Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Download the local metro app (using Alipay or WeChat Pay) for easy and convenient travel on the metro system. Each city has its own QR code. (11:37)
- Tip 2Public toilets are plentiful and free in China, unlike in the UK where they are often scarce and require payment. Don't worry about finding a restroom. (12:52)
- Tip 3Many convenience stores in China operate on a self-service basis, trusting customers to scan and pay for their items without direct supervision. This is a stark contrast to the UK. (13:17)
- Tip 4Don't be afraid to explore local restaurants in Shanghai, even if you don't speak Mandarin. Many places offer English menus and some staff members speak English. Embrace local eateries for a more authentic experience. (24:49)
On Tour With Dridgers (#OTWD) takes on Shanghai, China's priciest city, in a thrilling $100 challenge! From luxury hotels with unbelievable amenities to navigating the bustling metro and discovering hidden culinary gems, this vlog captures the highs and lows of budget travel in a mega-city. Will they succeed? Watch to find out!
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In this Shanghai vlog, On Tour With Dridgers (#OTWD) – a British couple – embarks on a $100 challenge in China's purportedly most expensive city. Their adventure begins with a surprisingly affordable Didi ride to a luxurious hotel, exceeding expectations with its opulent amenities, including two floors, two bathrooms, and a complimentary minibar. This unexpected extravagance sets a high bar for the rest of their challenge.
The couple's exploration of Shanghai includes a humorous interaction with a hotel staff member who, upon discovering their identity, offers them a free beer, highlighting the unexpected kindness they encounter. Their journey continues to a vibrant street market, where they successfully negotiate the price of a T-shirt, showcasing their bargaining skills and the lively atmosphere of the local commerce. The experience offers a glimpse into the art of haggling, a common practice in many parts of China.
Their culinary journey is a highlight, as they discover local eateries and savor authentic Shanghai dishes. The vlog showcases a meal at a local restaurant, where they order using a QR code-based menu, a common practice in China. The food experience is presented with enthusiasm, emphasizing the unique flavors and textures, including a memorable egg dish. The vlog also includes a stop at a convenience store, demonstrating the self-service checkout systems prevalent in China, contrasting them with the UK's more supervised systems.
Beyond the food, the vlog documents their exploration of People's Park, a public space where they observe the local life and atmosphere. The vlog also captures their use of the Shanghai metro, offering practical tips for navigating the city's public transportation system, including advice on downloading city-specific metro passes via WeChat or Alipay. The vlog ends with a reflection on their experience, acknowledging that while they exceeded their budget, their adventure provided an authentic representation of tourist spending in Shanghai. The vlog concludes with a promise of more Shanghai adventures and their upcoming trip to Chongqing.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: How much did the hotel cost?
- A: Our hotel was $70 a night, which was amazing value for money, considering the luxury amenities.
- Q: What was the food like?
- A: The food was absolutely delicious! We especially loved the pork and the unique egg dish we ordered. The noodles were also great, although I couldn't finish mine, it was too much!
- Q: How much did the beer cost?
- A: A bottle of beer cost 30 yuan, which we thought was a bit expensive.
- Q: How did you pay for things?
- A: We used WeChat Pay and Alipay for most transactions, as well as cash for the t-shirt.
