Shanghai: Expect the Unexpected (and Maybe a Little Smog)

[Ms. Thelma DuBuque-Rolfson]

Let me tell you, before I went to Shanghai, I had this beautiful image of it in my mind—wonderful scenery and delicious food. I was so excited about it!

However, upon arrival, I realized that a lot of what I imagined turned out not to be quite as idyllic as expected.

Warning, folks, especially those planning to visit during the summer:

• Summer in Shanghai is no joke! When I arrived, the temperature read 37 degrees Celsius, but due to the high humidity (there's a lot of water vapor in the air), it felt like it was over 40 degrees! As soon as I stepped off the train, the heat wave struck me, almost melting me instantly.
  • Tip: If you're afraid of the heat, try to avoid visiting during the summer. And if you must, make sure to drink plenty of water and take precautions against heat exhaustion!
• Once I emerged from Shanghai Station (which is one of the older railway stations in Shanghai; there are newer and larger stations within the city, like Hongqiao station), the streets I saw were somewhat old and shabby. At that moment, I was stunned to think, was this really the Shanghai I knew in my imagination?
  • Friendly advice: Shanghai is a large city. Some areas near the old railway stations may not be the most modern or dazzling. Don't let your impression of these regions generalize the whole city! Many modern areas are some distance away from these old stations.

I was fortunate enough to ride a boat along the Bund (where the beautiful skyscrapers bordering the Huangpu River create a stunning view, the nightlife is indeed very charming!) and walk along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (the famous shopping district with hordes of people) where I also visited a couple of department stores.

However, there was one thing that caught me by surprise:

• Despite the hours spent browsing around, I couldn’t find any proper supermarkets! Could it be that local Shanghainese don’t go to supermarkets to buy groceries? This left me puzzled.
  • Word of warning for future visitors: In China, big supermarkets may be located in underground levels of shopping malls, or slightly away from the main commercial areas in residential zones. In the most bustling tourist zones, there might be more convenience stores or specialty shops instead. To find a large supermarket, you might need to give it a closer look at direction signs or ask for help.

Anyhow, I stayed for just a day before catching another train back home.

Shanghai… probably won't be on my itinerary specifically again.

[Lewis Larkin]

It won't be run-down, will it? Many videos make it look quite futuristic, and everyone says it's clean and elegant.

[Arnold Predovic]

The train station is indeed quite old, and there isn't much in the surrounding area either.

[Marc Price]

@Son Gokū Hey, all you sensitive souls/snowflakes, come take a look.