Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Book Yuyuan Garden tickets online in advance to skip the long queues, especially during peak season like Labour Day. Tickets cost around £4 per person. (1:26)
- Tip 2Stay hydrated! Carry water or buy watermelon juice from street vendors to beat the heat, especially during the summer months. (2:02)
- Tip 3Check for any cycling restrictions in place before renting bikes, particularly during public holidays or busy periods. Labour Day in Shanghai had restrictions on cycling in certain areas. (9:35)
- Tip 4Be prepared for communication challenges. While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning basic Mandarin phrases can significantly enhance your experience. (10:43)
- Tip 5If you're a Muslim traveler, be aware that there are many Halal restaurants in Shanghai, especially those run by the Xinjiang ethnic group. These offer a great variety of delicious food options. (25:29)
- Tip 6To find the Smelly Cat Cafe (Friends-themed), search for "Smelly Cat Cafe" instead of "Central Perk" or "Friends Cafe" for better search results. (23:56)
Ali Abroad's Shanghai Labour Day adventure is a whirlwind of vibrant sights, sounds, and tastes! From the serene beauty of Yuyuan Garden to the bustling street food scene and the dazzling Bund skyline, this vlog captures the energy of Shanghai like no other. Join Ali as they navigate crowded streets, sample exotic delicacies, and even try their hand at Majong! This is more than just a travelogue; it's an immersive experience that showcases the heart and soul of Shanghai.
More about the current video:
This vlog follows Ali Abroad's exciting journey through Shanghai during Labour Day, the busiest time to visit China. The video begins with Ali arriving at their apartment and heading to the Yuyuan Garden, navigating the bustling crowds and enjoying the beautiful scenery and street food. Despite the heat and long queues, Ali captures the unique atmosphere and finds moments of tranquility within the garden's shaded areas.
Next, the vlog takes us to the Super Brand Mall, offering a welcome respite from the heat. Ali explores the modern architecture and shops, enjoying a delicious meal and experiencing a Thai festival within the mall itself. The attempt to cycle along the river is thwarted by the Labour Day restrictions, but the stunning sunset views along the Bund more than compensate.
The exploration continues with a visit to a street food area, where Ali samples fried squid and octopus, savoring the local flavors. The vlog then showcases a visit to a Xinjiang Halal restaurant, highlighting the diverse culinary options available in Shanghai, particularly for Muslim travelers. Ali's interactions with locals are heartwarming, including a friendly arm wrestling match with a restaurant worker.
The day concludes with a visit to the Smelly Cat Cafe, a Friends-themed cafe, providing a fun and nostalgic experience. Throughout the vlog, Ali shares personal insights and observations, highlighting the friendly nature of the locals and the unique challenges and rewards of traveling during a busy period. The video is a vibrant portrayal of Shanghai's energy, beauty, and cultural richness, offering a personal and engaging perspective on a memorable trip.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was it like trying to cycle along the Bund on Labour Day?
- A: Unfortunately, because it was Labour Day, we couldn't cycle there. It was a bit unfortunate, but the views were still amazing, especially during sunset!
- Q: What was the most memorable food experience?
- A: Probably the Xinjiang Halal food! It was so good, and it was cool that there were so many options for Muslim travelers in Shanghai.
- Q: What was the Smelly Cat Cafe like?
- A: It was awesome! A real Friends fan's dream come true. The vibes were great, and the location had beautiful sunset views.
- Q: What was the most surprising thing that happened?
- A: Probably the arm wrestling match with the restaurant worker! It was so funny, and everyone was so friendly.