxieties and struggles faced by many in the US, citing personal anecdotes of friends and a general sense of economic hardship. He found Shanghai to be incredibly photogenic, with every corner offering an "Instagrammable" backdrop, blending historic European-influenced architecture with ultra-modern skyscrapers. The city's efficient and clean public transportation, particularly the metro system, was also a point of praise, showcasing a stark difference from the often-criticized Amtrak in the US.
A significant portion of the video is dedicated to Evan's culinary experiences. He praised a local restaurant for its "grandma style" food, giving high marks for presentation and flavor, especially for a rich, creamy soup and well-prepared meat dishes. He appreciated the natural, whole-food ingredients, noting how different it was from the overly salty and processed options sometimes found in the US. The sheer variety and quality of food in Shanghai were a recurring theme, emphasizing the city's culinary richness.
The video also touches upon Shanghai's historical resilience, particularly referencing the brutal Shiang warehouse battle during the Sino-Japanese War. Evan was visibly moved by the visible bullet scars on the warehouse walls, a stark reminder of the city's past suffering and its subsequent transformation into the vibrant metropolis it is today. This historical context adds depth to his appreciation of Shanghai's present-day beauty and tranquility. Overall, That Evan Guy's exploration presents Shanghai as a clean, modern, safe, and culturally rich city that offers a high quality of life, challenging preconceived notions and offering a compelling counter-narrative to Western media coverage.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the initial impression of Shanghai?
- A: It was incredibly clean, modern, and felt futuristic, much like New York but without the grime and crime.
- Q: Is the social credit system as oppressive as reported?
- A: From what I saw, people were jaywalking and crossing on red lights freely, which contradicts the strict narrative.
- Q: How does Shanghai compare to New York City?
- A: Shanghai felt much safer and cleaner, with less chaos. In New York, you constantly have to watch your back, whereas here, people seem more relaxed.
- Q: What was the food like?
- A: The food was amazing, especially a creamy soup and flavorful meat dishes from a 'grandma style' restaurant. The ingredients felt fresh and healthy.
- Q: Is Shanghai a good place for photos?
- A: Absolutely! Every corner is 'Instagrammable,' with a mix of historic European architecture and stunning modern skyscrapers.
- Q: How is the public transportation?
- A: The metro system is incredibly convenient, clean, and efficient, making it easy to get around without stress.
- Q: What historical significance did you encounter?
- A: I visited the Shiang warehouse, where the bullet scars on the walls are still visible, a powerful reminder of the city's past struggles.
