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First Time in China! Didn't expect THIS in Shanghai...(Full Guide)
Shanghai First Time: Exploring Bund, Gardens & Modernity
Welcome to my first time in Shanghai! Here you will find my entire adventure. My brother and I spent an entire week exploring the city, from the famous spots everyone knows to hidden spots that most miss.
We started with the classics: The Bund, of course, but also the quieter West Bund and North...
Welcome to my first time in Shanghai! Here you will find my entire adventure. My brother and I spent an entire week exploring the city, from the famous spots everyone knows to hidden spots that most miss.
We started with the classics: The Bund, of course, but also the quieter West Bund and North Bund, which gave us totally different skyline vibes. We strolled along Nanjing Road, soaking in the bustling city life, and explored Pudong to see Shanghai’s recent growth with its modern skyscrapers and vibrant streets.
We also visited the busy Yu Garden, discovered the creative energy at Columbia Circle, and explored Guangfulin Ancient Relics Park, known as the roots of Shanghai, to glimpse the city’s ancient past. At the West Bund Museum, we saw a fascinating exhibition about building modern Shanghai, giving us even more context on the city’s rapid transformation.
And of course, we tried lots of Shanghai street food, even cooked with locals for a truly immersive experience, and finished the trip with an amazing hotel stay that made the journey extra special.
This is my full 7-day Shanghai adventure in one video - the culture, the history, the food and all the little surprises in between. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Embark on a whirlwind 7-day journey through Shanghai with Alex Again! This video plunges you into the heart of China's dynamic metropolis, showcasing everything from iconic landmarks like The Bund and Nanjing Road to the tranquil beauty of the West Bund. Discover hidden gems, delve into the city's rich history at Guangfulin Ancient Relics Park, and experience the modern marvels of Pudong. Get a taste of local life through delicious street food and an immersive cooking session. It's a complete Shanghai adventure packed with culture, history, and unforgettable surprises!
Welcome to my first time in Shanghai! Here you will find my entire adventure. My brother and I spent an entire week exploring the city, from the famous spots everyone knows to hidden spots that most miss.
We started with the classics: The Bund, of course, but also the quieter West Bund and North Bund, which gave us totally different skyline vibes. We strolled along Nanjing Road, soaking in the bustling city life, and explored Pudong to see Shanghai’s recent growth with its modern skyscrapers and vibrant streets.
We also visited the busy Yu Garden, discovered the creative energy at Columbia Circle, and explored Guangfulin Ancient Relics Park, known as the roots of Shanghai, to glimpse the city’s ancient past. At the West Bund Museum, we saw a fascinating exhibition about building modern Shanghai, giving us even more context on the city’s rapid transformation.
And of course, we tried lots of Shanghai street food, even cooked with locals for a truly immersive experience, and finished the trip with an amazing hotel stay that made the journey extra special.
This is my full 7-day Shanghai adventure in one video - the culture, the history, the food and all the little surprises in between. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Alex Again's first trip to Shanghai is a masterclass in urban discovery. The video begins with the classic tourist landmarks: the Bund delivers an overwhelming skyline, while Yu Garden feels like a Chinese movie set with its golden roofs and koi fish. But Alex soon ventures beyond the beaten path. A visit to Columbia Circle reveals a trendy upcycled neighborhood with a bookshop and an old swimming pool, offering a glimpse of Shanghai's creative side. The West Bund provides a more polished, park-like promenade, and a museum exhibition on Shanghai's construction offers deep historical context. A local market trip, complete with a cooking session and funky gelato flavors like soy sauce, brings an authentic taste of daily life. One of the most surprising stops is Guangfulin Ancient Relics Park, an hour outside the city, where an underwater museum showcases Shanghai's ancient roots. The trip culminates in a luxurious stay at the W Hotel, with its stunning room views and rooftop pool. Alex's brother serves as an expert guide, leading him to hidden gems and explaining how Shanghai's 'old school' charm contrasts with China's newer megacities. The final days are spent exploring the Pudong business district, marveling at the scale of the Shanghai Tower, and navigating local markets for souvenirs. The video is a heartfelt, informative guide that balances iconic sights with genuine local experiences, ending with a bittersweet farewell at the airport.
