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Stressful Arrival in CHINA 🇨🇳 (we tried something)
Shanghai Adventure: First-Timers Navigate China's Economic Heart
Matt & Julia's 1st China trip: A stressful yet exciting arrival in Shanghai, exploring the city's energy & culture. Jet lag hits hard, but the adventure begins!
We are flying to Shanghai China, for the FIRST TIME! Well, sort of... we want to travel to Shanghai, the biggest city in China, but, we actually booked a transfer flight, via Shanghai, to Beijing. We booked a transfer flight because the cost was half the price (despite the extra flight, make it make sense!). We are hoping we can get off in Shanghai and collect our bags, meaning we would have saved around £300 each! This is our long and slightly stressful travel day, as we fly from London, UK, to Shanghai, China for the first time! We are aiming to travel across China for at least the next 3 months. It is a country that gets a lot of negative attention in the western media, and despite its rich, ancient culture and history, it doesn't get many western tourists either. We want to explore some of the lesser known areas of this massive misunderstood country, and break a few stereotypes people may have about China. But to start our journey, we want to explore Shanghai, the economic & business centre of the country and the beating heart of China!
We have landed.
The border
THIS is the part we are worried about
Welcome to Shanghai (finally)
we overslept!
Apartment tour
Hitting the streets
Dinner!
the next day
the Jet Lag is REAL!
our final thoughts...
Matt and Julia, seasoned travelers, embark on a three-month adventure across China, starting in Shanghai. Their journey begins with a cost-saving but slightly stressful transfer flight from London via Shanghai to Beijing. The initial leg of their trip focuses on navigating the complexities of an international transfer, hoping to collect their luggage in Shanghai to save a substantial amount of money. The video documents their first impressions of Shanghai, including the border control process and their eventual arrival at their apartment. The vlog captures the excitement and challenges of their first day, from navigating the bustling streets to experiencing the effects of jet lag. Their goal is to explore lesser-known areas of China and challenge Western perceptions of the country, starting with the vibrant and dynamic city of Shanghai.
We are flying to Shanghai China, for the FIRST TIME! Well, sort of... we want to travel to Shanghai, the biggest city in China, but, we actually booked a transfer flight, via Shanghai, to Beijing. We booked a transfer flight because the cost was half the price (despite the extra flight, make it make sense!). We are hoping we can get off in Shanghai and collect our bags, meaning we would have saved around £300 each! This is our long and slightly stressful travel day, as we fly from London, UK, to Shanghai, China for the first time! We are aiming to travel across China for at least the next 3 months. It is a country that gets a lot of negative attention in the western media, and despite its rich, ancient culture and history, it doesn't get many western tourists either. We want to explore some of the lesser known areas of this massive misunderstood country, and break a few stereotypes people may have about China. But to start our journey, we want to explore Shanghai, the economic & business centre of the country and the beating heart of China!
We have landed.
The border
THIS is the part we are worried about
Welcome to Shanghai (finally)
we overslept!
Apartment tour
Hitting the streets
Dinner!
the next day
the Jet Lag is REAL!
our final thoughts...
This vlog documents Matt and Julia's first-time arrival in China, specifically Shanghai. They begin by recounting their unexpectedly cheap flight booking strategy: opting for a flight to Beijing with a layover in Shanghai to save money. This decision introduces an element of risk, as they worry their luggage might be sent directly to Beijing.
Their journey starts at Gatwick Airport, filled with anticipation and a touch of anxiety. The flight itself is uneventful, but the arrival in Shanghai is where the true adventure begins. The vlog captures the tension of navigating the airport's immigration and baggage claim, with a moment of relief when they locate their bags and confirm they are indeed in Shanghai.
After successfully clearing immigration, Matt and Julia check into their budget-friendly apartment, offering a glimpse into their temporary home in Shanghai. The apartment tour reveals a cozy space with a projector and a view overlooking the city. Their exploration of the city begins, showing the vibrant street life and diverse food scene. They stumble upon a Michelin-recommended food stall, where they sample local delicacies, sharing their candid thoughts on the taste and experience.
The vlog also highlights the challenges of adjusting to a new time zone. Matt and Julia openly discuss their experience with jet lag, emphasizing how it significantly impacted their first couple of days in Shanghai. Despite this, their enthusiasm for exploring the city remains strong, showcasing the contrast between the bustling city center and the quieter residential areas. They showcase their day's adventures and share their initial impressions of Shanghai's unique blend of modern and traditional elements, offering a blend of personal insights and travel tips.
Throughout the video, Matt and Julia emphasize the importance of staying connected while traveling internationally. They highlight the convenience of using Holafly eSIMs for seamless internet access, particularly in a country like China where access to certain apps might be restricted. This sponsorship integration feels natural and relevant to their travel experience. The vlog ends with their excitement for the days to come, promising more exploration and insights into their China adventure.
Matt and Julia's China adventure begins with a surprisingly cheap flight to Shanghai via Beijing! Their unorthodox booking saves them hundreds, but adds a layer of suspense. Landing in Shanghai, they navigate the airport, collect their luggage (phew!), and settle into a surprisingly affordable apartment. Exploring the city, they discover delicious, affordable street food and experience the unique blend of old and new architecture. Jet lag hits hard, but their initial impressions of Shanghai are overwhelmingly positive.
Matt and Julia's first China trip starts with a budget-friendly flight to Shanghai, leading to exciting explorations and delicious street food, despite battling jet lag.
Shanghai Arrival: Budget Travel & First Impressions
3:24 Staying connected while traveling in China can be challenging due to restricted access to certain apps. Consider using an eSIM for seamless internet access.
4:46 For reliable internet access while traveling, Holafly offers eSIMs with unlimited data in over 150 destinations. Use code "MattandJulia" for a discount.
10:46 Consider staying in a regular apartment block instead of a hotel for a more authentic local experience and a chance to see how locals live.
12:15 Be prepared for busy streets and a lot of electric scooters and bikes, which often take up the sidewalks, forcing pedestrians onto the road.
13:56 Look for local food stalls and restaurants that offer affordable and delicious meals. Don't be afraid to try new things!
18:28 Be prepared for jet lag, especially when traveling east. It can significantly impact your first few days in a new time zone.
3:24 Staying connected while traveling in China can be challenging due to restricted access to certain apps. Consider using an eSIM for seamless internet access.
4:46 For reliable internet access while traveling, Holafly offers eSIMs with unlimited data in over 150 destinations. Use code "MattandJulia" for a discount.
10:46 Consider staying in a regular apartment block instead of a hotel for a more authentic local experience and a chance to see how locals live.
12:15 Be prepared for busy streets and a lot of electric scooters and bikes, which often take up the sidewalks, forcing pedestrians onto the road.
13:56 Look for local food stalls and restaurants that offer affordable and delicious meals. Don't be afraid to try new things!
18:28 Be prepared for jet lag, especially when traveling east. It can significantly impact your first few days in a new time zone.
0:09 Departure from Gatwick
0:58 Flight booking strategy
5:01 Arrival in Shanghai
6:17 Passport control success
9:15 Apartment tour
10:30 Exploring Shanghai streets
13:21 Trying local food
15:44 First day exploring
18:28 Jet lag experience
00:00 Why this could go wrong...
02:08 The flight.
03:05 We have landed.
05:00 The border
06:16 THIS is the part we are worried about
07:30 Welcome to Shanghai (finally)
08:35 we overslept!
09:13 Apartment tour
10:35 Hitting the streets
13:29 Dinner!
15:42 the next day
18:28 the Jet Lag is REAL!
19:46 our final thoughts...
