Shanghai's 'Prosperity': Am I Blind or Is It Just Me?
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Sure, here is the translation of your text into English:
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To be honest, why can't I get that feeling of Shanghai's "Wow, so繁华 (prosperous!)" that people are talking about?
- According to the common belief, Shanghai ought to be an international metropolis with towering skyscrapers and bustling traffic, a place where the name alone makes you think "Wow, it must be incredibly wealthy and lively."
- Cultural Insight: For many foreigners, Shanghai might conjure images of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Bund at night, all modern and eye-catching. This indeed does depict a face of Shanghai!
- However, living here myself, sometimes I genuinely don't feel that strong sense of flourish. It feels a bit strange.
- According to the common belief, Shanghai ought to be an international metropolis with towering skyscrapers and bustling traffic, a place where the name alone makes you think "Wow, it must be incredibly wealthy and lively."
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How should one interpret this experience?
- Could it be that I haven't found the right way to appreciate it? Or is prosperity multifaceted, and I've glimpsed only one aspect of it?
- Sometimes, life here just feels a bit... how shall we say, "Pressured to the skies." ("Stressful living" could be translated like this: feeling stressed and not relaxed in life, perhaps linked to high pace and costs.)
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Why do people choose to stay in this city?
- At times, I wonder what makes them decide to strive and live here. There must be some charm to it.
- For me, a sense of belonging seems quite distant at the moment.
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Perhaps I need more exposure to unexplored territories?
- Maybe by changing districts and exploring differently, I can uncover something new?
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In any case, those are some strange thoughts; let me jot these down for now!
- Travel Tip (or perhaps my mere musings):
- When you visit Shanghai, apart from must-visit landmarks (like viewing the Bund at night, or windowshopping on Nanjing Road), try visiting local-frequented small streets or old alleys (Nongtang, where one can discover a unique slice of Shanghai with residential life, old buildings, and rich flavor).
- "Prosperity" in big cities may not solely reside in eye-catching spots, but might also be reflected in everyday liveliness.
- TIPS: Avoid having overly simplistic ideas about “prosperity.” Each city has its tempo and multiple facets; deeper understanding through experience can yield different impressions.
- If expecting a 24/7 bustling ambiance, certain districts of Shanghai or times might seem "That’s not what I expected." It does have quiet, relaxing moments too.
- To avoid disappointment: Try engaging with various regional characteristics. For example, the French Concession with its banyan-trees and cafes offers distinct ambiance, compared to Lujiazui's skyscrapers. Exploring more widely might help find preferred "prosperity" or "quietude."
- Travel Tip (or perhaps my mere musings):
Note: In translating, I've chosen to keep the cultural context (local street names, etc.) intact to ensure readers understand specific references.
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Go out and see for yourself. Is there any other city in China that actually fines people for changing lanes without signaling, not yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks, or e-bikes running red lights?
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Honestly, apart from Nanjing East Road and the Bund being somewhat bustling, the rest is pretty average.
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The glitz and glamour is for the tourists, it has nothing to do with us regular folks.
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If you're just looking for superficial glitz, then sure, look within the Inner Ring Road. But Shanghai's true vibrancy is in its attitude towards the world and life – confident yet humble, neither fawning nor arrogant.
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Makes sense.
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Being a 'Naotan' (moron/idiot) is a sickness; don't delay, get it treated ASAP.
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Honestly, Shanghai isn't all that bustling! When I went to Hong Kong over 20 years ago, it was the same. Back then, I even felt Hong Kong wasn't as good as Shanghai.
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Makes sense.
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Because it's awesome.
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Then please, go back to your 'oh-so-bustling' hometown.
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I'm just saying how annoying it is when cars with out-of-town plates drive in Shanghai without using their indicators. Then, when I go on road trips elsewhere, people there don't use signals either – it's like turn signals don't even exist for them!
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Where are you from, then?