Shanghai: So Many Places Just Feel... Split?
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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.