Shanghai: Shiny Facade, But What's *Actually* the Deal?
-
Agreed. Shanghai feels refined, romantic, and liberal. Compared to Beijing, which is much more rugged, Shanghai is different. However, there's no shortage of pretentious folks. Some locals speaking Shanghainese can have a pretty strong air of superiority; you often hear loud conversations in Shanghainese in restaurants, elevators, and on the street.
-
So, people all over the country can speak their local dialects, but when Shanghainese people speak theirs, it's suddenly seen as a 'superiority complex'?
-
The best city in the world.
-
I've been living in Shanghai for two years as a mom accompanying my child for their studies. This year, my child is graduating and heading abroad, and I'll be returning to Chengdu. I'll really miss Shanghai. While Chengdu is also very livable, I've truly fallen in love with Shanghai. I'm encouraging my son to come back to Shanghai to work and live after his studies, so I can come back for visits from time to time.
-
Having lived in both Shanghai and Guangzhou for some time, I can say Shanghai's level of civility is truly miles ahead of Guangzhou.
-
I feel Guangzhou isn't as fashionable or refined as Shanghai.
-
Shanghai, the 'Magic City,' reminiscent of the glamorous 'Ten-Mile Foreign Concession' – an adventurer's paradise, a world of opulence and extravagance. But it's also a place where not everyone can keep up, and many eventually depart.
-
It's '摩都' (Mó Dū - Modern Metropolis), not '魔都' (Mó Dū - Magic/Devil City). '魔都' if taken as 'Devil City' would be an insult.
-
Shanghai is my absolute favorite city in China, bar none.
-
Thank you for loving Shanghai. Shanghai's excellence is built together with talented people from all over the country. Shanghai has never been exclusionary; it's always been an all-embracing city. What Shanghai does push back against are those who are ill-mannered or don't follow rules – your hometown wouldn't appreciate such individuals either. If you live here, love this city, are willing to embrace its culture, learn its language and customs, then you are, in spirit, Shanghainese.
-
Shanghainese people are genuinely kind. Thank you, Shanghai, for all your help over the years. This 'Magic City' transformed me from someone naive into a fearless individual. Wishing the Magic City all the best and continued prosperity!
-
Hi, where was the first photo taken from?
-
On Zhapu Road Bridge.
-
Shanghai has a strong sense of personal boundaries and a strong respect for rules. This makes interactions between people less exhausting.
-
I visited Shanghai for three days during the Spring Festival and fell in love with it. I hope to have the chance to live there long-term someday.