Shanghai: Shiny Facade, But What's *Actually* the Deal?
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Here's a translation of your text:
A friend from another city told me, "Before coming to Shanghai, I often heard it was all about ‘surface’, with only a shiny exterior. But when I really lived here for a while, I discovered that the ‘substance’, too, is top-notch!"
In my opinion, Shanghai’s 'shine' goes beyond just its tall buildings; what's much more admirable is the spirit of the city—the modern, sophisticated atmosphere.
I’d like to say: "Shanghai’s brilliance has always been on the surface and inside."
To be honest, compared to other places in China, the difference in terms of 'following rules', 'orderliness', and 'discipline' in Shanghai is really pronounced—especially if you’ve had extended experience living in both Shanghai and elsewhere in China.
This modern, sophisticated atmosphere might not be immediately visible or tangible, but it’s certainly omnipresent.
Some older residents who've lived in Shanghai for decades may not consider it particularly great, which is how I viewed my hometown without having left it initially.
The phrase "one cannot smell the fragrance that is always around them" can explain this phenomenon. Being accustomed to something, especially something very good, one may take it as ordinary over time.
Think about the following aspects:
- The traffic regulations are orderly.
- Business is conducted with fairness.
- Streets are always clean.
- Diverse viewpoints are accepted.
- Good security that brings peace of mind.
- Clear rules.
- The right distance between people.
Long-term residents in Shanghai might already be used to such conditions. This includes me. I never thought Shanghai was anything special until I moved somewhere else and realized that I couldn’t go on without my beloved city.
When I left Shanghai, I felt that the sense of order and respect for individual boundaries seemed hazy, their rules unclear compared to those of Shanghai.
Moreover, many things were not as diverse and inclusive as they were back in Shanghai. There'd be instances where we had to follow the mainstream trend rather than standing out.
The conflict in thinking patterns, differences in social habits… these made me feel awkward most everywhere I’ve been. It led me to realize that I don’t quite belong in these other places.
Gradually, I found out that I was no longer adaptable to environments outside of Shanghai; my mindset, perspective, personality, even my soul had somehow grown indelibly marked by “Shanghai production.”
Therefore:
- To truly appreciate Shanghai’s advantages, one needs to leave Shanghai and live elsewhere for a while.
- Once away from this city, you will find yourself deeply acknowledging its way of life.
- The appeal of Shanghai lies in its unique 'pact spirit'—that commitment to credit and discipline—and advanced civilizational ideas.
If you are planning to come to Shanghai or have started forming familiar habits in the city, bear in mind:
- You’ll experience some ‘culture shock’ when visiting places outside of Shanghai, particularly within China.
- The perception of order and personal space seems blurrier in those places, which might appear somewhat ‘chaotic’ compared to Shanghai. It takes effort to adapt.
- How to cope: get prepared mentally, understand the different rhythms and norms of each city, observe more, and gradually integrate.
Shanghai’s greatness has always shone through both its appearance and integrity!
#Shanghai #China #Civilization #UrbanExperience
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Agreed. Shanghai feels refined, romantic, and liberal. Compared to Beijing, which is much more rugged, Shanghai is different. However, there's no shortage of pretentious folks. Some locals speaking Shanghainese can have a pretty strong air of superiority; you often hear loud conversations in Shanghainese in restaurants, elevators, and on the street.
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So, people all over the country can speak their local dialects, but when Shanghainese people speak theirs, it's suddenly seen as a 'superiority complex'?
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The best city in the world.
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I've been living in Shanghai for two years as a mom accompanying my child for their studies. This year, my child is graduating and heading abroad, and I'll be returning to Chengdu. I'll really miss Shanghai. While Chengdu is also very livable, I've truly fallen in love with Shanghai. I'm encouraging my son to come back to Shanghai to work and live after his studies, so I can come back for visits from time to time.
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Having lived in both Shanghai and Guangzhou for some time, I can say Shanghai's level of civility is truly miles ahead of Guangzhou.
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I feel Guangzhou isn't as fashionable or refined as Shanghai.
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Shanghai, the 'Magic City,' reminiscent of the glamorous 'Ten-Mile Foreign Concession' – an adventurer's paradise, a world of opulence and extravagance. But it's also a place where not everyone can keep up, and many eventually depart.
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It's '摩都' (Mó Dū - Modern Metropolis), not '魔都' (Mó Dū - Magic/Devil City). '魔都' if taken as 'Devil City' would be an insult.
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Shanghai is my absolute favorite city in China, bar none.
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Thank you for loving Shanghai. Shanghai's excellence is built together with talented people from all over the country. Shanghai has never been exclusionary; it's always been an all-embracing city. What Shanghai does push back against are those who are ill-mannered or don't follow rules – your hometown wouldn't appreciate such individuals either. If you live here, love this city, are willing to embrace its culture, learn its language and customs, then you are, in spirit, Shanghainese.
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Shanghainese people are genuinely kind. Thank you, Shanghai, for all your help over the years. This 'Magic City' transformed me from someone naive into a fearless individual. Wishing the Magic City all the best and continued prosperity!
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Hi, where was the first photo taken from?
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On Zhapu Road Bridge.
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Shanghai has a strong sense of personal boundaries and a strong respect for rules. This makes interactions between people less exhausting.
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I visited Shanghai for three days during the Spring Festival and fell in love with it. I hope to have the chance to live there long-term someday.