Lujiazui: Hard Pass.

[Melinda Wilderman]

Whenever I speak of certain places, I feel uneasy as if my feet were touching the ground there; even just passing by in a car feels like suffocating.

• There are those so-called "super-tall" buildings! Do you know? This feeling is completely different from what I've seen elsewhere, for instance in the northeast region of China (that part near the northern border facing very cold winter but with many natural landscapes and unique cultural flair).

  • In the northeast, there are many sculptures reflecting human warmth, and particularly imposing trees full of life; walking under them feels invigorating and imbued with humanity.
  • However, those skyscrapers in such big cities? They... feel cold and bleak.

• There are some aspects I simply have to rant about, serving as a warning to friends who wish to visit these metropolises:

  • The streets are really so wide, that it seems like there's no end to them; the traffic is overwhelming, making crossing over feel exhausting.
  • It's hard to spot any interesting small shops, just large modern buildings with uniform architecture giving it somewhat monotonous scenery - indeed they showcase the prosperous economy here, but still...
  • Walking through this environment truly makes one feel insignificant, like a small grain of sand easily lost in a vast sandy stretch.

• ️ Travel Warnings & Tips

  • If like me, you find modern urban environment lacking "human warmth", then it's wise to be prepared when choosing destinations or planning city tours.
    • How to cope: As much as possible, try to explore old town streets with their own charm, or the city parks and natural sites.
  • For those enjoying walking around the cities for exploration, such grid-like urban structures might be less friendly; make sure you have a travel plan to avoid leg-draining walks in between major sightseeing spots.

[Arnold Predovic]

That CBD was designed to be car-friendly from the start. If you want to go shopping, Puxi is the place to be.

[Kathryn Heller]

It's true, Lujiazui CBD is totally different from other CBDs in China. Even though they all have skyscrapers, Lujiazui gives off this strong sense of alienation, making you feel like you don't belong. I didn't even feel that intensely in Hong Kong. It just goes to show, Shanghai really is the 'Magic City'.

[Darren Sawayn]

I was watching the Bund buildings light up from near the Pudong Art Museum, and it filled me with such joy and awe. But then, on the way back, I just glanced at Lujiazui, and my good mood vanished.

[Wayne Marvin]

Everyone has different tastes, so it's perfectly fine if you don't like it. My only advice would be: don't get a job there. Seeing it every day would be depressing and bad for your well-being.

[Mr. Jody Bednar]

Same here, even though I work in Lujiazui.