It’s a unfair comparison. In Beijing, you lived in an outdated place, Hutong, where only old people live, and visited tourist attractions, where people from mainly smaller cities or rural China are visiting. No one will expect these people to speak English. In contrast, when you are in ShangHai, you are visiting the downtown area, the financial centers, where young graduates are working or visiting. Definitely, more people there can speak English. If you walk around an old neighborhood in ShangHai, little people will be able to speak English. If you had been to the CBD areas of Beijing or areas around universities, more people will be able to speak English.
They have the strange imperialist habit to expect everyone to speak English while they can hardly manage to speak a second language, not even one that is very close to English such as Dutch or German.
My take on cities ive visited Beijing is traditional Chongqing is uniquely Funky Shanghai is glamorous Shenzhen is futuristic Guangzhou is hustling n bustling Harbin is cold Hainan is tropical Sichuan is Giant Panda(n everything) Nanjing is education hub Kunming is peace I've to many other small cities & counties and my take is China is ❤
Highly recommend Suzhou, the very famous smaller ancient Chinese city known for its traditional Chinese style gardens and cannels-the Oriental Venice! Suzhou is only less than 1 hour train ride away from Shanghai, and it can fit into your schedule with only one day excursion from Shanghai. Suzhou had been the local ancient capital for Shanghai region for the past 4000 years, and Shanghai had only started to develop as a major city in China around 200 years ago from a small unknown fishing village, when western colonies arrived to force it open as an international harbor.
As a Chinese, the number of Fortune 500 companies in Beijing and Shanghai is actually the same because you didn't go to those CBDs. The hutongs in Beijing are the homes of Qing dynasty princes, princesses, and high-ranking home, so those dilapidated houses are not slums, but the most expensive.
In Beijing, you lived in the old city and only went to those historical sites. In fact, Beijing also has many things that Shanghai does not have. It is a pity that you missed it.
Hey Sly, first off welcome to Shanghai. I wanted to warn you a few videos back about Beijing but kept quiet not knowing how you'll take it. For first time visitors to China, especially if you're a Westerner, I highly recommend Shenzhen first and the other surrounding cities before going to Shanghai, saving the best for last. When going to Beijing, Westerners will be in for a huge culture shock as the city is very historical, very traditional and very cultural, the city goes out of it's way to preserve it's ancient heritage in many areas and less people there speak English.
I am very curious, why do foreigners repeatedly emphasize that the local Chinese are not good at English after they come to China? Instead of foreigners learning a little Chinese for basic communication?
Because it’s the internationally predominant language. When I travel to ANY countries, I am probably expecting people who work at airports or hotels speak basic level of English instead of local dialects.
Highly recommend Suzhou, the very famous smaller ancient Chinese city known for its traditional Chinese style gardens and cannels-the Oriental Venice! Suzhou is only less than 1 hour train ride away from Shanghai, and it can fit into your schedule with only one day excursion from Shanghai. Suzhou had been the local ancient capital for Shanghai region for the past 4000 years, and Shanghai had only started to develop as a major city in China around 200 years ago from a small unknown fishing village, when western colonies arrived to force it open as an international harbor. With a western colonial cultural background, your observation is right, Shanghai is the most cosmopolitan, westernized city in China. Hence you may find more locals in Shanghai can converse in some English. The "Bund" is the most famous landmark in Shanghai, where you will see the old colonial European style buildings on the west side of the Huangpu River, and the new, modern Pudong district with sky rocketing buildings located to the east of the river. Around the old town (downtown Shanghai) Yu Garden area, you can find traditional Shanghai architecture and streets. Highly recommend a stroll inside the beautiful Yu Garden, and a visit to the Jade Temple in the old town area.
Your FIRST day and you seem to have the place all worked out. Good for you. I'll come back in 10 years and watch another of your vlogs and see what your opinion is then. What I noticed on your walk around, was how clean and beautiful the streets were, with all the lovely flower gardens on the sidewalk. It's a completely different scenario than what I've seen in the subway or just walking the streets in New York. I'm amazed you didn't notice the difference. Before I go - Go back and really listen to what you words you are 'actually' using. You mentioned how nice the very first person you stopped to ask about the ATM was, but other than that interaction, every other comment was a negative in some form or another. Anyway, all the best, hopefully being in China might enlighten your consciousness and awaken the positive within. 🙏
brothers and sisters are not known to be international travelers and i've never met one on the road in Asia, Europe, or the Americas during my 30+ years of travel.
Many people from English-speaking countries are always surprised and make a fuss about "Ah, people here can't speak English" or "A lot of people here can speak English". Isn't this strange? When I travel, I never expect others to speak Chinese, because I know their mother tongue is not Chinese.🤣
@@glowndark1 Not for much longer imo. Chinese will replace English just as English replaced French, just as French replaced Spanish. What's impressive is China is going to do it peacefully, not through conquest and colonisation.
