Shanghai Exploration: First Impressions of China

My First Impressions of China! (Not What I Expected!)

Destination:ChinaProvince:ShanghaiCity:Pudong
My First Impressions of China! (Not What I Expected!)
IvainTures2025-05-0327 min

After spending time in Japan, I finally made it to China—and my first stop is Shanghai. In this video, I document my arrival straight from the airport, share my unfiltered first impressions, and explore what makes Shanghai so different from what I expected. From the fast-paced energy to the little culture shocks, this is my honest reaction to one of Asia’s most iconic cities. Shanghai, on China’s central coast, is the country's biggest city and a global financial hub. Its heart is the Bund, a famed waterfront promenade lined with colonial-era buildings. Across the Huangpu River rises the Pudong district’s futuristic skyline, including 632m Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, with distinctive pink spheres. Sprawling Yu Garden has traditional pavilions, towers and ponds.

--- IvainTures
May 3, 2025, Spring in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00China anticipation
  2. 2:03Visa application process
  3. 8:12Arrival in Shanghai
  4. 9:45Customs and immigration
  5. 10:51Taxi ride to hotel
  6. 13:00ATM usage
  7. 15:16Taxi negotiation
  8. 20:48Marriott Marquis hotel
  9. 23:03Shanghai overview
  10. 26:11Alipay and WeChat Pay

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My First Impressions of China! (Not What I Expected!)

IvainTures's China adventure begins in Shanghai! Get ready for an honest, first-timer's perspective on this mega-city. From the initial airport arrival to navigating the bustling streets, Ivain shares the unexpected cultural differences and vibrant energy that define Shanghai. Explore iconic landmarks like the Bund and the futuristic Pudong skyline, all through the eyes of a curious traveler.

Shanghai Exploration: First Impressions of China

After spending time in Japan, I finally made it to China—and my first stop is Shanghai. In this video, I document my arrival straight from the airport, share my unfiltered first impressions, and explore what makes Shanghai so different from what I expected. From the fast-paced energy to the little...