Shenzhen to Shanghai OR Hangzhou: Halp! Which Way & How?
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Alright, this is something I'm familiar with! The so-called "electric horse" (essentially the electric bike we often refer to) in Shenzhen certainly runs wild. To walk around there, one must develop the skill of being visually and aurally aware at all times. I know exactly what you mean. If you want to move to a quieter place to experience the gentleness of the Jiangnan water town, that's a good idea!
I'll give you a rundown of Shanghai and Hangzhou:
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First, let me explain why I also wish to "escape" from Shenzhen (you feel similarly!):
- Aspect of the City: In some parts of Shenzhen, there’s an overcrowded look that resembles the "urban village," where houses are crowded together and small alleyways abound, giving it an appearance of disarray.
- Traffic "特色特点" ("features"):
Watch out! Electric bike invasion: The electric bikes in Shenzhen are numerous, and many riders don’t follow traffic rules, frequently recklessly swerving across pedestrian paths. Walking requires extra caution to avoid being bumped into.
- What can be done?: Pay attention while walking and put the phone away. Even when the light turns green, make sure to check both sides for any vehicles charging at you before crossing the road.
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I have always longed for places with the characteristics of "Jiangnan water towns":
- Cultural knowledge: "Jiangnan" generally refers to areas south of the Yangtze River in China with abundant natural beauty and cultural wealth. It features numerous ancient towns and villages with distinctive sights such as small bridges, flowing streams and traditional residences, exuding poetic charm. Hangzhou is a prime example of a Jiangnan-style city.
- My ideal new home should facilitate pedestrian-friendliness, providing better walking environments so people can casually stroll along the pavements without worry.
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So, my inquiries would revolve around Shanghai or Hangzhou:
- Work-related aspects:
- How many job opportunities are available?
- What is the work pace like in terms of intensity? Not too stressful as in Shenzhen, right?
- Life-related aspects:
- Are living expenses (for food, transportation and accommodation) costlier as compared to Shenzhen?
- Is urban life convenient, especially when it comes to accessibility and transport routes like subway and buses?
- What is the overall life rhythm in the city, slow-paced or fast-paced?
- Environmental aspects:
- Is cleanliness maintained in the city? Is greenery well-taken care of?
- Is air quality satisfactory?
- Most crucially, how friendly towards pedestrians is the city in question? Will walking be much safer?
- Work-related aspects:
Thanks ahead of time to everyone for sharing their experiences!
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I've lived and worked in Shanghai for a long time and was on a business trip in Shenzhen for a year last year. Objectively, aside from the e-bikes and traffic, which I really have to complain about, Shenzhen has more advantages than Shanghai. It has mountains and the sea, warm winters, and public restrooms even provide toilet paper (I absolutely loved this – so much so that when I returned to Shanghai, I'd forgotten the habit of carrying my own and had to readjust!). It's very inclusive, people dress casually, and it's more vibrant – after all, it's a young city full of young people. So, I think the OP should try to explore more of Shenzhen's positive aspects. Lastly, fishing for tilapia there is incredibly emotionally rewarding; it ensures I never go home empty-handed!
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Thank you, what you said makes a lot of sense. I guess every place has its pros and cons. I'll give it some more thought.
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You should visit and stay for a few days to see for yourself. I think Guangdong's climate is really wonderful... Hangzhou and Shanghai are actually hotter than Guangdong in the summer, and their winters are damp and cold.
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Okay, thanks.
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I'm from Guangdong and have been in Hangzhou for five years. It's the cleanest, tidiest, and most scenic city I've seen in China. Summers are hot and winters are cold; it depends if you can get used to the Eastern China climate and food. For comparable locations and quality, rent is lower than in Shenzhen and Shanghai, though the cost of living is slightly higher. You could visit first to experience it. Also, it's best to secure a job beforehand, or you might find yourself in a less advantageous position.
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There's a saying, 'Once you're here, you're a Shenzhener.' Shenzhen is one of the most welcoming and least exclusive cities; people are free to come and go.
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Shenzhen has developed very quickly, so there might be some shortcomings in its road planning. However, many areas are already being rectified and replanned. In terms of inclusiveness, Shenzhen is the best among the cities you've mentioned. Just be a little more patient.
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My IP location checks out. While the urban planning [in places like Hangzhou/Shanghai] is good, and the cultural depth of Jiangnan water towns is significantly higher than Shenzhen's, I guess I'm not 'worthy' of it – or rather, I can't afford to pay 5000 yuan for a 30-square-meter, dilapidated, 100-year-old 'pigeon coop'.
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Actually, it's the same in Shenzhen's Nanshan and Futian districts.
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Shenzhen's sanitation and environment are actually very good, with very clean streets and road surfaces.
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Have faith in Shenzhen; they will resolve these issues quickly.
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E-bikes and street vendors are pretty common in most cities, wouldn't you say? Urban development doesn't happen overnight; it's always a gradual process of improvement. Shenzhen is also continuously working hard to manage and rectify these kinds of issues.