很多说英语的国家是因为他们是曾被西方殖民的国家，例如很多非洲，美洲，及亚洲的印度和菲律宾，所以没有什么可炫耀的，而是一种被殖民的屈辱历史伤痛 Many English-speaking countries are because they were colonized by the West, such as many countries in Africa, America, and India and the Philippines in Asia, so there is nothing to show off, but a kind of humiliation and historical pain of being colonized
@@glowndark1 As a Chinese working currently in English and German, I don’t speak any EN/DE to any people who can understand Chinese. And in our official meetings, my bosses will all insisting on speaking only Chinese with translators though all of them understand and also can speak English. We don’t admit English is the international language, for now maybe only a international tool, for Chinese to make money only for the current period of time.
Shanghai or cities close to it are always richest + business oriented area since very old days. Go and spend some days in close cities like Hangzhou/Suzhou, you will be shocked again.
The area of Beijing is equivalent to 20 New York, 155 Paris, 10 London, 27 Seoul, and 7.5 Tokyo. Beijing also has lots of CBD places and tons of places that you may be interested in.
To the Chinese, Shanghai is know for having the best Western dishes, which we are used to. If you want good Western food while you are there, though. Go to an Italian restaurant called Alimentari. The one I went to is 3km away from the bund. I was blown away. There is another place called Cedars in the neighborhood just in front of the bund. The two women there learned how to cook in France and then came back and opened that restaurant. They speak English well. Their place is small but cozy and homely.
Hi dude, you should visit Shenzhen which is close to Hong Kong and Macau. Shenzhen and cities around Guandong province is a MUST in CHINA, it's much more open as well and you can find good electronics products and services there if you want to explore that part.
These vlogs are so immersive and detailed. I appreciate your perspective and your ability to look past the mass media perspective. Really gets me wanting to visit China again!
There are many attractions in Shanghai, in the outskirts visit a water town if you can, stay in the B&B and enjoy the tranquility. WuZhen for example. PuDong at night, Bund a quick stop but look up Tripadvisor best restaurants, visitor attractions and you'll go crazy. Have a wonderful trip!
Having lived in Shanghai, yeah the humidity GETS to you! You're lucky it's not raining, that's the worst. In my three years in the area, I find October and early November to be the best time to explore Shanghai, it's not too hot and not too cold.
I lived in Shanghai for 7 years and still visit twice per year, and I've never had a taxi driver who speaks English. Usually, the only "English" word they know is Port-a-man, for "Portman," the local name of the American Center where the Ritz-Carlton is. (John Portman was the American architect who designed it). Also, there are indeed some interesting temples in town, including Jing'An Temple, which you were walking right by at the end of the video.
Love ❤ Shanghai. I have travelled all over China, but always keep Shanghai as my base city. Only drawback is that it has gotten expensive over the last decade.
I highly recommend zhujiajiao which is an ancient water town, really beautiful, you can get a taste of China 1000 years ago, it’s only 40 mins drive from midtown Shanghai
My Chinese friend invited me to visit Shanghai in 2017 for two days and I was left with a very good impression on Shanghai. I only wish that I was able to spend a few more days or weeks there since it is a very large city.
That building at 3:31 captures my attention. I really don't know why Chinese architects aren't incorporating the designs into their works. They are very uniquely beautiful Chinese designs which spread to other parts of Asia, mostly South East Asia. Thank you, sir.
I think thats changing, the governments have been promoting Li Jiang and Dali as tourist destinations more recently and those definitely incorporate traditional styles in their architecture
You still didnt know much about China. Shanghai is all the same, Beijing is far more rich and variefied.More rich men and well educated people are in Beijing , and not in shanghai
Bro, you happen to be in Shanghai during the Meiyu season. I couldn't find an English translation for it. Basically it's a 3-week long humid period before the high of the summer kicks in. It happens every year about this time. - from a Shanghai native. Peace.
Tourism is not just about historical sites. The entire Shanghai is tourism. Go to the French concession and get lost wandering in there, for example. Walk along the bund, go to Yuyuan garden at night for the lights.
Glad you are navigating better in Shanghai. If you have enough time, I suggest a trip to the nearby cities of Suzhou or Hangzhou. Both are beautiful cities with Suzhou being more traditional and charming, and Hangzhou being more modern and busy. Enjoy your trip.
hey since you are in Shanghai, i suggest you taking a detour to Suzhou. It has a very good historic city centre. you don't have to participate a guided tour, just take a walk in the city and you can feel the vibe.
I also noticed this when I went to Shanghai! I haven't spent much time there but it's a lot more modern and metropolitan. I found the underground malls interesting. And the parks were beautiful and very well maintained!
Been following your exploration so far and I just had to say that cityscape really affects how people perceive the places. Beijing was actually vibing before the "clean up" of Hutongs back in 2017, citing noise, foreigners overstaying their visas, drugs, etc. There's also a quite vibrant international scene in the Hutongs in that interim. However, this year they are planning on resuscitating those neighborhoods to boost what's called the "night economy". On the other hand, in Shanghai, street businesses are treated wayy more leniently and they are therefore very visible if you are visiting for the first time.
Mmm I dont think the Chinese government will allow street markets to expand. In theory it is bad for the economy because those markets aren't paying sales tax, property tax, rent etc and thus aren't as good for the economy. The theory is there is not enough pressure to improve efficiency essentially. Even if they had a designated area where they rented a spot would be more ideal from the government's perspective.
