Shanghai Survival: Pop That Bubble or Perish!
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Sure, here is the thoughtful translation of the Chinese article to English, aiming to ensure both readability and faithfulness to the original text:
I am eager to provide an explanation of this "Shanghai Demystified Guide," so that foreign friends might better understand it!
Sometimes, keeping a bit of beautiful illusion about certain things can give you more strength to look forward to and even have hope in your heart. However, if you view Shanghai with colored glasses, there might be some trouble.
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You may not know:
- The old Shanghai houses with wooden stairs as portrayed in movies sound very charming, don't they? But in the reality, those "lanes" (the older streets where houses join closely) or old tower buildings might be quite dirty. Wooden houses are typically prone to water leakage and teeming with pests.
- Moreover, the so-called “beautiful” area like Wutong District (the former French Concession, also known for its French planes), is unlikely to offer comfortable living if your money isn’t sufficient. The lovely old steel windows there are really good for photos merely. Those houses in the first floor with a small courtyard may seem cozy, but you will find them humid, dirty, and full of a disgusting smell after heavy rains which makes it feel like attending a "dead mice party."
- What about Changning, Xuhui, Jing’an, or Huangpu districts, sounds like sophisticated residential areas like garden bungalows, right? Actually, if you live here, you’ll notice:
️ Beware of the purely aesthetic designs that are hard to use: items like a rotating staircase can drive you mad when moving large objects.- ️ Beware of unexpected costs: Some high-rise apartments might actually cost you an arm and a leg regarding utilities, and their electricity usage rates are at commercial rates rather than residential ones, which will likely shock you with the bills!
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Furthermore, you might encounter:
- Beautifully dressed people squeeze themselves into small rooms inside the old houses, where daily life turns around luxury items alongside instant noodles. They try to make the best out of everything even when their tomorrow is on the line by borrowing money from the app called Huaibe (a lending platform comparable to credit cards).
- One day over, they have to go back to their shared places named "AB sets" (apartments that split into several rooms for rent), watching Shanghai’s glamour from the window while listening to free music playlist hoping to find momentary consolation.
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You might find conversations worth noting:
- People talk a lot around "North African eggs" (a kind of trendy brunch) and roast methods of coffee beans, as well as which fashion retailer recently did flash装修), seemingly meaningless but intriguing.
- A wider-angle lens on mobile cameras, 0.5x, becomes the standard among stylish individuals.
- You can still spot fashionable people with their sunglasses shopping at high-end locations like Jia Li Center in Jing’an, Grand View Tower at Tanggu District, New World, Hong Kong Plaza, Ring Shanghai International Trade Mall, Heng LON Mall, Guojin Center, Ruiwo Department Store, and more late into the night.
- It's true that Shanghai has no shortage of genuine wealthy and leisure people, but there are more who act as if they are wealthy and leisure. They mix together and compete fiercely.
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When it comes to socializing and relationships, you have to watch out:
- ️ Don't let appearances fool you: Some people would meet others out in bars, nightclubs and assume it's love under the influence of alcohol and music, only to find out the disparity of reality eventually drives them apart.
- ️ Being realistic is better: Long lasting relationships generally happen to people that share similar living conditions, rather than a discrimination towards someone. This is not condescending, but just that in Shanghai, you need to face up to reality, dream your own dreams, and accomplish what is needed.
- ️ Be less ambition-driven: Don't expect "upward socialization" (deliberately associating with accomplished people) or fancy Japanese haute cuisine, Kaiseki ryori, to bring you magical secret tips for a perfect life.
I write these because too often I see people run towards others with charming appearances or impressive titles, yet avoid those deemed less valuable due to social status. What happens next are futile efforts trying to associate with seemingly “outstanding” people only to discover the opposite: just another display of superficial charm. Such a lifestyle in this city truly makes me feel uncomfortable and even a bit disappointed.
