Shanghai: Can't Break a Spell That Was Never Cast. (Seriously, Not Even a Tiny One.)

[Marion Barrows]

Hello everyone! I’m originally from Guangdong, and I just spent four days in Shanghai.

I thought that Shanghai would be somewhat similar to Guangzhou (a major city in southern China), so I didn’t make any special preparations beforehand. I only planned on taking a casual stroll around the city. However, it truly broadened my horizons!

• The people on the streets were dressed with great style, not only looking good but also exuding an exceptional aura.

• The streets felt different compared to other cities. Imagine this: despite the influx of tourists from all over the world, they managed to keep everything clean. Really impressive!

• The highlight is the bathrooms!

  • Each one was scrupulously clean, with surprisingly available tissues (rare to find in Guangdong).
  • A big plus point for foreign friends because other cities don’t always have tissue availability in public restrooms.

• And even if you encountered rainy days, your mood wouldn’t dampen. Rain-soaked Shanghai gives the feeling of walking on the streets of London. Extraordinary charm!

• Whatever you wear, you feel at ease as no one looks at you strangely. Everyone is busy rushing along their own way.

• However, in terms of dining, I had a little disappointment (this also serves as a friendly reminder!):

  • I didn’t get to try anything notably extraordinary local food.
  • After exploring a few international eating places that seemed decent at first glance, I found a few dishes costing me several hundred yuan (approximately 60-70 USD). That’s quite expensive considering I just wanted a casual meal.
  • Where do the locals go eat then? Really looking for recommendations here!
  • Tip for foreign friends: For a genuine and affordable dining experience, it's best to look up local tips online or ask hotel staff or local companions about it.

After coming back, I kept reminiscing about Shanghai. If I had the means, I would definitely choose Shanghai to live in.

• It is so clean and convenient to get around, and inclusive as well.
• If you want to experience the modernity and safety of a big city or taste culinary delights from around the world, Shanghai offers both.
• Besides, advanced technology is integrated into everyday living, making tasks extremely convenient. The city is very accommodating to people of all sorts.
• Rumor has it that Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk's mother moved to Shanghai; presumably she saw these appealing aspects too!
• There is a modern feel that characterizes a large and international city, while historically rich locations like Chenghuangmiao (a famous cultural site worth a visit to feel the old Shanghai vibe) still retain an old-world charm.

All in all, Shanghai has become the top city on my list for travel! #Shanghai

[Johnathan Schmeler]

It's pretty good. Once you're used to Shanghai's prices, everywhere else seems cheap, and there's no feeling of being overcharged.

[Lena Oberbrunner]

Hahahaha, I often see people calling things 'expensive,' and I'm just thinking, 'Isn't that pretty cheap?'

[Ms. Wanda Kilback]

I'm from Guangzhou and have been in Shanghai for a few months. The level of urbanization here is generally higher than in Guangzhou, and I haven't seen any 'urban villages' like those in Guangzhou. It's cleaner and more comfortable overall, and people seem more refined. It's true that prices are generally higher than in Guangzhou. Also, when eating out in Shanghai, you really have to pick restaurants with queues. I've tried a few times during peak hours to avoid the lines by going to empty restaurants, and after eating, you quickly realize why they're empty... Guangzhou is better in this respect; you can walk into almost any restaurant and it'll be decent, you rarely go wrong.

[Marion Barrows]

I absolutely love Guangzhou's food! It's so cheap and delicious.

[Franklin Weimann IV]

Are the streets really full of exceptionally polished people?