@@ArchesBro Guess what, Chaoyang has already announced its intention to bring the night markets back. Maybe it's still going to be a "designated concession" thingy, but it's better than having the 城管 wasting their time patrolling the streets and running vendors (and their customers) off main roads.
@@robinsonshawqx if a rule isn't strictly enforced, is it really a rule? Idk what will happen, I just like to make guesses of what the government is thinking based on history, policy, money flow, and power dynamics. I've never been to China personally. If I were the Chinese government, I wouldn't worry about small things like food stalls, they should think about diversifying their tax collection, particularly with real estate
@@ArchesBro I think they are just taking the easy way out with the 24-hour City proposal. It's one of the very basic tools in their toolbox to battle unemployment, lack of confidence in the consumer market, etc. Property tax is a huge undertaking and it'll be quite difficult to roll out as it would inevitably tank the second-hand market, which may be a contributing factor to social instability.
If you check in with 全季/Orange or other similar hotel chains they offer free laundry completed dryers too. They are around 300-400RMB per night. We are close to the rainy season this time of the year so the humidity is quite high.
No, it doesn’t, not as the capital of a unified dynasty anyway, Beijing only became the capital since Yuan. Xi An has been the capital for a lot longer.
If you are in to history, a more recent but significant event took place during the anti-Japanese war in Shanghai, the Sihang Warehouse defense. The building is still standing and a memorial is there. China's 300 if you will fought by the KMT army.
Sly, I don't know if you are going to southern China, but I really recommend you come to Guangzhou to try the local cuisines and Shenzhen to experience the ture modern Chinese city
It is good to do those videos and bring people together, in a world where media do the opposite. More understanding between people is a great thing. Shanghai is known to be very cosmopolitan
Wow, I see you have traveled to so many places. I envy you that you have the energy, determination, budget to travel to so many places. Good for you to expand your horizons, knowledge, and world.
Shanghai was THE ONLY place in China where people were SURPRISED I spoke Chinese and replied to me in English even after I spoke Chinese, everywhere else they just treat you like another Chinese basically, happy of course and welcoming, Shanghai some people almost did not like it or did not care, kind of like Hong Kong usually.
I wonder if you’ll be visiting Japan after China? It’s also rainy season here, and when I tell you, the HUMIDITY🥵It’s not even hot yet but already quite uncomfortable, and will become unbearable after late July due to high temp + high humidity + all the concrete (at least in Tokyo). It’s actually worse in Kyoto during the summer FYI. I do NOT recommend anyone to come to Japan from June to end of September, unless you’re going to Hokkaido (up north) or Okinawa (tropical beaches).
Thank you Sly for all the videos in China. I like your introductory comparisons or narratives between the two cities Beijing and Shanghai. No one can cover all the footage in a short of period of time especially for a first-time visit.
If you try to judge the openness of China by hearing more or less English on street, you should speak more Chinese to show your openess to Chinese people... Dont judge ordinary people, ok？
It’s a FACT that Shanghai is more cosmopolitan than Beijing. I have heard that from many people, Chinese and foreigners. As someone who had lived in Shanghai for more than 13 years, I agree with his impressions. It has nothing to do with judging ordinary people.
About humidity: Shanghai's monsoon season starts from June, when wind blows from southeast towards northwest, bringing humid air from the ocean. It could drizzle for days in June, and then in July and Aug there will be thunderstorms and Typhoons (equivalent to Hurricanes in the Atlantic). Humidity level could go up to 80% indoor.
20 years ago I live in South China in Zhongshan had to go to Macao or Hong Kong to use a ATM. Was really supersize when I did a trip to Shanghai they had ATM on the streets where I could use, again this was 20 years ago. I lived in what they called a small town of 3 million hope your next part of China you pick a small town.I was in China before RUclips and high speed rail. I took the bus around to lots of place and met a lot of nice people. It was the best experience in my life. Yes all my travails in China got to say Shanghai the most modern. Your take on China so interesting because you travail a lot of place around the world.Was never a big Tofu guy till I had Bean Curd in Shanghai.
Hi man, welcome to Shanghai. I would like to recommend you to check out Nanjing, the former capital city of China, one of the most influential cities for Chinese culture and history. It has a rich selection of cultural and historical attractions. You can easily get to Nanjing by riding a highspeed train from Shanghai for just 1 hour :)
it's not like vietnam, shanghai is special in china because 100years ago many foreigners settled there(french and english consessions) and made it the largest city in the far east.
Just saw your videos today. Beijing is the political capitol, so when you remarked on the lack of English speakers there, I wanted to mention that Shanghai would be the place with more English speakers. This is because Shanghai is China's financial capitol, and English is the international language of business. It's similar in Guangzhou and Shengzhen, to a lesser degree, as they are more manufacturing oriented
Go to Yuyuan Garden, which also near the bund, for ancient architecture, and Hangzhou, Suzhou, also the old Watertown called Wu Zhen 😂😂😂😂 They all give you a glimpse of the old style of China.
If you had lived around a university in Beijing, your video title might have been I WAS SHOCKED THAT EVERYBODY IN BEIJING SPEAK ENGLISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As someone who lived in the northern part of China, i gotta say Shanghai is much more humid than where i came from😂but the southern part of China has always been this humid so they never mention that
China don't have laundry mat like America do, our so called laundry stores serve for those high-end clothes like coat, lether Jacket, suit... you may leave your clothes to the hotel's laundry service, that may cost way less...
