Original source
Surviving China’s MOST Expensive City! ($100 challenge)
Shanghai Adventure: $100 Budget Travel Vlog
Shanghai is one of the most exciting cities in the world, but how far can $100 take you here? In this challenge, we put our budget to the test, so from hotel to the best food, attractions, and experiences Shanghai has to offer—without breaking the bank!
We show you really what it costs a day as a...
Shanghai is one of the most exciting cities in the world, but how far can $100 take you here? In this challenge, we put our budget to the test, so from hotel to the best food, attractions, and experiences Shanghai has to offer—without breaking the bank!.
We show you really what it costs a day as a tourist in china most expensive city and since we have been in china this was our hardest challenge yet…
March 2025 | Shanghai, China
Jiangsu Province
10/34 Provinces down!!
When we finally started our adventure
Shanghai, a vibrant global city, was the backdrop for an exciting $100 challenge. This vlog follows the journey of two travelers testing their budget in one of China's most expensive cities. From securing affordable accommodation to indulging in local culinary delights and exploring iconic attractions, they document their experiences, providing a realistic glimpse into daily tourist costs in Shanghai. This challenge proved to be their most demanding yet, highlighting the unique financial considerations of exploring such a dynamic metropolis.
Shanghai is one of the most exciting cities in the world, but how far can $100 take you here? In this challenge, we put our budget to the test, so from hotel to the best food, attractions, and experiences Shanghai has to offer—without breaking the bank!.
We show you really what it costs a day as a tourist in china most expensive city and since we have been in china this was our hardest challenge yet…
March 2025 | Shanghai, China
Jiangsu Province
10/34 Provinces down!!
When we finally started our adventure
In this Shanghai vlog, On Tour With Dridgers (#OTWD) – a British couple – embarks on a $100 challenge in China's purportedly most expensive city. Their adventure begins with a surprisingly affordable Didi ride to a luxurious hotel, exceeding expectations with its opulent amenities, including two floors, two bathrooms, and a complimentary minibar. This unexpected extravagance sets a high bar for the rest of their challenge.
The couple's exploration of Shanghai includes a humorous interaction with a hotel staff member who, upon discovering their identity, offers them a free beer, highlighting the unexpected kindness they encounter. Their journey continues to a vibrant street market, where they successfully negotiate the price of a T-shirt, showcasing their bargaining skills and the lively atmosphere of the local commerce. The experience offers a glimpse into the art of haggling, a common practice in many parts of China.
Their culinary journey is a highlight, as they discover local eateries and savor authentic Shanghai dishes. The vlog showcases a meal at a local restaurant, where they order using a QR code-based menu, a common practice in China. The food experience is presented with enthusiasm, emphasizing the unique flavors and textures, including a memorable egg dish. The vlog also includes a stop at a convenience store, demonstrating the self-service checkout systems prevalent in China, contrasting them with the UK's more supervised systems.
Beyond the food, the vlog documents their exploration of People's Park, a public space where they observe the local life and atmosphere. The vlog also captures their use of the Shanghai metro, offering practical tips for navigating the city's public transportation system, including advice on downloading city-specific metro passes via WeChat or Alipay. The vlog ends with a reflection on their experience, acknowledging that while they exceeded their budget, their adventure provided an authentic representation of tourist spending in Shanghai. The vlog concludes with a promise of more Shanghai adventures and their upcoming trip to Chongqing.
On Tour With Dridgers (#OTWD) takes on Shanghai, China's priciest city, in a thrilling $100 challenge! From luxury hotels with unbelievable amenities to navigating the bustling metro and discovering hidden culinary gems, this vlog captures the highs and lows of budget travel in a mega-city. Will they succeed? Watch to find out!
On Tour With Dridgers conquer Shanghai's $100 challenge, experiencing luxury hotels, delicious street food, and local markets, creating unforgettable memories in China's vibrant metropolis.
Shanghai Budget Travel Vlog: $100 Challenge
11:37 Download the local metro app (using Alipay or WeChat Pay) for easy and convenient travel on the metro system. Each city has its own QR code.
12:52 Public toilets are plentiful and free in China, unlike in the UK where they are often scarce and require payment. Don't worry about finding a restroom.
13:17 Many convenience stores in China operate on a self-service basis, trusting customers to scan and pay for their items without direct supervision. This is a stark contrast to the UK.
24:49 Don't be afraid to explore local restaurants in Shanghai, even if you don't speak Mandarin. Many places offer English menus and some staff members speak English. Embrace local eateries for a more authentic experience.
11:37 Download the local metro app (using Alipay or WeChat Pay) for easy and convenient travel on the metro system. Each city has its own QR code.
12:52 Public toilets are plentiful and free in China, unlike in the UK where they are often scarce and require payment. Don't worry about finding a restroom.
13:17 Many convenience stores in China operate on a self-service basis, trusting customers to scan and pay for their items without direct supervision. This is a stark contrast to the UK.
24:49 Don't be afraid to explore local restaurants in Shanghai, even if you don't speak Mandarin. Many places offer English menus and some staff members speak English. Embrace local eateries for a more authentic experience.
0:00 Challenge introduction
1:15 Taxi to hotel
2:09 Hotel arrival
4:48 First impressions
10:46 Exploring the city
11:37 Metro tips
13:37 Ancient town visit
14:35 T-shirt purchase
17:04 Local beer
22:28 Dinner at local restaurant
24:44 Food review
0:00 Challenge introduction
1:15 Taxi to hotel
2:09 Hotel arrival
4:48 First impressions
10:46 Exploring the city
11:37 Metro tips
13:37 Ancient town visit
14:35 T-shirt purchase
17:04 Local beer
22:28 Dinner at local restaurant
24:44 Food review
How much did the hotel cost?
Our hotel was $70 a night, which was amazing value for money, considering the luxury amenities.
How much was the T-shirt?
What was the food like?
The food was absolutely delicious! We especially loved the pork and the unique egg dish we ordered. The noodles were also great, although I couldn't finish mine, it was too much!
How much did the beer cost?
A bottle of beer cost 30 yuan, which we thought was a bit expensive.
How did you pay for things?
We used WeChat Pay and Alipay for most transactions, as well as cash for the t-shirt.
