I just landed in Shanghai… and honestly, I wasn’t ready for this. Everything people say about this city? It’s true — and then some.
In this video I compare life in the USA vs life in China from my own experience. From the insane cleanliness, the futuristic skyline, and public transport that actually arrives on time… to the food that made me rethink everything I thought I knew about “Chinese food.”
I start the day exploring Shanghai and talking about why cities like New York feel like they’re falling behind while Shanghai keeps leveling up every year. Then I try local street food, visit the spot everyone says has the BEST Shanghai dishes, and yes — it lived up to the hype.
Later I check out one of Shanghai’s older train stations… which honestly looks better than most new stations back home. Clean. Organized. Efficient. No chaos. No delays.
After that, I hop on a high-speed train and head to Nanjing — where I get one of the best duck dishes I’ve ever had in my life. No exaggeration.
If you enjoy real travel experiences, culture shocks, USA vs China comparisons, and honest reactions from someone seeing it all for the first time… you’ll love this one. Watch till the end — Shanghai will surprise you.
A traveler explores China, marveling at Shanghai's cleanliness and street food, then journeys to Nanjing to experience its renowned duck dishes.
Travel Guides & Tips in this video
That Evan Guy's exploration of China begins in Shanghai, where he's struck by the city's cleanliness, safety, and efficient public transport, drawing sharp contrasts with American urban environments. He's captivated by the enticing street food, particularly a savory bun. His journey continues on a sleeper train to Nanjing, experiencing an impressively modern older train station. In Nanjing, he dives into the local cuisine, savoring a highly-rated roasted duck dish, and ultimately recognizing the city as a culinary destination.
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18 min
Shanghai & Nanjing: China vs. USA Life, Food & Transport
I just landed in Shanghai… and honestly, I wasn’t ready for this.
Everything people say about this city? It’s true — and then some.
In this video I compare life in the USA vs life in China from my own experience.
From the insane cleanliness, the futuristic skyline, and public transport that actually...
China Travel: Shanghai Street Food & Nanjing Duck Dishes
Embark on a captivating journey through China as one traveler contrasts life in Shanghai and Nanjing with their experiences in America. Discover the astonishing cleanliness, breathtaking futuristic skylines, and remarkably punctual public transport of Shanghai. Indulge in authentic street food and savor exquisite local dishes that redefine the perception of Chinese cuisine. Witness the seamless efficiency of older train stations, a stark contrast to the chaos often found elsewhere. The adventure continues on a high-speed train to Nanjing, where an unforgettable duck dish awaits, promising a culinary revelation. This video offers a raw, unfiltered look at culture shock, insightful comparisons, and genuine reactions to the wonders of China.
Attractions in this video: Shanghai Skyline, Shanghai Railway Station, Nanjing Food Street
More about the current video:(Published on 2025-11-28)
That Evan Guy's journey through China begins with a profound impression of Shanghai, a city he finds remarkably clean, safe, and efficient, starkly contrasting with his experiences in American cities like New York and Los Angeles. He notes the absence of bike theft, a common issue back home, and is impressed by the ubiquitous greenery and well-maintained streets. The sheer abundance and allure of street food in Shanghai are highlighted, with vendors creating an irresistible sensory experience. He describes a particular savory bun, with a crispy exterior and flavorful, plant-based filling, earning it a solid eight out of ten.
Transitioning to Nanjing via a sleeper train, Evan Guy finds the older Shanghai railway station to be surprisingly grand and modern, functioning almost like a mall with numerous shops and eateries. This leads him to reflect on the Chinese government's focus on improving citizens' quality of life through infrastructure and services, a stark contrast to what he perceives as a decline in American cities. The sleeper train experience itself is described as social and surprisingly comfortable, despite the older train's wear and tear.
Upon arriving in Nanjing, the focus shifts to its culinary scene, specifically duck dishes. He discovers a street bustling with food vendors, where he samples a roasted duck. The duck is praised for its tenderness, juiciness, and a balanced flavor profile of sweetness, saltiness, and a hint of soy. While it doesn't quite surpass a previous duck experience in Chengdu, he still rates it highly, marveling at the quality and affordability of the meal. The video concludes with his appreciation for Nanjing as a vibrant food city.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
Q: What was the most striking difference between Shanghai and New York City?
A: The most striking difference was the incredible cleanliness and safety in Shanghai, with very few instances of bike theft compared to New York.
Q: What made the street food in Shanghai so appealing?
A: The street food was incredibly enticing due to the fresh preparation right in front of you and the amazing aromas that made it impossible to resist.
Q: How was the experience of using the older Shanghai railway station?
A: The older station was surprisingly grand and modern, almost like a mall, offering a unique blend of travel and shopping.
Q: What was the food like in Nanjing?
A: Nanjing is a food city, and the roasted duck I tried was tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned with a hint of soy, offering incredible value.
Q: Were the sleeper trains comfortable?
A: The sleeper trains offered a social experience with clean compartments and beds, providing a comfortable way to travel overnight, though the older ones showed some wear.
