Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Use transit visas for short visits to maximize time in China; plan up to 10 days on transit routes to bypass longer visa processes. (0:41)
- Tip 2If internet is needed, use Yesim for instant data with VPN access to blocked apps and regional plans to save roaming costs. (6:24)
- Tip 3Explore Anfu Road for affordable local brands, cafes, and photogenic storefronts; aim for early afternoon light for best shots. (8:16)
- Tip 4On Huai Road, check out Gentle Monster and avant-garde brands; reserve time for immersive brand spaces and photo opportunities. (18:56)
- Tip 5End the day at North Bund for sunset river views and diverse skyline photos; consider a river cruise at night. (31:40)
Paul Lee’s Shanghai debut swings between ultra-modern skyline marvels and nostalgic European-inspired streets, painting a city that feels like a future-forward playground with deep historical roots. The vlog opens at People’s Square, where the sheer scale of Shanghai’s modernity becomes immediately evident—from quiet streets to affordable luxuries and a lightning-fast 300 km/h bullet train ride that costs just about $5. Paul explains transit visa specifics for Americans and lays out a tight 10-day cap, setting expectations for a rapid, jam-packed itinerary. The first culinary stop at Masters Baozi introduces a theme of contrasts: traditional steamer buns beside futuristic tech glimpses, including a glowing gadget that doubles as a laptop. The duo’s tour with Eastbound and Beyond frames a broader narrative: a city where ancient architecture meets sci‑fi design, where old European-style streets coexist with new glass towers. The Rock Bund area and BYD showroom deliver the wow factor—faux
More about the current video:
Paul and his companion launch the Shanghai vlog with a sense of wonder at a city that feels like the future, set against a backdrop of soaring towers, leafy lanes, and European-influenced streets. They start at People’s Square, marvel at the quiet, electric-driven city, and discuss visa options for travel to China, highlighting the transit visa that allows up to 10 days. A stop at Master’s Baozi unfolds the contrast between tradition and tech, as a store displays a futuristic gadget that doubles as a laptop. The Eastbound and Beyond tour guide, Jerry, introduces various districts—Rock Bund (an area once a colonial settlement), and the BYD showroom with its U9 car, described as a Chinese version of luxury crossovers, drawing a crowd. The narrative shifts to Anfu Road, a hip, camera-ready street lined with cafes, boutique shops, and a viral coffee shop featuring teddy bears with every cup. The guide extols Shanghai’s architecture, noting the fusion of 1800s facades with modern glass and steel, and visits the Shanghai History Museum, Anfu Road’s stylish boutiques, and a fragrance shop offering travel-sized perfumes. Huai Road hosts Gentle Monster’s brand house, a museum-like experience with dramatic art installations and avant-garde fashion, while West Nanjing Road showcases luxury brands and the iconic Louis Vuitton boat store. The trip culminates at Yuyuan Garden, where street food—mala skewers and soup dumplings—paired with ornate architecture and nostalgic market energy, illustrates the city’s balance of old and new. Paul reflects on Shanghai’s world-class status, insisting that China offers a scale and vibe unmatched by Tokyo or Seoul, before inviting viewers to explore more through a digital nomad training link. Traveler: Paul Lee. Traveler’s voice is intimate, excited, and insightful, capturing local interactions, architectural splendor, and the sensory richness of Shanghai in 2025.
Note: The narrative references a blend of districts, shopping experiences, and iconic sites, with emphasis on authentic local moments and the city’s constant evolution.