Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Embrace the solo travel mindset, plan a compact three-day itinerary that balances food, neighborhoods, and a historic stay to get a feel for the city. (0:00)
- Tip 2Get a data eSIM before arrival; download and set up at the airport to stay connected for maps, rides, and mobile payments. (6:40)
- Tip 3Try local specialty drinks mindfully; warm vs cold matcha can differ, but the pistachio latte can be a standout. (9:15)
- Tip 4Visit climate-controlled gardens like Shanghai Greenhouse Gardens for easy all-day exploring, especially when the weather is chilly. (10:09)
- Tip 5Book a room in a historic house-turned-hotel to experience authentic architecture and a layered narrative of the neighborhood. (14:23)
Maddie Borge takes viewers on a lively solo exploration of Shanghai, starting with the thrill of traveling solo in China and a plan to spend three days enjoying the city’s food, shops, and a stay in a historic townhouse style hotel. She arrives at the airport, shares her excitement and personal backstory about dreaming of China for years, and describes her first impressions of the city. The video blends practical travel tips with personal moments, from splurging on an elevated business class flight experience to navigating the city using data eSIMs and local apps that make ordering cabs, exploring neighborhoods, and paying with mobile payments effortless. Along the way, Maddie samples local snacks like shaolong bao and a pistachio vanilla matcha, complimenting the textures and flavors while noting local service and ambiance. She wanders the French Concession, visits the Shanghai Greenhouse Gardens, and details the architecture and atmosphere of the historic district as well as the vibe
More about the current video:
Maddie Borge opens her solo trip by announcing she will spend three days in Shanghai, exploring food, shops, and a historic townhouse style hotel. She recounts her excitement for visiting China and her long dream of returning to the country, reflecting on her past plans for Beijing. The flight is described as a special treat in business class, with mentions of amenities and a delay, followed by her arrival and the fast ride into the city. She settles into the hotel, battles jet lag, and heads out toward the French Concession, sharing a practical packing and outfit routine. She discusses staying connected with a data eSIM, highlighting Maddie B3 and its benefits for navigating everyday tasks like DD rides, maps, and mobile payments in a country where many shops favor digital wallets. The day features meals and beverages, including a pistachio-infused matcha latte, praised for its foam and flavor, then a visit to the Shanghai Greenhouse Gardens, praised for its beauty and climate. Maddie notes the charm of the architecture and the local vibe, including observations about cherry blossoms and seasonal travel windows. She continues with a food-and-neighborhood exploration around Shaolong Bao, including a stop at Jaja Tang Bao for dumplings. The room tour of the hotel reveals a historic property formerly part of a Shanghai town house neighborhood in the French concession, preserved and repurposed into a hotel. The walkthrough covers multiple floors, living areas, a library, a bar, and a private roof terrace, emphasizing the authentic, century-old charm. The footage then moves to more exploration of the French concession, Wukang Road, and Anfu Road, highlighting cafes, shops, and the overall neighborhood atmosphere as ideal for wandering and sampling local cuisine. As the trip winds down, Maddie visits Nanjing Road, contemplates souvenir picks, and reflects on the city’s crowds and energy, before signing off with a sense of connection to this vibrant, welcoming destination. The tone stays curious, friendly, and practical, offering a slice-of-life look at Shanghai through a solo traveler’s eyes, including personal reactions to local scenes and memorable moments with dogs, cafes, and city life. Maddie occasionally references the importance of preparation and flexibility when traveling solo, and she ends with a sense of anticipation for what comes next in her Shanghai journey.