My China Travel Roast: The City I Hated Most!

[Melinda Wilderman]

To be honest, ranking my favorite cities is somewhat difficult for me. But when it comes to cities that I don’t like, there’s only one at the top of my mind – Shanghai.

Before, my impressions in Shanghai were:

• The subway commute during rush hours felt as if you were risking your life. Crowds were overwhelming.
• Walking around seemed like being pushed by the gusts of wind. The pace was extremely fast.
• Eating out gave me a severe heartache. Although there were plenty of delicious foods, the prices were not exactly affordable.
• Money made here came from hard work and could barely cover life expenses. Living costs were incredibly high.

Indeed, these are the images of Shanghai that have stayed with me over the past three decades.

I once had a year-long job experience in Shanghai, accompanied by numerous short-term visits. The relentless work and life pace almost left no room for deep thoughts. The cost of living was high; dining out drained most of the salary.

To summarize, I really disliked Shanghai.

Yesterday, before the May Day holiday (China's Labor Day mini-vacation period when people tend to travel), which was my last working day before the holiday, I reluctantly headed back to Shanghai for a project. The morning meeting went smoothly, and I then followed the client across town, enjoying a meal without paying.

At that time, the sun was bright but not scorching, giving an indescribable feeling, much like how I always feel when coming to Shanghai. It was rather conflicted!

As we walked along, making sarcastic comments about the industry’s downturn, we reached the restaurant where my client asked, “Do you want Chinese food or Western cuisine?” I thought, shouldn’t we Chinese first consider spicy dishes? Hot pot or roast meat? Fast food or set menu?

I chuckled and replied, "We Chinese must have Chinese food and stay away from fancy foreign stuff." Ultimately, we found ourselves in a tastefully decorated Cantonese restaurant (a Southern Chinese food style known for its light and flavorful taste).

During the mealtime, I observed the diverse patrons in the restaurant: young lovers, close girlfriends, elegantly dressed moms with adult sons, trendy senior citizens holding gatherings. Various age groups and combinations all present, instead of having one group dominate.

Everyone wore a distinctive confidence and poise on their faces, as if they considered themselves entitled to such beauties. This is unique to Shanghai’s city charm.

In Shanghai, foreigners are everywhere. Coffee drinking is no longer exclusive to young people. Older men sporting big slicked-back hairstyles (a hairstyle that looks extremely energetic), sunglasses, and flip-flops can also be seen; elderly ladies could be makeup enthusiasts ...

Wow! I discovered, for the first time, the true allure of ‘Great Shanghai’ – inclusive, open, interesting, and stylish!

Shanghai has always been this way despite my limited capabilities and perspectives. I couldn’t appreciate its unmatched wonders back then.

I believe there will come a day when we traverse again under the neon lights of the “Mystical City” (another nickname of Shanghai meaning the city imbued with magic):

• Shanghai won’t merely be perceived as the "world filled with wealthy people’s luxurious lives".
• Instead, it can be an Eden (an ideal utopian world) that nourishes every person's dreams.

Shanghai, you deserve all this praise! #Falling in love with this city!

• A reminder to friends planning a trip to Shanghai:
  • Subway rides might be packed: especially at peak times for commuting. Prepare mentally for densely packed crowds.
    • Solutions: Avoid peak hours, or take cabs, rent a bike (if distance is short).
  • The pace of life here is fast: everyone seems to be racing against time.
    • Solutions: Take it easy, enjoy your own pace.
  • Expenses might be high, especially at famous sites and upscale restaurants: keep a tight grip on your purse.
    • Solutions: Experience local delicacies or popular budget-friendly eateries for better value. It’s these very aspects that instill Shanghai with vitality and opportunities – an array of people and lifestyles that broaden horizons.

[Bob Heller]

Shanghai is my favorite Chinese city, bar none.

[Linda Dietrich]

Plot twist!

[Hannah Rogahn]

My first impression of Shanghai? Expensive, crowded, and I wasn't a fan. But after a city walk there last year, I often find myself saying, 'I want to move to Shanghai.'

[Kristi Doyle]

Some people love to put Shanghai down, yet they're often the same ones dreaming of coming here. Shanghai is still Shanghai; this city, despite all the flak it gets, is still a place people yearn to be.