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My FIRST TIME in Shanghai 🇨🇳 | The Internet Lied About China
Shanghai Solo Trip: First Impressions & Hidden Gems
In this video, I take you along on my first time in Shanghai, exploring everything from futuristic skylines and neon-lit streets to hidden cafés, incredible food spots, luxury shopping districts, and some of the city's most iconic attractions.
As a solo traveller in Shanghai, I also share what it’s...
In this video, I take you along on my first time in Shanghai, exploring everything from futuristic skylines and neon-lit streets to hidden cafés, incredible food spots, luxury shopping districts, and some of the city's most iconic attractions. As a solo traveller in Shanghai, I also share what it’s really like navigating one of China’s biggest cities on your own. From getting around the city and using public transport to finding great places to eat and explore, this Shanghai solo travel vlog covers my honest first impressions, what surprised me most, and why Shanghai feels completely different from anywhere else I've visited in China. If you're planning your first time in Shanghai, looking for a Shanghai travel guide, or considering a solo trip to China, this video will show you what to expect before you go.
First-time solo traveler explores Shanghai's futuristic skyline, hidden cafés, and iconic attractions. From Michelin XLB to secret bars, he shares honest impressions and solo travel tips. A must-watch for anyone planning a trip to China!
In this video, I take you along on my first time in Shanghai, exploring everything from futuristic skylines and neon-lit streets to hidden cafés, incredible food spots, luxury shopping districts, and some of the city's most iconic attractions. As a solo traveller in Shanghai, I also share what it’s really like navigating one of China’s biggest cities on your own. From getting around the city and using public transport to finding great places to eat and explore, this Shanghai solo travel vlog covers my honest first impressions, what surprised me most, and why Shanghai feels completely different from anywhere else I've visited in China. If you're planning your first time in Shanghai, looking for a Shanghai travel guide, or considering a solo trip to China, this video will show you what to expect before you go.
PhatLife Project's return to Shanghai after eight years proves the city is even more dazzling than remembered. From the moment he lands, he dives into the iconic crab roe xiaolongbao at Lai Lai Xiao Long, a Michelin Bib Gourmand spot where the queue moves fast and the dumplings are bursting with flavor. The evening brings him to Nanjing Road, a sensory overload of neon lights and massive stores like the world's largest Miniso Land and PopMart. He finds a clever hack for viewing the Bund skyline without crowds: a drink at Conde Restaurant on level five of the Regent. Then it's off to a hidden speakeasy behind a barber shop facade, setting the tone for a trip full of secret bars.<br><br>Day two starts rainy on Wukang Road, where he explores the charming French Concession. He admires the flatiron Wukang Mansion from Baker and Spice, then visits the viral Apoli Itabakery with its stunning decor and tasty pastries. The area is packed with unique shops: a bookstore with a cinema area, 13De marzo's bear-themed cafe, and Harmay's industrial warehouse of skincare bargains. A truly surprising find is Zhongyao Tang Gelato, offering flavors like ginseng jasmine and perilla pomelo that are surprisingly refreshing. He escapes the rain at a spa for 299 RMB, which includes unlimited fruit and hot springs. Dinner is the legendary crab roe noodles at Renhe Guan (one Michelin star), but the next morning a friend's tip leads him to a cheaper, queue-free alternative that he actually prefers. He continues exploring Sinan Mansions and the historic CPC memorial house, then stumbles upon a gelato shop with 4.6 stars. The afternoon is a food marathon: Butterful and Creamorous croissants, Nunu Donut's pillowy brioche donuts, and a visit to the surreal Nudake display. A hidden gem is Lu Heng Road station's exit 5, which feels like Europe. He ends the day at Flask Bar, hidden behind a fake Chinese takeaway, where the cocktails and bao are perfect.<br><br>Day three starts with fish croaker noodle soup, a Jiangnan delicacy with a killer broth. All too soon, his three days are over. He wishes he had time for Shanghai Disneyland, but offers his travel guide with over 50 recommendations. PhatLife Project's honest first impressions reveal a city that blends futuristic skylines with historic charm, and where every corner hides a delicious surprise. The internet may have lied about some things, but Shanghai's energy is absolutely real.