With the longest and continuous native culture, you could find ancient relics almost every where in China. Even in a metropolitan like Shanghai, there is Guangfulin Site which is a 4000 years old human settlement. However, the mixed viber of east and west culture was found during the Century of Humiliation.🤣🤣🤣
Just a reminder. You should not compare Shanghai and Beijing in China. People in both cities think they are the best in China and both look down on the other. So no matter how objective you are, if you compare these two cities, it will most likely be controversial and both sides will think you are not objective.
It’s a unfair comparison. In Beijing, you lived in an outdated place, Hutong, where only old people live, and visited tourist attractions, where people from mainly smaller cities or rural China are visiting. No one will expect these people to speak English. In contrast, when you are in ShangHai, you are visiting the downtown area, the financial centers, where young graduates are working or visiting. Definitely, more people there can speak English.
If you walk around an old neighborhood in ShangHai, little people will be able to speak English. If you had been to the CBD areas of Beijing or areas around universities, more people will be able to speak English.
They have the strange imperialist habit to expect everyone to speak English while they can hardly manage to speak a second language, not even one that is very close to English such as Dutch or German.
没错，你说的很正确！
@@perile 殖民主义思维😄
Whats cbd?
@@courtneyvegan9448 Central Business District
My take on cities ive visited
Beijing is traditional
Chongqing is uniquely Funky
Shanghai is glamorous
Shenzhen is futuristic
Guangzhou is hustling n bustling
Harbin is cold
Hainan is tropical
Sichuan is Giant Panda(n everything)
Nanjing is education hub
Kunming is peace
I've to many other small cities & counties and my take is China is ❤
What About Zhejiang or Hangzhou?
Wow noted👍👍👍
And Guilin is the fairest of them all.
Spot on.
shanghai is colonized. so he feels more comfortable. But as a Chinese, I don't like Shanghai. Shanghai is our Shanghai, not western countries'.
Ah... My beloved shanghai. Lived and worked there for 4 years. Best time of my life. They call it the magic city and I agree.
I’m heading to China in September, I’m so excited to visit this amazing country. Beijing, Xi’an and then Shanghai!
Don't miss Congqing and Shenzhen.
@@iyansetiadi1986 I won’t have the time, will definitely visit there on another trip :)
Highly recommend Suzhou, the very famous smaller ancient Chinese city known for its traditional Chinese style gardens and cannels-the Oriental Venice! Suzhou is only less than 1 hour train ride away from Shanghai, and it can fit into your schedule with only one day excursion from Shanghai. Suzhou had been the local ancient capital for Shanghai region for the past 4000 years, and Shanghai had only started to develop as a major city in China around 200 years ago from a small unknown fishing village, when western colonies arrived to force it open as an international harbor.
Welcome❤
Come to Shenzhen, DJI, Huawei, Tencent, Oppo, BYD Automobile
Beijing: Past/Traditional
Shanghai: Present day/Modern
Shenzhen: Futuristic/Cyberpunk
Chongqing: Fusion of all 3 vibes
cao county :fusion elements of universe
你确定你了解北京？
Hong Kong: Blend mix of Chinese & Western
@@UnoriginallyOriginal Hardly. Hong Kong is very unique. There is no western city remotely similar to Hong Kong. It feels like a unique Chinese city.
where is guangzhou😂 and why chongqing on the list？？
As a Chinese, the number of Fortune 500 companies in Beijing and Shanghai is actually the same because you didn't go to those CBDs. The hutongs in Beijing are the homes of Qing dynasty princes, princesses, and high-ranking home, so those dilapidated houses are not slums, but the most expensive.
Love the Hutongs of Beijing though and the art scene. Shanghai has nice clubs and bars.
旅行，极不推荐CBD，全世界绝大多数的城市CBD差不了多少，一个风格，高楼，商业气息，fancy！这使得CBD是最没有品味的！反而胡同，很有地方特色。上海这种地方也极不推荐！去看楼？low爆！新疆、云南，江南的江浙一带，自然景观与人文景观都很值得推荐。
@@zsx3525 看情况，那些来自低矮楼房的地区，看腻了低矮老房子的人，或许会觉得高楼大夏更好看
@@李荣-n7s 低矮的老房子收拾干净了是很有情调的，去看看法国、意大利农村那些小房子，还有丽江，沙溪古城那些房子，绝了！
明明是富贵大宅给搞成那吊样，与胡同串子成为北京一景！
In Beijing, you lived in the old city and only went to those historical sites. In fact, Beijing also has many things that Shanghai does not have. It is a pity that you missed it.
Beijing is super modern. But the hutongs are the best parts.
Hey Sly, first off welcome to Shanghai. I wanted to warn you a few videos back about Beijing but kept quiet not knowing how you'll take it. For first time visitors to China, especially if you're a Westerner, I highly recommend Shenzhen first and the other surrounding cities before going to Shanghai, saving the best for last.
When going to Beijing, Westerners will be in for a huge culture shock as the city is very historical, very traditional and very cultural, the city goes out of it's way to preserve it's ancient heritage in many areas and less people there speak English.
