The roads in Nanjing are quite bumpy, making it a bit of an adventure when riding a bike. In comparison, some streets in Shanghai (like Yuyuan Road) may also be rough, but they're generally in better condition. Be cautious while cycling, as uneven manholes and missing bike lanes can make the ride challenging.
Drivers in Nanjing often don't yield to pedestrians, especially when turning right. This is much less of an issue in Shanghai.\n3. Attractions in Nanjing are more scattered, which can be confusing for first-time visitors. It's recommended to familiarize yourself with the layout of places like Zhongshan Scenic Area before visiting.\n4. Historical sites in Nanjing are well worth the ticket price, thanks to their rich history. In contrast, many of Shanghai's attractions are centered around the former concessions, with local spots like Yu Garden being somewhat disappointing.\n5. Public behavior in Nanjing can sometimes be lacking, such as climbing on historical relics or playing loud music. While this happens in Shanghai too, it's generally less common and more likely to be discouraged by others.\n6. People in Nanjing tend to be friendlier and more approachable, whether it's staff at tourist sites, street vendors, or hotel workers. Shanghai residents, on the other hand, can come across as a bit more aloof.\n7. I was surprised to see people damaging flowers, particularly sunflowers, in Xuanwu Lake Park. This is not as common in Shanghai.\n8. Some of Nanjing's popular snacks, like the egg hamburger, are overpriced and not very special. Other sweets are overly sugary, though the duck blood vermicelli is decent. Shanghai doesn't have many distinctive local snacks.\n9. There's a higher rate of cyclists going against traffic in Nanjing compared to Shanghai.\n10. Ji Ming Temple in Nanjing has a tea shop inside, selling expensive drinks. This contrasts with Jing'an Temple in Shanghai, where shops are located outside the temple grounds.\n11. Xuanwu Lake in Nanjing is far superior to any water-based attraction in Shanghai. The same goes for Xuanwu Lake Park, which outshines Century Park in Shanghai.\n12. Fuzimiao Pedestrian Street in Nanjing is a much better experience than Nanjing Road in Shanghai, which is another underwhelming tourist spot.\n13. Management at some of Nanjing's attractions is rather lax, with security personnel rarely seen. I witnessed several drones flying close to Jiming Temple, which would be hard to imagine in Shanghai.\n14. Shopping malls in Nanjing still seem vibrant, with stores like Gome and Suning still operating. These chains have largely disappeared from Shanghai.\n15. On average, people in Nanjing appear to be taller than those in Shanghai.\n16. Traffic lights in Nanjing can be confusing, leading one to wonder if they were installed incorrectly. Pay extra attention to traffic signals and cross carefully.\n17. Avoid Ke Xiang Food Street, and steer clear of the overpriced cakes there. A small piece can cost up to 20 RMB.\n18. Nanjing is known for its beautiful women, although many might not be locals. In Shanghai, you'll find stylishly dressed women, but Nanjing has a high number of naturally attractive people.
Garrett VonRueden PhD
Posts
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Comparing Travel Experiences in Nanjing and Shanghai -
Shopping in Shanghai Has Lost Its CharmWhat is Poizon?
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Not Even Once.It's 2025 already, how can anyone still have such thoughts? If you encounter unfriendly people, just ignore them. I've met unfriendly individuals in Japan and Korea too. It's an issue with individuals, not the place itself. We just need to maintain our goodwill.
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Shenzhen... Seriously, DON'T Go Unprepared!!Reading these recommendations... I'm speechless. I've barely been to any of these places.
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WTF Does This Mean?! China Translation SOSIt's my second day in Guangdong, and I've started a trial job. I cried on my first day here, cried that night, and cried again last night. I'm not even that tired, I just feel like crying.
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Window of the World? More Like Window of the... Meh?That's because most people in Shenzhen are just here to work and don't have a strong sense of belonging. I'm one of them.
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Let's Be Real: Shenzhen's Basically One Giant Disposable.I realized that a long time ago; most people here just see themselves as passers-by.
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Guangzhou Metro: Kicking Off My Trip with a Surprise Dose of Good Vibes!My first shock was the subway: so many people, and interchanges require such long walks. Plus, the escalators are steep, deep, and fast. As someone afraid of heights, looking down made me feel dizzy. I'm not saying this to criticize Guangzhou; it's just that I'm from Wuxi, where the subway is always empty – it's a smaller city of only 8 million, after all.
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Am I the only one who finds Beijing super low-energy?The negative energy is intense. The 'music' from the morning rush hour subway practically blasts through the roof!
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Beijing: Fewer 'Floaters', Suddenly Feels More Like a *Real* Capital?Seriously, when I went to Wuhan over the May Day holiday, I noticed how young everyone on the subway looked and how they lacked that 'just-left-the-office' vibe.
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Why do I feel like such a hick on The Bund?Great outfit! I specifically bought a nice coat and some dressier clothes for my Shanghai trip, leaving the casual and sporty stuff behind. My feet were killing me, but I stuck to wearing boots – it definitely makes for better pictures.
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✈️ Shanghai 'Magic City' Food: The Hits, The Misses & The 'Seriously, WTF?!' (Eats & Drinks - Pt. 1)Where on the pedestrian street is it?
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Shanghai: Is Anyone Actually *There*?If you grew up in a big city, you'll likely want to see mountains and nature when you travel, and vice versa. It's all about going to places where others have grown tired of living.
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Let's Talk About...Qibao Old Street? I don't even know what there is to do there.
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Let's Talk About...That one's a massive tourist trap.
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Shanghai: A Friendly WTF WarningKeep going, hon!
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My Turn to Roast the Suzhou Metro!Why can't the subway system be more convenient for everyone? Isn't it time for Suzhou Metro to improve?
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Shanghai Survival: Pop That Bubble or Perish!Aside from renting, my line of work brings me into contact with many wealthy people (not for schmoozing or social obligations). And many of them are genuinely low-key. Maybe only their bag is truly expensive, but from head to toe, their outfits are very ordinary, with common colors—the kind you wouldn't give a second glance to in a crowd. But when it comes to spending, they are truly wealthy and make considered purchases.
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Shanghai Survival: Pop That Bubble or Perish!I feel like the Shanghai fantasy in most people's eyes is propped up by two groups: the very rich and happy, and those who aren't as rich or happy but aspire to be like the former. My friends and I are all locals, some living downtown and some in the suburbs, and none of us have ever been strongly interested in trends like clubs, fashionistas, or 'citywalks.' Call it being laid-back or call it wasting time, but what we actually pursue is a stable, peaceful life, much like most young people in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region. So, when I see many descriptions of Shanghai, I actually feel a bit bewildered...?
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Shanghai: The Magic's Gone.Those so-called 'elites' from out of town working in Lujiazui and Caohejing wouldn't dream of considering construction workers their 'fellow countrymen.' It's often these highly-educated newcomers who are the most discriminatory.