Shanghai: Seriously, This City's Got a Major Split Personality!

[Iris Marquardt]

Shanghai: A City of Contrast Between Liveliness and True "Humanity"

Speaking of Shanghai, the city is truly fascinating. Many people call it a "Magic City" for often offering surprising and unexpected contrasts.

• On one hand, it’s a dazzling modern metropolis:

  • In those bustling central business districts (CBDs), such as Lujiazui, where you can see the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and those towering skyscrapers:
    • You'll see well-dressed white-collar workers rushing around with purpose.
    • Of course, there are also visitors like us, sweating and touring each sight.
  • Some indulge in shopping sprees at high-end malls, spending money lavishly like water.
  • And just on the other side of the corner might be people scavenging for plastic bottles by trash bins to save a little cash.

• On the flip side, it’s filled with the liveliness and atmosphere of daily life:

  • You might spot workers, worn out from a long day of labor, taking a breather with their water bottles or even napping right on the roadside.
  • Or you may notice elegant ladies stepping through luxury shops on stilettos, gracefully picking up merchandise and fully enjoying their purchases.
  • Lujiazui area, lit up bright at night, appears to be a scene of opulence and prosperity.
  • Yet just around the corner, they could be simple residential areas with floors not as high but full of vibrant life and a sense of community.

• It feels like…

  • We all seem to live in the same world, but on parallel lines that somehow intertwine within the same city.
  • Each person has their respective roles, leading their lives intertwined yet undisturbed, sharing the space as one city.

[Johnathan Schmeler]

I've stumbled upon Teacher Si's posts so many times, seriously. You make Shanghai look like a fairyland! Teacher Si, you're a master at finding these spots... You've truly captured the essence of Shanghai. It has such a magical, almost surreal feel. Once I visit your homepage, I can't seem to leave. You're an amazing photographer, like a human GPS for Shanghai. I'm officially a die-hard fan!

[Mr. Ryan Hermann]

Teacher Si at the top of my feed again! How on earth do you find these places? You're so skilled at both photography and exploring. If I go to Shanghai, I'm definitely following your guides!

[Israel Koss]

A studio apartment in this kind of old residential complex costs at least 4,000 to 5,000 yuan a month. They're full of CBD workers who deck themselves out in luxury goods and business suits.

[Marion Barrows]

True, those old, small, and run-down apartments over there are indeed expensive.

[Rosemarie Sawayn PhD]

I showed my mom pictures of where I live in Shanghai, and she said it looked like something from the 'wretched old days.' I didn't have the heart to tell her it costs 5,000 yuan a month.

[Karen Bruen]

That just shows you're living in the city center.