Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Shanghai is significantly more expensive than other parts of China, so budget accordingly. Be prepared for higher prices for accommodation and food. (2:11)
- Tip 2If you plan to visit Yuyuan Garden, avoid peak seasons like summer holidays to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. (9:06)
- Tip 3To experience authentic Shanghai cuisine, venture beyond the main tourist areas and seek out local restaurants for the best culinary experiences. (17:04)
- Tip 4The Huangpu River is less crowded in the evenings, so consider visiting at night for a more peaceful view of the city's skyline. (25:10)
- Tip 5For Westerners visiting China, Shanghai offers a relatively easy and smooth entry point due to its foreigner-friendly atmosphere and infrastructure. (32:21)
Two Mad Explorers share their first impressions of Shanghai, China's bustling metropolis. From their surprisingly modern hotel to the vibrant Yuyuan Garden and Bazaar, they document a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and tastes. They navigate crowded streets, sample local delicacies (with hilarious results), and marvel at the stunning blend of ancient architecture and modern skyscrapers. Their journey along the Huangpu River offers breathtaking views of Shanghai's iconic skyline, leaving them energized and eager to explore more.
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Two Mad Explorers, Naomi and Luke, documented their first Shanghai experience, describing it as overwhelming yet exciting. Their initial impressions focused on the city's modern infrastructure and the surprising number of foreigners. They checked into the U Lee hotel in the Hang po District, noting its luxurious amenities despite being outside their usual budget. The hotel lacked windows, a detail that surprisingly improved their sleep quality.
Their exploration of Yuyuan Garden and Bazaar revealed stunning traditional Chinese architecture and a bustling atmosphere. They noted the high volume of tourists, particularly due to overlapping summer holidays. The garden's intricate details and well-preserved structures left them blown away, although they recommended visiting during a less crowded time of year.
The food experience was a highlight, with a comical attempt at eating a popular crab and pork steamed bun. The bun's intense heat and unexpected fishiness provided a memorable, if messy, culinary adventure. The street food scene offered a fascinating glimpse into local life, with scallion pancakes and spare rib rice cakes capturing their attention.
Their visit to the Huangpu River offered stunning views of Shanghai's skyline, a spectacle of modern architecture and historic buildings. The contrast between the old and the new captivated them, highlighting Shanghai's unique blend of history and modernity. They concluded their first day with a positive impression, emphasizing the city's vibrant energy and its unique position as a foreigner-friendly entry point to China.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the most surprising thing about Shanghai?
- A: Probably the sheer number of foreigners! We haven't seen this many in other parts of China.
- Q: What was the street food like?
- A: The crab and pork steamed buns were a messy, hot, and surprisingly fishy experience! But the scallion pancakes were amazing!
- Q: What's the best time to visit Yuyuan Garden?
- A: Probably not during summer holidays! It was super crowded.
- Q: What's the Huangpu River like?
- A: It's gorgeous, with stunning views of the Shanghai skyline, especially at night. But it's also very crowded, especially during the day.
- Q: What's your overall impression of Shanghai?
- A: It's overwhelming, chaotic, vibrant, and lively! It's definitely different from other parts of China we've seen.
