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Alan and Shannon's first day in Shanghai is a whirlwind of lively contrasts. From navigating public transport with ease using Alipay to marveling at striking viewpoints, their journey is filled with unique discoveries. They explore the ancient charm of Yuan Old Street, finding honesty and trust reflected in the unlocked bikes and street-side phone chargers. A shopping spree for warm winter wear leads to unexpected encounters and hilarious miscommunications. The day culminates in a delightful exploration of Nanjing Road, a busy pedestrian street offering a blend of modern luxury and traditional street food, leaving Alan and Shannon utterly captivated by the city's distinctive appeal.
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The trip
This vlog documents Alan and Shannon's first day in Shanghai, China. Their initial surprise at the unexpectedly cold weather quickly gives way to excitement as they explore the city. Using the Alipay app, they effortlessly navigate public transportation, highlighting the ease of access for foreigners. The initial bus ride takes them to a stunning viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the city, showcasing its cleanliness and autumnal beauty. The cost-effectiveness of public transport is emphasized, with a bus ride costing only 2 Yen (approximately 20p). Despite Shanghai's size (26 million inhabitants), the city feels surprisingly quiet and orderly, a stark contrast to the busy chaos of their recent trip to India. Their exploration leads them to Yuan Old Street, a charming area with traditional antique-style buildings, providing a glimpse into the city's rich history. Alan and Shannon's search for gloves leads them through a lively market, where they encounter the honesty of local vendors, leaving their hats unattended without fear of theft. The vlog captures amusing interactions as they attempt to communicate with vendors, showcasing the challenges and rewards of navigating a new culture.
On the way
They sample local drinks, sharing their tasting notes with viewers and highlighting the unique flavors of peach and rose flower juice. A spontaneous detour to a Chinese tea house introduces them to a robot barista, providing a humorous moment of technological interaction. The vlog highlights the juxtaposition of old and new architecture in Shanghai, with ancient buildings standing alongside modern skyscrapers. Their exploration of Nanjing Road, described as the 'Fifth Avenue of China', showcases the city's blend of luxury shopping and lively street food. They encounter challenges in accessing money, sharing their experience of finding success at a specific bank (SDP bank). Their street food experience is a mixed bag, with some dishes proving delicious and others unexpectedly challenging. The vlog concludes with reflections on the city's surprising quietude and their anticipation for further exploration, inviting viewers to share recommendations for the rest of their 3 1/2-week trip.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: How easy is it to use public transport in Shanghai as a foreigner?
- A: Alan and Shannon find public transport surprisingly easy to use as foreigners. They pay with Alipay, which works on buses and other services, and find it a convenient way to get around Shanghai.
- Q: What's the most surprising thing about Shanghai?
- A: They are surprised by how calm Shanghai feels despite its population of 26 million. The couple compare it with their recent trip to India and say the city seemed much quieter than they expected.
- Q: What was the street food like?
- A: Their street-food experience is mixed: some dishes taste good, while others are difficult to enjoy. The couple say they learned to be more selective about what to order as they tried local food.
- Q: What's the best way to pay for things?
- A: They recommend Alipay because it is convenient and widely accepted. Alan and Shannon use it for transport and payments during their Shanghai visit.
- Q: What's the best way to get around?
- A: They find public transport cheap and easy to use, with buses serving their route around Shanghai. The couple use the bus system while traveling between sightseeing stops.