I was thinking if he goes to Xi’an😂😂..Maybe another world for foreign tourists
My take is, to put in a compare and contrast way:
Beijing: Grandeur and lively
Shanghai: Romantic and nostalgia
Shenzhen: Futuristic and greenery
I am very curious, why do foreigners repeatedly emphasize that the local Chinese are not good at English after they come to China? Instead of foreigners learning a little Chinese for basic communication?
it's just americans I guess, racism
@jie s 可能就是美国人或者说西方人的傲慢与偏见吧。
Because it’s the internationally predominant language. When I travel to ANY countries, I am probably expecting people who work at airports or hotels speak basic level of English instead of local dialects.
Because Americans are EXCEPTIONALLY Arrogant.
@jie s 哪个黑人给你打感觉好？共产党只能靠黑人了，非洲的美国的欧洲的，白人无不是对产党深恶痛绝
Highly recommend Suzhou, the very famous smaller ancient Chinese city known for its traditional Chinese style gardens and cannels-the Oriental Venice! Suzhou is only less than 1 hour train ride away from Shanghai, and it can fit into your schedule with only one day excursion from Shanghai. Suzhou had been the local ancient capital for Shanghai region for the past 4000 years, and Shanghai had only started to develop as a major city in China around 200 years ago from a small unknown fishing village, when western colonies arrived to force it open as an international harbor. With a western colonial cultural background, your observation is right, Shanghai is the most cosmopolitan, westernized city in China. Hence you may find more locals in Shanghai can converse in some English. The "Bund" is the most famous landmark in Shanghai, where you will see the old colonial European style buildings on the west side of the Huangpu River, and the new, modern Pudong district with sky rocketing buildings located to the east of the river. Around the old town (downtown Shanghai) Yu Garden area, you can find traditional Shanghai architecture and streets. Highly recommend a stroll inside the beautiful Yu Garden, and a visit to the Jade Temple in the old town area.
😮you're good !
200年前上海就是一个不小的城市，当然它的规模比苏州小的多，其实唐朝时期就有几万人在上海现在市中心生活了。所以说从小渔村变成大都市，只适用于深圳。
❤Suzhou my hometown❤
A lot of great recommendations to keep in mind, thanks! 😄
@@judyju83 hi～苏州宁
Your FIRST day and you seem to have the place all worked out. Good for you. I'll come back in 10 years and watch another of your vlogs and see what your opinion is then.
What I noticed on your walk around, was how clean and beautiful the streets were, with all the lovely flower gardens on the sidewalk. It's a completely different scenario than what I've seen in the subway or just walking the streets in New York. I'm amazed you didn't notice the difference.
Before I go - Go back and really listen to what you words you are 'actually' using. You mentioned how nice the very first person you stopped to ask about the ATM was, but other than that interaction, every other comment was a negative in some form or another.
Anyway, all the best, hopefully being in China might enlighten your consciousness and awaken the positive within. 🙏
Couldn't have said better
brothers and sisters are not known to be international travelers and i've never met one on the road in Asia, Europe, or the Americas during my 30+ years of travel.
Shanghai is gorgeous, prosperous and clean. I saw many luxury cars on the road .
If you want truly traditional, Xian is the place to visit. Shanghai, since the opium war, has always been international.
Many people from English-speaking countries are always surprised and make a fuss about "Ah, people here can't speak English" or "A lot of people here can speak English". Isn't this strange? When I travel, I never expect others to speak Chinese, because I know their mother tongue is not Chinese.🤣
@@glowndark1 英语和经济发展没关系，中国日本韩国这些东亚国家的人都不怎么说英语。 菲律宾和印度都把英语当做官方语言，但他们的经济反而一团糟，很多非洲国家也一样。用前殖民者的语言不会带来进步，反而加剧了本国人才的流失。
@@glowndark1 你要会梵文也没问题。 不过还是建议你捋捋自己说的逻辑
@@glowndark1 Not for much longer imo. Chinese will replace English just as English replaced French, just as French replaced Spanish. What's impressive is China is going to do it peacefully, not through conquest and colonisation.
很多说英语的国家是因为他们是曾被西方殖民的国家，例如很多非洲，美洲，及亚洲的印度和菲律宾，所以没有什么可炫耀的，而是一种被殖民的屈辱历史伤痛
Many English-speaking countries are because they were colonized by the West, such as many countries in Africa, America, and India and the Philippines in Asia, so there is nothing to show off, but a kind of humiliation and historical pain of being colonized
@@glowndark1 As a Chinese working currently in English and German, I don’t speak any EN/DE to any people who can understand Chinese. And in our official meetings, my bosses will all insisting on speaking only Chinese with translators though all of them understand and also can speak English. We don’t admit English is the international language, for now maybe only a international tool, for Chinese to make money only for the current period of time.
Shanghai or cities close to it are always richest + business oriented area since very old days. Go and spend some days in close cities like Hangzhou/Suzhou, you will be shocked again.
Shanghai is not an old city. It is less than 200 years old.
The area of Beijing is equivalent to 20 New York, 155 Paris, 10 London, 27 Seoul, and 7.5 Tokyo. Beijing also has lots of CBD places and tons of places that you may be interested in.
