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China's Futuristic Shanghai: Skyline, High-Tech Stores & Modernity

China's FUTURISTIC Reality the West Doesn't Talk About 🇨🇳

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation: 24.9 million
China's FUTURISTIC Reality the West Doesn't Talk About 🇨🇳
Two Drifters35 min

China's FUTURISTIC Reality the West Doesn't. This was filmed by Two Drifters. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

In this video, we explore the side of China that few in the West ever see a glimpse into the country’s stunningly futuristic reality. We spent a few days in Shanghai, checking out what makes it one of the most modern cities in the world. From its insane skyline and high-tech stores to the mix of old and new streets, Shanghai really blew us away. We stayed at the Marriott Marquis City Centre with an amazing view over the skyline the perfect base to take in this futuristic city.

--- Two Drifters
November 3, 2025, Autumn in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

The Two Drifters take viewers around Shanghai, from skyline views at the Marriott Marquis City Centre to local food and distinctive shopping. They try crab roe noodles and rice, Xiao Long Bao and other dishes, then visit House Nowhere, where art and retail meet in hyper-realistic displays. The trip also includes electric buses powered by overhead lines and a stop at the hotel's M Club for drinks and city views. Together, these scenes offer a look at Shanghai's modern city life.

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China's FUTURISTIC Reality the West Doesn't Talk About 🇨🇳

The experience

The Two Drifters take us on a wide-ranging tour of Shanghai, showcasing a futuristic reality often unseen in the West. Their journey begins with an impressive view of the iconic skyline from their room at the Marriott Marquis City Centre, a base for exploring the metropolis. The video highlights the blend of old and new, from high-tech stores to traditional streetscapes. Food is a central part of the trip. They try the popular crab roe noodles, which they say taste better with rice, and visit Man Bao Lou for seafood, meat and noodles. The spread is delicious but large for two people. Their search for excellent Xiao Long Bao leads them back to Jia Jia Tang Bao, where they enjoy soup dumplings they call the best they have had in Shanghai.

Shopping, transport and hotel views

The travelers visit House Nowhere, a store blending art and retail with hyper-realistic displays and animatronics. They try on unusual eyewear and explore its avant-garde presentation. On the streets, they notice electric buses powered by overhead lines, a system they say is uncommon in the UK. They also remark that people leave belongings unattended, which they take as a sign of how safe Shanghai feels to them.

They also try matcha in pastries and drinks, and sample dumplings, at first using a fork. Some smaller eateries have cramped, close-quarters seating. At another crab meal they add crab vinegar following local advice, and enjoy affordable soup dumplings with a beer. The hotel’s M Club offers drinks and city views from a higher floor. The trip brings together food, shopping, public transport and the skyline, with the travelers reflecting on Shanghai’s mix of modern design and traditional streets.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the food like at Man Bao Lou restaurant?
A: It was a huge spread of seafood, meat, and noodles, absolutely delicious but perhaps too much for two people.
Q: What made House Nowhere store so unique?
A: It was a surreal blend of art and shopping with hyper-realistic animatronics and displays that made it hard to tell what was real.
Q: What was the most surprising thing about the electric buses?
A: They are powered by overhead lines, a very environmentally friendly system that isn't seen in the UK.
Q: How did the crab roe with rice compare to noodles?
A: It was definitely preferred over the noodles, much creamier and tastier, earning a nine out of ten rating.
Q: What was special about the Xiao Long Bao at Jia Jia Tang Bao?
A: The soup inside was sensational, light yet flavorful, making it the best they'd had in Shanghai.
Q: What was the benefit of staying at the Marriott Marquis City Centre?
A: It offered amazing views of the Shanghai skyline, a great location, and access to the M Club with included drinks.

Previous travel video:

China's Futuristic Shanghai: Skyline, High-Tech Stores & Modernity

In this video, we explore the side of China that few in the West ever see a glimpse into the country’s stunningly futuristic reality. We spent a few days in Shanghai, checking out what makes it one of the most modern cities in the world. From its insane skyline and high-tech stores to the mix of old...

Shanghai Travel: Futuristic Cityscape, Culinary Delights & Unique Shopping

Prepare to be amazed by China's futuristic side! This video takes you on a journey through Shanghai, a city that redefines modern living. Witness its breathtaking skyline, explore cutting-edge stores, and wander through streets where ancient charm meets futuristic innovation. The Marriott Marquis City Centre offers a stunning vantage point to soak in the incredible cityscape. Join us as we uncover a China that defies expectations and showcases a remarkable blend of tradition and progress.

Attractions in this video: Shanghai Skyline, Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Bund