#GrowthFromDemystification #Reflections #Demystify #PerspectiveSharing #UnderstandingEmergence #WordsAndIdeas #ViewOfLife #Unpleasantness #EscapeFromShanghai
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I've lived in those areas, and also in the 'pigeon coops' in Japan/Hong Kong that some commenters mentioned, and even grittier places like New York. Every city has its charm. What I really can't stand are the people I mentioned—they give off this vibe of preferring to wash dishes in the US rather than return, almost as if they're forcing themselves to endure hardship they don't need to. Another reason is that, for the same budget, those downtown 'lane houses' with barred windows—often marketed as a selling point—are much smaller and have far worse common areas than modern elevator apartments with better renovations. Anyone who's lived there knows I'm telling the truth; moldy hallways are a common sight. The Wutong district is indeed beautiful and has that 'petit bourgeois' feel, but you'd genuinely need to double your budget to get a clean, centrally located lane house. (Don't be fooled by rental listings.)
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Of course, it's fine if some people have to choose these places due to convenience or limited budgets. I'm just talking about those who do have a choice but still 'endure hardship unnecessarily,' and the real estate agents who claim you can 'live in the center of the universe for 3k'—do they think clients are fools?
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Once, I took a Ukrainian friend to Changle Road. She sharply observed that the young people there live in tiny rooms, wear fashionable clothes, and pretend to be happy every day.
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Haha, someone in this thread really got triggered!
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Last time I went to Shanghai alone, I stayed at a friend's rental for a week. During the day, I'd wander around by myself, and in the evenings, we'd have dinner. The clubs I went to were basically social hubs for white men and women, mostly for one-night stands rather than enjoying the music (speaking from experience). Shanghai gives outsiders a distinct sense of alienation. Maybe it's the interpersonal distance typical of big cities, or perhaps the urban layout, but I really didn't feel much human warmth. Also, you get the sense that everyone has this 'relaxed tension' about them. They're all wearing masks, trying to showcase their social value, unsure of what they're living for or who they truly are.
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Actually, most Shanghai locals I know don't really go to clubs or anything like that. Maybe it's just my circle, but for me, there's no real reason to go. If you strip away the glamorous illusion of the metropolis, the living experience isn't as good as Hangzhou.
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I lived in Shanghai for ten years, and I've always found it to be a very pragmatic and fair place. Young people in Shanghai have more opportunities to broaden their horizons, see more of life's possibilities, and connect with more accomplished circles. Of course, many people also get lost here, constantly hanging out with the wealthy, seeing their lifestyle, and then deluding themselves into thinking they're rich too. But that's not Shanghai's fault; it's self-deception, the tragedy of such individuals, and their dreams will eventually shatter. The saying 'Only where there are plane trees is it truly Shanghai' is more of a sentimental feeling—the dappled shadows of plane trees on lane houses in spring, lively streets on summer nights, coffee houses under the warm autumn sun, and enjoying mulled wine with a few friends in winter. Shanghai has a romance that other cities lack. It taught me the art of living, and I think I truly love this city.
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️!!! The illusion has been shattered. -
I feel like the Shanghai fantasy in most people's eyes is propped up by two groups: the very rich and happy, and those who aren't as rich or happy but aspire to be like the former. My friends and I are all locals, some living downtown and some in the suburbs, and none of us have ever been strongly interested in trends like clubs, fashionistas, or 'citywalks.' Call it being laid-back or call it wasting time, but what we actually pursue is a stable, peaceful life, much like most young people in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region. So, when I see many descriptions of Shanghai, I actually feel a bit bewildered...?
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You're being very objective, and I agree that Shanghai locals are generally great. However, I was actually just describing the perspective of a 'non-local kid.' Please don't misunderstand me.
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The only ones who seem truly relaxed are the elderly folks pulling their little carts to burn incense or stroll in the park.
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It's so true. Beijing is uncomfortably sophisticated, while Shanghai is uncomfortably unrefined.
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Oh my, I've noticed people really like mixing Chinese and English. That's fine, I guess!
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This article used a total of four English words; things like 'popup' should be understood by everyone.
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But for us in the LGBTQ+ community, Shanghai's greatest charm is probably its inclusiveness.
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Of course, you're right.
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Aside from renting, my line of work brings me into contact with many wealthy people (not for schmoozing or social obligations). And many of them are genuinely low-key. Maybe only their bag is truly expensive, but from head to toe, their outfits are very ordinary, with common colors—the kind you wouldn't give a second glance to in a crowd. But when it comes to spending, they are truly wealthy and make considered purchases.
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Everyone has their own preferences. It's not necessarily true that someone dressed extravagantly isn't wealthy, but you're right, many rich people are very low-key.
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Through your words, I can feel that anxiety and restlessness, even through the screen.