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Shanghai Exploration: A Traveler's First Impressions of China

My 1st Day In Shanghai 🇨🇳 (What's China Really Like?)

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation: 24.9 million
My 1st Day In Shanghai 🇨🇳 (What's China Really Like?)
Ken Abroad26 min

My 1st Day In Shanghai 🇨🇳 (What's China. This was filmed by Ken Abroad. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

My 1st Day In Shanghai - What's China Really Like? Let's find out! Join me as we explore Shanghai and get some first impressions of China! Today is my first day in Shanghai, China. I will be joined by my Chinese friend and his girlfriend. Let's get some first impressions of Shanghai and of China in general. It's my first time in China, so I am really looking forward to explore and get to know the city, the culture, the food and the people. First days in a new country are always super exciting, right? Let's see what Shanghai, China is like!

--- Ken Abroad
November 17, 2023, Autumn in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Ken Abroad’s first day in Shanghai includes bike sharing, a subway ride, a local food court, Jing’an Temple and Shanghai Tower. He uses Alipay and WeChat Pay for bikes and finds the subway easy to navigate, with English announcements and real-time crowding updates. At the temple, he tries throwing coins for good luck; at the tower, he visits the 118th floor and sees the city from above. The quiet streets and friendly people shape his first impressions of a city he expected to feel busier.

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My 1st Day In Shanghai 🇨🇳 (What's China Really Like?)

Getting around Shanghai

Ken Abroad spends his first day in Shanghai with his Chinese friend Joseph and Joseph’s girlfriend. He is struck by how quiet and orderly the city feels compared with Southeast Asian cities he visited recently. He mentions Shanghai’s 26 million residents while describing the peaceful streets. The group uses bike sharing, with Alipay and WeChat Pay available for payment, then takes the subway. Ken finds the system easy to use: announcements are in Mandarin and English, and real-time updates show train crowding.

Food, temple and tower views

At a local food court, Ken tries noodles and a milk tea drink. The portions are generous, and vendors help him despite a language barrier. He visits Jing’an Temple and tries the custom of throwing coins for good luck, using a translation app to communicate. His route ends at Shanghai Tower, described as the world’s third-tallest building. Ken goes to the 118th floor for a panoramic view of the skyline and green spaces, and says it is the highest he has ever been. The group buys tower tickets online in advance before going to the observation deck. From the 118th floor, Ken looks across the city’s skyline and green spaces. The tower is described as the world’s third tallest, and the view becomes the standout moment of his day.

Ken’s first impressions bring together efficient transport, accessible food, a temple custom and a landmark view. He appreciates the help he receives from people he meets, including vendors and others who assist despite the language barrier. The noodles and milk tea at the food court, the coin-throwing custom at Jing’an Temple and the tower view give the day different kinds of stops. Ken looks forward to exploring more of the city and its food in the days ahead. He reflects on this first day as a mix of the city’s quiet streets, accessible public transport, local dishes and skyline views.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: How easy is it to get around Shanghai as a foreigner?
A: Ken finds public transport efficient and says the subway has English announcements. He also finds bike sharing convenient with Alipay or WeChat Pay, and notes real-time crowding updates.
Q: What food does Ken try?
A: He tries noodles and a milk tea drink at a local food court. Ken likes the food, finds the portions generous and sees plenty of options to explore.
Q: What is the most memorable part of the day?
A: Going up Shanghai Tower stands out for Ken. From the observation deck, the view is the highest he has experienced, and he enjoys seeing the city from above.
Q: How are the people Ken meets in Shanghai?
A: The people he meets are friendly and helpful, including when he has difficulty communicating. Their willingness to help contributes to his positive first impression.
Q: What surprises Ken most about Shanghai?
A: He is surprised by how quiet Shanghai feels. He expected a more chaotic atmosphere, but finds it peaceful despite the 26 million people mentioned in the video.

Previous travel video:

Shanghai Exploration: A Traveler's First Impressions of China

Ken's Shanghai adventure: First impressions of China's vibrant culture, delicious food, and friendly people leave a lasting impact.

Shanghai Exploration: First Impressions & Tower Views

Ken Abroad's first day in Shanghai is filled with excitement and new discoveries. Accompanied by Chinese friends, he explores the city, immersing himself in the culture, food, and daily life. His journey offers a fresh perspective on China, capturing the vibrancy and uniqueness of Shanghai. Get ready for an engaging travelogue!

Attractions in this video: Shanghai Tower, Jingan Temple