Alex Again's first visit to Shanghai defied every expectation. From the neon-lit chaos of the Bund to the quiet, tree-lined Suzhou Creek, Alex discovered a city of stunning contrasts. The trip was a whirlwind of sensory overload: the overwhelming crowds and dazzling skyline views from a river cruise, a surprisingly serene stroll through the French Concession, and a deep dive into local life at a vibrant wet market. Unexpected highlights included exploring the futuristic W Hotel and getting lost in the ancient underwater world of Guangfulin Relics Park. It was a week that turned a skeptic into a true Shanghai fan, proving the city is far more than just its skyline.
Alex Again's first Shanghai trip: bustling markets, futuristic hotels, ancient relics, skyline cruises, and surprising local moments beyond the tourist trail.
First Time in Shanghai: Beyond the Bund Travel Guide 2024
5:04 Yu Garden is closed on Mondays. Plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment, especially for checking opening hours.
16:08 The river cruise offers unique skyline views but can be very crowded and loud. Consider a daytime ferry for a more peaceful experience.
29:31 Use Alipay to easily buy metro tickets. It simplifies transit and avoids the hassle of ticket machines and cash.
36:11 At local markets, negotiating prices is common and often expected. Don't be shy to bargain for a better deal.
46:47 Guangfulin Ancient Relics Park is an hour outside the city but worth the trip for its unique underwater museum and historical exhibits.
1:24:42 The Bund is incredibly crowded after 6 PM. For a more peaceful stroll with great views, visit in the morning or explore the North Bund area.
1:23:04 A regular daytime ferry offers a great way to see the skyline from the water without the crowds and high cost of the night cruise.
5:04 Yu Garden is closed on Mondays. Plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment, especially for checking opening hours.
16:08 The river cruise offers unique skyline views but can be very crowded and loud. Consider a daytime ferry for a more peaceful experience.
29:31 Use Alipay to easily buy metro tickets. It simplifies transit and avoids the hassle of ticket machines and cash.
36:11 At local markets, negotiating prices is common and often expected. Don't be shy to bargain for a better deal.
46:47 Guangfulin Ancient Relics Park is an hour outside the city but worth the trip for its unique underwater museum and historical exhibits.
1:24:42 The Bund is incredibly crowded after 6 PM. For a more peaceful stroll with great views, visit in the morning or explore the North Bund area.
1:23:04 A regular daytime ferry offers a great way to see the skyline from the water without the crowds and high cost of the night cruise.
0:00 Arrival in Shanghai
4:30 Walking to the Bund
9:06 Exploring Yu Garden
16:08 River Cruise Experience
17:59 Columbia Circle Discovery
33:08 Local Market Cooking
46:47 Guangfulin Ancient Park
1:03:30 W Hotel Room Tour
1:07:47 Exploring Pudong Area
1:34:50 Departure from Shanghai
0:00 Welcome!
0:11 Flight to Shanghai
1:25 First Impression of the City
2:07 Inside a 7-Eleven
3:17 Views from the Hotel
3:32 Trying Crab Soup
4:25 Walk to Next Area
6:00 Yuyuan Tourist Mart
9:09 The Yu Gardens
11:26 The Bund Views
13:08 Back at the Hotel
14:03 Nanjing Road
16:05 Hangpu River Cruise
17:09 The Next Morning
18:03 Columbia Circle
19:49 Tsutaya Bookshop
21:06 Old Country Club
22:37 History of Shanghai
24:42 The West Bund
26:42 Modern Shopping Area
29:29 Shanghai Metro
29:58 Xintiandi District
31:28 Buying a Gift :)
33:02 Shopping at a Market
35:37 Exploring the Local Street
36:23 Trying Unique Ice Cream
37:44 Everyday Life in China
38:59 Cooking with Locals
40:53 Exploring Suzhou Creek
43:40 Coffee with a View
44:34 Walk on...
What was the best way to get around Shanghai?
The metro is super convenient and affordable. Using Alipay to scan and pay for tickets made it even easier.
Was the river cruise worth it?
The views are amazing, but it's way too crowded and loud. I wouldn't do it again. A regular daytime ferry is better.
What surprised you most about Shanghai?
How green and old it feels in some parts, with lots of nature and older buildings. I also didn't expect to find such fancy supermarkets with $8 peaches.
Is Yu Garden worth visiting?
It's very touristy and crowded, but the golden roofs and details are beautiful. It feels like a Chinese movie set, so for a first-timer, it's cool to see.
What was your favorite food experience?
Cooking with a local chef after shopping at the wet market was amazing. The soy sauce gelato was also a wild and fun surprise!
