Diverse. Overwhelming. Convenient. Alive. If I were to describe Shanghai in one word, I could use any of these….and still be wrong. Shanghai is all of those things, but also so much more. It has surprised me on every corner and still continues to do so.
As it stretches in front of me, my apartment view encompassing the local neighborhoods, bustling streets shaded by tree lines, imposing skyscrapers in the distance and even aerial overview of my favorite rooftop bar few blocks away, I am reminded how reality can sometimes exceed imagination. When I first came, I had expectations, as I imagine we all do, based on past experiences or biased opinions. And as it usually happens, those expectations get shattered.
Now, don’t get me wrong, some of them will be confirmed, the traffic will still be hectic, some people will still spit in the street and you will pass men walking with their shirts raised and bellies exposed. But that doesn’t even scratch the surface of diversity the Shanghai consists of. You soon realize that whatever your goals, hobbies and interests might be, you will be able to fulfill them in this city. This city is a melting pot of everything and everyone. There is no shortage of interesting places to go to, inspiring people to meet and new things to learn. And no worries, if you don’t speak the language, like I didn’t when I first came, you won’t be left out!
There are so many nationalities living in Shanghai, that you can perfectly thrive and live on English language alone. I actually speak from experience as I’ve met many people who have lived here for 3,4,5 years and to date, can speak only 3,4,5 words of Mandarin (not reciprocal!). And don’t get me started on the French colony here, sometimes it feels like there’s more French in Shanghai then Chinese!
Maybe I should have learned French instead of Mandarin…
And that diversity and international feel doesn’t end with people, it extends to places as well, from eating out in all manners and types of restaurants to enjoying plays in English, or even going to a stand-up comedy club with US comedians (actually just several floors below the rooftop bar mentioned earlier).
Doesn’t mean that you can’t be enjoying crazy cheap streetfood bowl of stir-fried noodles or a portion of dumplings (1.5 USD) or similarly cheap local delicacies. And you can haggle. In fact, you should haggle, it’s the Chinese way. Sherry even haggles in official stores. And gets free stuff. Depending on your choice, this city can provide you with luxurious lifestyle or affordable one. Everything nowadays is made in China, so you can get practically anything directly from factories for way cheaper price than normal. Chinese version of Amazon, so to speak, delivers within a day. And of course, in expat community, everyone has their Ayi (literally: Aunt), a Chinese maid who will take care of everything in your apartment, from cleaning to cooking, who they guard jealously.
Not to say that living in Shanghai is without challenges.
Real estate market is rising and if you want to rent Downtown nowadays, the prices have gone up to about 1500-2500 USD per month. Of course, the further away from Downtown you go, the prices will be lower. But nothing is too far away with the fairly new subway system.
Also, the air quality leaves something to be desired. On certain days, you can feel the pollution in the air and it’s not ideal, especially for someone like myself who grew up close to nature (Country pumpkin, as Sherry teases me), although it is getting better.
After everything, this city of choices quickly gets under your skin and marvels you with everything it’s got to offer.
Then you realize, that traffic wasn’t that bad; for 1 RMB (0.15 USD) I can rent a bike, which are spread out all over the city, and comfortably ride it. Or just get a taxi for 2-3 bucks. Those people spitting, are in vast minority and usually older generations, they won’t be the most interesting people you meet today. Or the strangest sight you’ll see. And the exposed bellies? Well, you’ll probably be happy to see them, because in a true Shanghainese local custom, they are a sign that the summer is coming.
Much to the dismay of Starks of Winterfell…
Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center
To check out our post on Central China and Xi’an, please click here: Travel journal: Xi’an – Uncovering the Terracotta Army