I suggest cycling along the Huangpu River. It's almost free and very enjoyable.

But isn't winter there much warmer than in Anhui? And summer isn't as hot as Anhui either. So why the dislike?

Yeah, 'steer clear' everyone. Then fewer people will go, and those who truly appreciate it can enjoy its beauty.

In today's society, temples genuinely dedicated to spiritual practice usually don't struggle too much, unless they're not open to the public. People are generally very willing to support such places. If you find one that's open but still very run-down, I'd advise you to steer clear – there's bound to be a reason.

Perhaps Xihua Temple is the least commercialized one.

Beijingers tend to be down-to-earth, content, cheerful, and not focused on social comparison. Those who are less materialistic and more focused on inner cultivation will find it comfortable here.

To sum it up: there are too many non-locals, and these 'corporate drones' often lack family connections and can't save much money, leading to a lot of resentment...

Beijing is rarely uncrowded.

Beijing is like a multi-layered, hourglass society. In its everyday guise, most outsiders don't quite take to it. But in its 'special' mode, the refined, cultured Beijing is the best in the country. The catch? The entry barrier is incredibly high, so high that even many locals (those with the '110' ID prefix) can only glimpse it from a distance. Autumn in Beijing is the most pleasant season. You can catch a play at the People's Art Theatre, visit an exhibition at the National Art Museum of China, and perhaps even run into a retired professor giving a volunteer lecture. Strolling along Huangchenggen or Wusi Avenue, passing Peking University's Red Building, Jingshan Park, and Beihai Park, is truly relaxing... Changpu River, Nanchizi, Zhengyi Road, and Dongjiaominxiang are also fascinating places to explore. Oh, and the best Zha Jiang Mian (noodles with soybean paste) isn't found in restaurants, but in every Beijinger's own home.

Will it be crowded from June 4th to 7th?

I specifically went to ask too! They said there are no physical tickets anymore! All I got were QR codes!

I'm still thinking of checking it out tomorrow afternoon, but it's quite a trek from Science City.

How much would it be for this Saturday and Sunday, for two nights, for one adult with a 6-year-old child?

I've already explained the specific reasons. Plus, it's just me and my child traveling; I never even considered getting a 7-seater.

Too expensive!

Seriously, I was speechless. He just wouldn't stop complaining.

Just wondering, when you exit the subway at Shanghai Global Harbor, are you on the ground floor (1F)? And do you have to take an elevator down to get to B2?

Hi, friends!

Having lived in Shanghai for seven years studying and then working for two more months after graduation, my feelings towards this city can be summed up as: the romantic image has shattered, and now I see everything for what it is.

Some popular tourist attractions include:

• The Bund: With its old Western-style buildings, you can marvel at the towering skyscrapers across the river at Lujiazui.
• Xujiahui: An enormous shopping center, reminiscent of Times Square or Shibuya.
• Global Harbor: A grand European-style shopping mall.

These bustling areas, tall buildings, and countless beautiful products really have little to do with my daily life as an ordinary worker like myself.

What truly affects me are things like:

• Ubiquitous shared bicycles: They're convenient and almost every morning rush hour feels like a mad dash to claim one.
• Stuffed-to-the-gills subway: Although it makes transportation very convenient, during rush hour, the trains are absolutely packed, with people literally pressing against each other.
• Nearly empty bus cards: Like your Oyster card or MetroCard, they need to be recharged regularly.
• Rising prices of meals ordered through apps: It's convenient to order food this way, but even with coupons, the price tag on a meal is around 3 USD (or about 20 RMB).
• My landlord, who's always due rent at the end of the month.
• A probationary contract only offering 80% of the salary.

For those just like me, ordinary people living in an international metropolis like Shanghai, don't expect any miracles. Life is mostly comprised of these small, mundane issues.

When I walk through those glistening malls, I wonder how tall buildings like these get constructed. It might involve workers stirring cement and others plastering tiles, all while these rural laborers have families back home waiting for the money needed for sustenance.

Most big cities may share similar stories—an enormous magnet pulling the dreams and sweat of young people. But after spending the prime of their lives here, they often find themselves tired and sent back to their hometowns.

Years ago, around midnight, I went back to school and saw a grandmother selling wavy potato (a local popular street snack) sleeping on her small stall. There was no one else around, only the glow of the street lamps reflecting off her white hair.

Who really wants to endure the hardships of life? But there's no choice since everyone has to survive, just feeling exhausted at times.

Some Real Advice (or Complaints) for Friends Visiting Shanghai:

• Shared Bikes:

  • Caution: Although they are convenient, getting a bicycle in rush hour (approximately 7-9 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.) might be like chasing a dragon.
  • Alternative: Try riding a bike during non-rush hours, walking a little more to get to the subway station or taking a taxi.

• Subway:

  • Caution: A wide network covers everywhere but is incredibly crowded during peak hours! Be ready to face the push and crush of a crowd.
  • Alternative: If your schedule permits, avoid commuting during rush hours. Otherwise, must remember not to lose track of your personal belongings, such as mobile phones and wallets, during rush hours.

• Transit Card/Mobile Payment:

  • Caution: Local residents mainly use smartphones (Alipay, WeChat Pay) for public transportation. As a short-term visitor, buying single tickets or day-passes at ticket machines might be better suited for you. If you have a transit card, ensure to replenish it when the balance runs low.
  • Alternative: Prepare your mode of transportation in advance. Convenience stores, like FamilyMart or 7-Eleven, can help with transit card top-ups, although these may require cash payment.

• Food Expenses:

  • Caution: Eating out in busy tourist spots, central areas, or trendy restaurants can rack up quite a bill. Ordering take-out from food apps is indeed convenient but the cost adds up, reaching about 3 USD (or roughly 20 RMB) for快餐等。
  • Alternative: Try out small local eateries hidden away in lanes or near residential areas where meals will probably taste more authentic and be more cost-effective. Snacks from convenience stores are also an economical option.

Hahahaha, are these like your treasured hidden gems?

Oh, was it that serious?