First Impressions of Shanghai: A Western Traveler’s True Shock

When my girlfriend Nelly and I first arrived in Shanghai, we had no idea how profoundly the city would challenge our expectations. After exploring the old historic districts, we wandered into the former French Concession—a now-trendy area brimming with cozy cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and international fashion brands.

We’d heard about a popular art installation going viral on social media, so we decided to check it out. To our amusement, it featured hyper-realistic figures of world leaders in humorous, exaggerated poses that had us laughing out loud.

Getting a little lost in the winding streets turned out to be one of the highlights—pure, unhurried exploration. Shanghai’s winter bite was sharper than we anticipated; Nelly was shivering in the chill. The day before, we’d browsed a high-end mall for a warm coat, only to find prices starting at $4,000–$5,000—luxury brands far beyond a typical budget. Yet everywhere, locals were impeccably dressed, stylish and confident. The streets were lined with elegant cafes, boutique shops, and restaurants, all impeccably clean—almost unbelievably so.

Honestly, before arriving, Western media had painted a picture of economic struggle, poverty, and declining cities in China. What we saw was the exact opposite: spotless streets, no visible homelessness, no disorder. People smiled genuinely, dressed well, and moved with purpose. The urban landscape felt polished, almost like a fairy tale. Having traveled widely, including in Russia, I’d never seen such consistent beauty and order.

Families strolled with children in the latest strollers, using cutting-edge gadgets—clear signs of a comfortable, high-quality life. It struck me how I once thought American tourists embodied peak wealth and style; now, Chinese locals and travelers have clearly surpassed that.

For lunch, we ducked into a cozy semi-basement bistro and ordered spicy beef, pork neck, chicken wings, and toast. The flavors were bold and addictive—we couldn’t stop eating despite the heat! Even the drinking water was served hot, a nod to traditional Asian health beliefs. I’d always preferred ice-cold water, but after this trip, I’m reconsidering.

Nelly teared up from the spice, and we laughed until our sides ached. Those simple, joyful moments felt profoundly real.

Passing a park, we watched groups of elderly folks enjoying square dancing—some energetically moving to the music, others relaxing in the sun. The atmosphere was warm, lively, and full of community. It reminded me of contrasts with places like South Korea, often praised in the West as a capitalist success, yet facing challenges with elderly isolation. Here, older generations seemed integrated, dignified, and socially connected—a thoughtful sight that stayed with me.

Our day ended at The Bund. By the Huangpu River in daylight, one side showcases grand European-style buildings from a century ago—once the financial heart of Asia, with iconic structures like the historic HSBC Building. Across the water, Pudong rises dramatically: what was farmland and mudflats just decades ago is now a dazzling forest of modern skyscrapers.

In a single century, under China’s own path, this transformation from humble origins to the world’s most futuristic skyline is breathtaking. Old and New China gaze at each other across the river—a powerful story of resilience and progress.

As night fell and the lights ignited, Nelly and I stood in awe. The Bund glowed like a dream, warming our hearts. I finally understood the question some pose: “What has been built here?” The answer shines brightly all around.

A personal travel reflection shared for All Win China — promoting understanding through real stories and experiences.

Join us in discovering the real China beyond headlines. Share your own impressions in the comments!

Author: Jackson Hinkle Official