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Benjamin Daniels, also known as bendan, revisits Shanghai to reconsider his earlier impressions. He practices Mandarin at Yu Yuan, samples Mulan tea and local food, sees the Bund's skyline and explores Nanjing East Road. His route also includes a giant mutton kebab and a ride on a curved escalator described as the world's first, bringing together architecture, food and local interaction. He returns to the city with better Mandarin and uses the walk to test his changed perspective. At Yu Yuan, the bridge design encourages visitors to linger, while the garden's ponds give context to its name. He notices Guanyin statues and a tea shop blending Eastern and Western aesthetics. The Bund brings views of buildings he compares with the Empire State Building and Space Needle. At a mall, the world's first curved escalator gives the day an unusual final stop.
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Yu Yuan and a changing impression
Benjamin Daniels, known as bendan, returns to Shanghai to correct misconceptions from a previous trip. He begins at Yu Yuan, an area he compares to Chinatown, and practices Mandarin with local vendors. The garden's bridge has a distinctive design that encourages visitors to linger rather than cross quickly. The name Yu Yuan translates as Fish Garden, reflecting the fish in its ponds. Benjamin also notices statues of Guanyin, an important Buddhist figure.
A tea stop introduces Mulan, a Chinese brand that blends Western and Eastern design. The visit reflects the cultural mix Benjamin sees throughout Shanghai. He points out replicas and buildings inspired by Western landmarks, then looks at the Bund's skyline, where he identifies structures resembling the Empire State Building and the Space Needle. Clear blue skies differ from the polluted conditions he expected based on his earlier impressions.
Food, language and modern structures
On Nanjing East Road, Benjamin explores local food stands and markets. He talks with police officers and tries a giant kebab, recommending mutton as a flavorful option. The food is affordable and gives him another opportunity to interact with people in Shanghai. He also practices Chinese dialect and notes how his language skills have improved since his last visit.
The outing ends with a ride on a mall's curved escalator, which he describes as the world's first. He sees it as an engineering feature and an unexpected part of a day that began in a traditional garden. The route moves between historic settings, Western-influenced architecture, street food and modern retail. Benjamin's observations compare his current experience with his earlier views and show a more nuanced impression of the city.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What is the bridge at Yu Yuan like?
- A: Benjamin notes its unusual design, which encourages visitors to linger and appreciate the surroundings. Yu Yuan means Fish Garden, reflecting the fish in its ponds.
- Q: What did Benjamin eat on Nanjing East Road?
- A: He tried a large kebab and recommends mutton for an authentic flavor. He also explored local food stalls and markets.
- Q: What unusual escalator did he ride?
- A: He rode a curved escalator in a Shanghai mall, which the video describes as the world's first.