Lol what a stupid comment
To the Chinese, Shanghai is know for having the best Western dishes, which we are used to. If you want good Western food while you are there, though. Go to an Italian restaurant called Alimentari. The one I went to is 3km away from the bund. I was blown away. There is another place called Cedars in the neighborhood just in front of the bund. The two women there learned how to cook in France and then came back and opened that restaurant. They speak English well. Their place is small but cozy and homely.
Hi dude, you should visit Shenzhen which is close to Hong Kong and Macau. Shenzhen and cities around Guandong province is a MUST in CHINA, it's much more open as well and you can find good electronics products and services there if you want to explore that part.
These vlogs are so immersive and detailed. I appreciate your perspective and your ability to look past the mass media perspective. Really gets me wanting to visit China again!
Enjoyed your stay in china Sir keep sharing your travels journey.
Great Video Sly Watching from New Brunswick Canada.🙂
There are many attractions in Shanghai, in the outskirts visit a water town if you can, stay in the B&B and enjoy the tranquility. WuZhen for example. PuDong at night, Bund a quick stop but look up Tripadvisor best restaurants, visitor attractions and you'll go crazy. Have a wonderful trip!
Having lived in Shanghai, yeah the humidity GETS to you! You're lucky it's not raining, that's the worst. In my three years in the area, I find October and early November to be the best time to explore Shanghai, it's not too hot and not too cold.
I lived in Shanghai for 7 years and still visit twice per year, and I've never had a taxi driver who speaks English. Usually, the only "English" word they know is Port-a-man, for "Portman," the local name of the American Center where the Ritz-Carlton is. (John Portman was the American architect who designed it). Also, there are indeed some interesting temples in town, including Jing'An Temple, which you were walking right by at the end of the video.
Love ❤ Shanghai. I have travelled all over China, but always keep Shanghai as my base city. Only drawback is that it has gotten expensive over the last decade.
I highly recommend zhujiajiao which is an ancient water town, really beautiful, you can get a taste of China 1000 years ago, it’s only 40 mins drive from midtown Shanghai
I do believe that Qibao and Zhujiajiao are accessible by metro, so he can save some money that way.
Nice, you're in my (current) city. Enjoy it. Shanghai is mostly the restaurant/bar vibe. Rooftop bars with the skyline. Walking along the Bund.
My Chinese friend invited me to visit Shanghai in 2017 for two days and I was left with a very good impression on Shanghai. I only wish that I was able to spend a few more days or weeks there since it is a very large city.
That building at 3:31 captures my attention. I really don't know why Chinese architects aren't incorporating the designs into their works. They are very uniquely beautiful Chinese designs which spread to other parts of Asia, mostly South East Asia.
Thank you, sir.
I think thats changing, the governments have been promoting Li Jiang and Dali as tourist destinations more recently and those definitely incorporate traditional styles in their architecture
That's Jingan Temple 静安寺.
The traditional Japanese architecture is actually from Tang dynasty China
maybe not in super big cities, but in many other places you will see such architects with Chinese themes.
When you get a chance, ride the Maglev train from Longyang Road to/from Pudong airport.
It travels at 431 km/hr and costs ~$5 USD each way.
Been in Shanghai for 16 years, I like Shanghai ❤❤❤
You still didnt know much about China. Shanghai is all the same, Beijing is far more rich and variefied.More rich men and well educated people are in Beijing , and not in shanghai
Somehow Beijing has more prestidge and exotic. Shanghai is cool. But so is Shenzhen and Guanzhou. I love Shanghai. But Beijing is just more special.
Bro, you happen to be in Shanghai during the Meiyu season. I couldn't find an English translation for it. Basically it's a 3-week long humid period before the high of the summer kicks in. It happens every year about this time.
- from a Shanghai native. Peace.
Tourism is not just about historical sites. The entire Shanghai is tourism. Go to the French concession and get lost wandering in there, for example. Walk along the bund, go to Yuyuan garden at night for the lights.
Glad you are navigating better in Shanghai. If you have enough time, I suggest a trip to the nearby cities of Suzhou or Hangzhou. Both are beautiful cities with Suzhou being more traditional and charming, and Hangzhou being more modern and busy. Enjoy your trip.
我很好奇，为什么外国人来中国后一再强调本地的中国人英语不好？而不是外来的外国人学习一点中文以便于基础的沟通？
hey since you are in Shanghai, i suggest you taking a detour to Suzhou. It has a very good historic city centre. you don't have to participate a guided tour, just take a walk in the city and you can feel the vibe.
what at nice vide tour! keep it up~ the reserarch skill about target city is very good and accurate.
I also noticed this when I went to Shanghai! I haven't spent much time there but it's a lot more modern and metropolitan. I found the underground malls interesting. And the parks were beautiful and very well maintained!
Thanks for sharing. I love Shanghai. Can't wait to be back! ❤
my hometown ! hope you enjoy your stay there!