PhatLife Project returns to Shanghai after eight years and discovers a city even more vibrant than before. From Michelin-starred crab roe noodles and hidden speakeasies behind barber shops to a spa with unlimited fruit and a gelato inspired by Chinese medicine, every moment is a delightful surprise. The French Concession's leafy streets and the surreal 1933 Old Milfun add layers of charm. This is Shanghai at its most authentic and delicious.
A solo traveler explores Shanghai's hidden speakeasies, indulges in crab roe noodles, and discovers surprising spots like a medicine-inspired gelato shop.
Shanghai Solo Travel: Crab Roe Noodles, Speakeasies & Hidden Gems
0:56 The queue at Lai Lai Xiao Long moves fast; you can get in within 10 minutes despite the line. Great for a quick bite of crab roe xiaolongbao.
3:40 For a better skyline view of the Bund without crowds, get a drink at Conde Restaurant on level five of the Regent. No need to dine, just order a drink.
10:50 The spa at 299 RMB includes unlimited fruit and hot springs. You can stay until 2 AM. Perfect for a rainy day or relaxation.
17:53 Take exit 5 at Lu Heng Road station to find a surprising European-style area. Great for photos and a break from the city's hustle.
19:27 The Flask Bar is hidden behind a secret panel in a Chinese takeaway shop front. You can order bao from the real food shop to eat at the bar.
0:56 The queue at Lai Lai Xiao Long moves fast; you can get in within 10 minutes despite the line. Great for a quick bite of crab roe xiaolongbao.
3:40 For a better skyline view of the Bund without crowds, get a drink at Conde Restaurant on level five of the Regent. No need to dine, just order a drink.
10:50 The spa at 299 RMB includes unlimited fruit and hot springs. You can stay until 2 AM. Perfect for a rainy day or relaxation.
17:53 Take exit 5 at Lu Heng Road station to find a surprising European-style area. Great for photos and a break from the city's hustle.
19:27 The Flask Bar is hidden behind a secret panel in a Chinese takeaway shop front. You can order bao from the real food shop to eat at the bar.
0:01 Arrival in Shanghai
0:46 Crab Roe Xiaolongbao
2:20 Nanjing Road Nightlife
5:13 Wukang Mansion
10:39 Spa and Hot Springs
11:43 Crab Roe Noodles Dinner
17:53 Hidden European Style Station
20:16 Fish Croaker Noodle Soup
0:00 Introduction
0:40 Lai Lai Xiaolong (Michelin XLB)
2:18 Nanjing Road (Miniso, Popmart etc)
3:19 Best Spots to See Shanghai Skyline
3:34 My favourite spot to see Shanghai Skyline
3:56 Barbershop Secret Bar
4:43 Wukang Mansion
5:26 Baker & Spice
5:43 Apoli Itabakery
6:54 French Concession - LeLabo, Wudi Bookstore, 13 Demarzo, Harmay
9:28 ZhongYao Tang Gelato
10:34 Yang Space Spa
11:41 Renhe Guan Crab Roe Noodles
12:36 Speak Low Bar
13:30 Xie Shanghuang Crab Roe Noodles
14:23 Sinan Mansions
15:02 Sit! Gelato
15:44 Haus Nowhere
16:17 Butterful and Creamorous
17:05 Nunu donut
17:50 Luheng Street Station
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They offer gelato inspired by Chinese herbs like ginseng jasmine and perilla pomelo, which are surprisingly refreshing.
How do you enter the Flask Bar?
It's hidden behind a secret panel in a Chinese food takeaway shop front; pull the discrete panel on the right side.
Which subway station in Shanghai has a European-style area?
Take exit 5 at Lu Heng Road station to find a beautiful European-style area that feels like you're no longer in China.
