China's Megacities: That Overwhelming Vibe? Yeah, It's Real.
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Well, I usually live in Shaoxing – a city where the pace of life is slow and relaxed. By the way, Shaoxing is an ancient water town, known for its leisurely lifestyle that differs markedly from the fast-paced life of big cities.
A while ago, I visited Shanghai with some friends – wow, there's a stark contrast! For those who haven't visited large metropolises, just know that Shanghai, as an international and efficient city with towering skyscrapers, has people constantly bustling about.
During our lunch at a casual lunch spot near his office, we happened to witness everyone in the surrounding office buildings making their way for lunch, all at once. What a huge crowd it was! And that feeling of being suffocated by so many people – it hit hard, definitely felt out of place.
It might be useful for foreign friends reading: if crowds aren't your thing, avoid dining during the lunch rush hours in areas with a cluster of tall office buildings, such as midday from about noon until one PM.
What can you do instead?
- Maybe go slightly earlier or later, to dodge the peak hour.
- Alternatively, check out eateries away from the main entrance and hustle and bustle.
On the other hand, if we’re being honest, the cityscapes – tall buildings and all – in Shanghai are indeed quite impressive and beautiful!
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Wait, isn't Shanghai supposed to have a 'chill vibe'? Haha.
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It's probably a matter of mindset. Because of my dad's work, I used to spend every summer in Shanghai during elementary school. Back then, it always felt like a vacation. I hadn't been back for many years. Now, I'm here to get a feel for a friend's work and social circle, and compared to my own work environment in Shaoxing, Shanghai feels quite stressful.
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When I was little, I really yearned for big cities. Later, when I went to one for cram school, the sight of all those tall buildings would just make me feel queasy. Then, I found small-town life boring and considered moving to a nearby big city. But even just looking at maps to pick out a potential home made me feel sick all over again. So, yeah, never mind.
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The taller the buildings, the smaller you feel. But when you reach the top of a skyscraper, it's like becoming the highest peak yourself, with everything else looking small below you.