Been following your exploration so far and I just had to say that cityscape really affects how people perceive the places. Beijing was actually vibing before the "clean up" of Hutongs back in 2017, citing noise, foreigners overstaying their visas, drugs, etc. There's also a quite vibrant international scene in the Hutongs in that interim. However, this year they are planning on resuscitating those neighborhoods to boost what's called the "night economy". On the other hand, in Shanghai, street businesses are treated wayy more leniently and they are therefore very visible if you are visiting for the first time.
Mmm I dont think the Chinese government will allow street markets to expand. In theory it is bad for the economy because those markets aren't paying sales tax, property tax, rent etc and thus aren't as good for the economy. The theory is there is not enough pressure to improve efficiency essentially. Even if they had a designated area where they rented a spot would be more ideal from the government's perspective.
@@ArchesBro Guess what, Chaoyang has already announced its intention to bring the night markets back. Maybe it's still going to be a "designated concession" thingy, but it's better than having the 城管 wasting their time patrolling the streets and running vendors (and their customers) off main roads.
@@robinsonshawqx if a rule isn't strictly enforced, is it really a rule? Idk what will happen, I just like to make guesses of what the government is thinking based on history, policy, money flow, and power dynamics. I've never been to China personally. If I were the Chinese government, I wouldn't worry about small things like food stalls, they should think about diversifying their tax collection, particularly with real estate
@@ArchesBro I think they are just taking the easy way out with the 24-hour City proposal. It's one of the very basic tools in their toolbox to battle unemployment, lack of confidence in the consumer market, etc. Property tax is a huge undertaking and it'll be quite difficult to roll out as it would inevitably tank the second-hand market, which may be a contributing factor to social instability.
If you check in with 全季/Orange or other similar hotel chains they offer free laundry completed dryers too. They are around 300-400RMB per night. We are close to the rainy season this time of the year so the humidity is quite high.
Well, Shanghai has only a hundred and eighty years of history as a city. Beijing has at least 2000 if not 3000 years of history as a capital city
No, it doesn’t, not as the capital of a unified dynasty anyway, Beijing only became the capital since Yuan. Xi An has been the capital for a lot longer.
You have to go to the Yuyuan Garden, from the Ming, build in 1559, I have been 10 days in Shanghai and 5 times at the Yuyan Garden.
If you are in to history, a more recent but significant event took place during the anti-Japanese war in Shanghai, the Sihang Warehouse defense. The building is still standing and a memorial is there. China's 300 if you will fought by the KMT army.
Man Shanghai is my favorite city in China😀
Yep, the Yangtze River delta area is very humid, making summer hotter and winter warmer
Definitely check out the water towns at the outskirts of Shanghai. The best one, imo, is 烏鎮 (Wu Zhen). Stay a night there if you can.
Sweet, humble, fun , friendly and kind people, I am working with Chinese and I love them and respect them.
Glad we get to see a bit more of China. The show goes on 🎉
Sly, I don't know if you are going to southern China, but I really recommend you come to Guangzhou to try the local cuisines and Shenzhen to experience the ture modern Chinese city
He's already struggling with humidity in Shanghai...
盲人摸象，来了两天就开始比较这个那个，却不知道他才走了多大的一点地方，而且我看他的视频，很多视频是不停的抱怨或者说是提到英语啥啥啥的，真.帝国沙文主义思想，来了中国，不去学习新的文化或者尊重文化，看样子，我们把他们养的太刁了，他们老家非洲本地话是英语吗？他说英语说难听点是殖民奴隶的印记罢了
这货本来就没安好心来的。他期待的是又破又烂的中国，看到不一样的中国心理就开始焦虑了 英语这英语那的。。。。
The number of electric vehicles (green number plate) on the roads tho! So many Teslas in this video
It is good to do those videos and bring people together, in a world where media do the opposite. More understanding between people is a great thing. Shanghai is known to be very cosmopolitan
Wow, I see you have traveled to so many places. I envy you that you have the energy, determination, budget to travel to so many places. Good for you to expand your horizons, knowledge, and world.
Shanghai was THE ONLY place in China where people were SURPRISED I spoke Chinese and replied to me in English even after I spoke Chinese, everywhere else they just treat you like another Chinese basically, happy of course and welcoming, Shanghai some people almost did not like it or did not care, kind of like Hong Kong usually.
exactly
Man I love your content, I’m currently In Shanghai creating some content. Would you mind we link up ⬆️
I wonder if you’ll be visiting Japan after China? It’s also rainy season here, and when I tell you, the HUMIDITY🥵It’s not even hot yet but already quite uncomfortable, and will become unbearable after late July due to high temp + high humidity + all the concrete (at least in Tokyo). It’s actually worse in Kyoto during the summer FYI.
I do NOT recommend anyone to come to Japan from June to end of September, unless you’re going to Hokkaido (up north) or Okinawa (tropical beaches).
At video 5:17, you passed by a historical temple. 😊
Thank you Sly for all the videos in China. I like your introductory comparisons or narratives between the two cities Beijing and Shanghai. No one can cover all the footage in a short of period of time especially for a first-time visit.
If you try to judge the openness of China by hearing more or less English on street, you should speak more Chinese to show your openess to Chinese people... Dont judge ordinary people, ok？
It’s a FACT that Shanghai is more cosmopolitan than Beijing. I have heard that from many people, Chinese and foreigners. As someone who had lived in Shanghai for more than 13 years, I agree with his impressions. It has nothing to do with judging ordinary people.
