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John and Derek's China trip begins in Shanghai after a flight from Vancouver. John is visiting China for the first time, while Derek has not been back in 10 years. They get a local SIM at the Shanghai International Services Center, stay at the Eaten Hotel and explore by metro and shared bike. Their stops include the Bund by day and night, street food and a mall restaurant with Frozen Teddy Bear drinks. High winds and flooding from a typhoon affect the next day's outing, but they also visit KTV and see a Xiaomi EV before leaving to visit Derek's family.
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The journey and its setting
This video documents John and Derek's incredible first trip to China, starting in Shanghai. The episode begins with their departure from Vancouver, highlighting the anticipation and excitement of their long-awaited journey, especially for John, who had never been to China before, while Derek hadn't visited in 10 years. Their arrival in Shanghai is detailed, with John's experience of the fingerprint self-collection kiosk a humorous touch. They efficiently obtain a local SIM card at the Shanghai International Services Center, emphasizing its importance for using Alipay and WeChat. Their hotel, the Eaten Hotel, offers scenic views of the Shanghai skyline, setting the stage for their exploration. The looming typhoon adds a layer of excitement and challenge to their plans. Their first day includes a metro ride, offering a glimpse into the city's efficient and modern public transport system. The sheer number of people is striking, and the clean, modern stations are a stark contrast to some older areas of the city.
Encounters and local details
The trip includes the convenience of bike rentals and the ubiquitous electric scooters, adding to the dynamic energy of Shanghai's streets. The Bund, a symbol of Shanghai, is visited both during the day and at night, highlighting the scenic juxtaposition of old and new architecture. John and Derek's culinary journey begins with street food, where they sample pork skewers and other local delicacies. Dinner at a restaurant suggested by Derek's cousin, Ming, offers a unique dining experience, showcasing the variety and deliciousness of Chinese food, including the unusual 'Frozen Teddy Bear' drinks and unique dishes. The next day, the typhoon makes its presence felt. John and Derek's experience of the typhoon, including high winds and flooding, is captured, demonstrating the power of nature and the resilience of the city. Despite the typhoon, they venture out, observing the largely empty streets and malls, which provides a unique shopping opportunity. A visit to a KTV adds a fun and memorable experience to their trip. The video ends with their departure from Shanghai to visit Derek's family, promising a return to fully explore the city during Golden Week.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was it like getting a SIM card in Shanghai?
- A: They went to the Shanghai International Services Center and got one quickly. They say it was important for using Alipay and WeChat.
- Q: What food did they try?
- A: They had street food such as pork skewers and dinner at a restaurant in a mall. They enjoyed the meal, describing the dishes as well seasoned, and also tried the unusual Frozen Teddy Bear drinks.
- Q: What was the typhoon like?
- A: They described the typhoon as intense, with very strong winds and flooding affecting the city during their stay.
- Q: What did they think of the Shanghai Metro?
- A: They found it large, clean, modern and efficient, while noting that it can be crowded during rush hour.
- Q: What was the Bund like?
- A: They visited the Bund by day and at night and noted its mix of older and newer architecture.