Shanghai: So Many Places Just Feel... Split?
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Sure, I will translate the text for you to make it easily understood by foreign friends while keeping the original details and emotions intact:
Coughs, today I wandered around Baowai滩 (The northern bank of Huangpu River), and discovered a super interesting phenomenon!
- Can you imagine? Beside those shining, ultra-modern skyscrapers, there are still many old houses alongside, which possibly share one kitchen and bathroom among several families.
- Specifically, I am talking about an area closer to Qipu Road — where it sells all sorts of clothes and this is also one location where one could see Huangpu River. (It is the most famous river in Shanghai)
- I would recall that my families have mentioned a long time ago that Qipu Road used to have tons of shops selling "A goods" (You understand it, right, just some fake luxury brands that are really alike. Hahahaha)
- In fact, like places such as IAPM Shopping Mall (a fashion shopping mall in downtown Shanghai) have contrast between new and old buildings as well but not this eye-catching.
- At the same time, the old buildings still preserved beside IAPM have more history and culture embedded.
- But when it comes to areas around Qipu Road, there are indeed really tiny old small houses, plus some very modern office buildings out of blue, and there's another large mall being constructed right across from them! Amazing, it's totally fascinating!
- It may be because I am a person who is easy to be surprised by small stuff….Hahahaha!
Oh, right, I need to clarify some things for you:
- The expression of feeling "in pieces" or "disconnection" (gēliè) that I mentioned earlier isn't something negative in my context.
- It just shows that I am very impressed by the huge difference and contrast between these houses where history takes place and those ultra-modern ones. I could not think up another term to describe the feeling I had at that time except "disconnection".
- Of course, all the above is just a part of Shanghai's unique cultural landscape itself. These old houses possess a special life energy. Some resemblance to the classic movie about the lifestyle of Shanghainese who live in old lanes and streets. That's what makes this city unique, right? I don't deserve to evaluate such a matter as great or not great.
- I took pictures for these scenes because I didn't hang out around Hongkou District (a district in Shanghai) in my first trip, not to mention areas near Qipu Road.
- And sharing such pictures here simply for me to highlight that the fusion of new and old is the epitome of Shanghai City – it preserves its original traditional historical imprints continuously while developing and innovating drastically at the same time. Isn't that cool?
#Shanghai #Things to do on weekends in Shanghai #Photo spot
- Can you imagine? Beside those shining, ultra-modern skyscrapers, there are still many old houses alongside, which possibly share one kitchen and bathroom among several families.
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This has a really preachy vibe... lol.
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Someone even asked my age, then blocked me right after. I'm willing to pay for you to get yourself checked out at No. 600 (a well-known mental health center in Shanghai).
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Well, how should I put it? I actually find this quite charming. Shanghai's 'Nongtang' (alleyway) culture is fascinating, you know?
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I'm not saying it's bad! I'm just not good with words, so I can't really express how it makes a 'country folk' like me feel.
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Actually, housing prices here are incredibly expensive!
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I know. It's started developing now. It probably wasn't as expensive before.
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This is that 'earthy, lively atmosphere' or 'human touch' that many older folks enjoy.
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Are the kitchens and bathrooms in these places shared or private?
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I've only heard about places like this from my dad's childhood stories; he grew up on Xingguo Road.
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Before seeing this picture, I always thought Shanghai was nothing but skyscrapers, without streets like this – just full of dazzling lights and bustling nightlife, with everyone's family earning over 10,000 yuan a month.
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No way! Shanghai has plenty of places like this. Just read the comments. Anyway, lots of people actually like these shared bathroom situations.
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As a local, let me tell you: this is the 'hustle and bustle' or 'human touch' of Shanghai. Shanghai is a city where the high-end and the grassroots coexist. It has its sophisticated, elite side, but also a side that's full of warmth and human connection.
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If these low-rise buildings could be managed like those in Singapore – with clean streets and well-decorated exteriors – at least they wouldn't feel so disconnected or create such a stark contrast with the skyscrapers.
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The issue of 'slums' or less developed areas in city centers isn't unique to Shanghai; most major cities have them. It's often because demolition and relocation are simply too expensive to carry out.
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Yeah, Guangzhou and Shenzhen are like that too.
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Hi, [OP/Blogger]! I'm currently working on a research project about 'Shanghai Memories.' I was wondering if I could invite you for an online interview regarding your feelings about these small Shanghai streets? (I feel like you've really voiced what I've been thinking). The interview would last about 20 minutes, just a quick chat about your impressions. Would you happen to have some time?
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Yes, that's fine. Sorry, I only just saw your message.
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Don't many big cities have places like this? What's with all these comments? I went to Tianjin a while ago, and it was the same story: bustling, prosperous areas alongside old residential neighborhoods. I feel like many Chinese cities are like this, and I actually quite like it.
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Where in Tianjin did you see that? I feel like Tianjin now mostly has those small brick buildings from the 90s. Where exactly did you see the kind of places you're describing? I honestly can't recall any like that offhand.