Damn more than half of the cars are EVs!
Shenzhen is better. All busses, taxis and alot if cars are ev. It's a future city.
come to Wuhan. you will have another shock. I am a westerner. Living here over 15 years. Come and meet me. you will see what is Wuhan exactly like?
Loved the river banks of Wuhan, just tall grasses. But that was a decade ago.
Good stuff. Thanks for the insight.
Welcome to SH! I am going in one month
Can’t wait to see your trip to Shanghai
You just passed one temple 静安寺 first built AD257 @5:07。 😅 😊
my first time in Shanghai, a grandmother let her grandchild take a dump in the triangle of the three tallest buildings
I saw the same thing happen in front of Wuxi train station
How are all these “coordinated posts” coming from within Mainland China? Everyone has a VPN there now?
Your observations are spot-on. And humidity will get much worse in south and southeast China in the next 2-3 months.
About humidity: Shanghai's monsoon season starts from June, when wind blows from southeast towards northwest, bringing humid air from the ocean. It could drizzle for days in June, and then in July and Aug there will be thunderstorms and Typhoons (equivalent to Hurricanes in the Atlantic). Humidity level could go up to 80% indoor.
果然来上海了呀，欢迎欢迎😊，国际饭店的蝴蝶酥去尝一尝，味道很不错的。
I enjoy the amount of German/luxury cars in your videos, Amazing.
Living in shanghai for 8 years, haven’t been in many places yet
20 years ago I live in South China in Zhongshan had to go to Macao or Hong Kong to use a ATM. Was really supersize when I did a trip to Shanghai they had ATM on the streets where I could use, again this was 20 years ago. I lived in what they called a small town of 3 million hope your next part of China you pick a small town.I was in China before RUclips and high speed rail. I took the bus around to lots of place and met a lot of nice people. It was the best experience in my life. Yes all my travails in China got to say Shanghai the most modern. Your take on China so interesting because you travail a lot of place around the world.Was never a big Tofu guy till I had Bean Curd in Shanghai.
Hi man, welcome to Shanghai. I would like to recommend you to check out Nanjing, the former capital city of China, one of the most influential cities for Chinese culture and history. It has a rich selection of cultural and historical attractions. You can easily get to Nanjing by riding a highspeed train from Shanghai for just 1 hour :)
i am from Shanghai and worked Beijing fir while those are same level cities on international and property price😂 depends where you live
Street are so clean 🧽 I live in San Francisco no tents ⛺️ homeless
Come to Shenzhen, DJI, Huawei, Tencent, Oppo, BYD Automobile
Friendly to people of colour?
Sidewalks are not just for pedestrians, but for motor bikes and parked cars as well 2:45?
Seriously bro? You just passed one of the biggest and oldest temples in Shanghai, the 靜安寺！
"His english wasn't the greatest" - yeah but your Chinese is non-existent and you're in his country, lmao.
Xiamen...Haikou....Sanya....please check them out, Beijing and Shanghai suck compared to those places.
it's not like vietnam, shanghai is special in china because 100years ago many foreigners settled there(french and english consessions) and made it the largest city in the far east.
I think Shanghai is the most beautiful, romantic city in the world, if I'm not too biased.
Amazing it’s so clean. We’re not accustomed to cleanliness and safety in Americans large cities
Just saw your videos today. Beijing is the political capitol, so when you remarked on the lack of English speakers there, I wanted to mention that Shanghai would be the place with more English speakers. This is because Shanghai is China's financial capitol, and English is the international language of business. It's similar in Guangzhou and Shengzhen, to a lesser degree, as they are more manufacturing oriented
Go to Yuyuan Garden, which also near the bund, for ancient architecture, and Hangzhou, Suzhou, also the old Watertown called Wu Zhen 😂😂😂😂 They all give you a glimpse of the old style of China.
Wow, you must live near Jing An Temple. There are many bars in nearby street like Wuding Road or Hengshan Road.
If you had lived around a university in Beijing, your video title might have been I WAS SHOCKED THAT EVERYBODY IN BEIJING SPEAK ENGLISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lol!
Shanghai became a major city like a hundred years ago. That's why you did not see many historic stuff.
As someone who lived in the northern part of China, i gotta say Shanghai is much more humid than where i came from😂but the southern part of China has always been this humid so they never mention that
China don't have laundry mat like America do, our so called laundry stores serve for those high-end clothes like coat, lether Jacket, suit... you may leave your clothes to the hotel's laundry service, that may cost way less...
welcome to my city
With the longest and continuous native culture, you could find ancient relics almost every where in China. Even in a metropolitan like Shanghai, there is Guangfulin Site which is a 4000 years old human settlement. However, the mixed viber of east and west culture was found during the Century of Humiliation.🤣🤣🤣
You’re a cool chilled out brother
please visit chongqing lijiang Dali Chongqing shengzhen Chongqing Guangzhou suzhou Nanjing
Just a reminder. You should not compare Shanghai and Beijing in China. People in both cities think they are the best in China and both look down on the other. So no matter how objective you are, if you compare these two cities, it will most likely be controversial and both sides will think you are not objective.