Shanghai: So, what's the post-trip vibe? Spill the tea...

[Marcos Goodwin]

You bet, absolutely no problem! Reading your piece truly resonated with me! Indeed, Shanghai has the ability to attract while also instilling just a little "fear" – love and respect intertwined. Let's polish it up so that my foreign friends can instantly understand your feelings and experiences:

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I am being serious; I just want to make money! This trip to Shanghai has only solidified this resolve.

• There's a saying about stepping out of your comfort zone and seeing the world – I genuinely experienced it this time.

• Stepping into the well-renowned city of Shanghai, I only then truly appreciated what it means to be "classy, high-end, [and] sophisticated"; however, there is also a significant price tag!

  • To put it in context, Shanghai is an international metropolis (one that serves as a financial center and is widely recognized in the foreign community):
    • A hotel room costing only CNY 500 per night (around USD 70) isn't even considered top-tier in that place.
    • If your meal costs you a few hundred RMB more or less (about USD 85), don't expect fancy dishes. It's often just a regular meal.

• Heads-up for friends going to Shanghai: The cost of living isn't a joke. The prices mentioned above are quite normal in Shanghai, so you should prepare mentally and financially before heading over!

  • So how can you save money? Consider staying at youth hostels or choosing restaurants frequented by the locals located in small alleys for the authentic experience and cost savings!

• My personal observation was at the entrance of the Peace Hotel, right on the Bund, a historic, iconic, and luxurious old hotel. As I watched service staff meticulously open doors for affluent guests, I couldn’t help but recall my childhood dreams of being treated so opulently. That little itch for recognition – it was ignited.

• Thus, from Shanghai, I left with my head spinning (the reality of earning isn't easy) but my resolve has been fortified, more than ever! I am well-aware it’s not going to be an easy journey, filled with challenges; however, the opportunities will present themselves. Let’s get to work! Who doesn't dream of being served like a king?

[Danielle Purdy-Weimann]

Regarding the various opinions I've seen in the comments, I'd like to clarify a few things. Firstly, my wording might have been a bit unclear, leading to misunderstandings. The 600 yuan meal included two crabs; without them, the rest wasn't that expensive, which is why I felt it was just average. Also, I might not have specified that I was sharing my experience as a tourist. I believe there's a big difference between traveling and daily life. Many people asked, 'So, am I just picking up trash in Shanghai?' My answer is that I'm an ordinary person too; in daily life, 20 yuan per meal is usually enough for me. But when I travel, I like to treat myself to something better. Indeed, every city has its pros and cons, but I travel to see the world and experience things I normally wouldn't. Otherwise, what's the point of spending money on travel? I might as well eat well in my hometown. As for the idea that I'm 'overthinking things,' isn't it good to have ambition? Should I just give up or lack motivation? I hope everyone understands.

[Anita Wiza]

Okay, but you can get a Hanting Hotel room for 200. And 200 per person for a meal out in Shanghai is considered pretty decent. Are we even talking about the same Shanghai?

[Kelvin Shanahan DVM]

If a 600 yuan meal is considered lower-middle tier, then I guess I'm just a beggar in Shanghai.

[Orlando Ryan]

Not really, when you're traveling, you definitely want to eat some 'fancy' meals. It's just that in Shanghai, a 600 yuan 'fancy' meal isn't particularly outstanding. For daily meals, unless you're super rich, who eats that expensively?

[Lula Schmidt]

Not going back. It's a city where I didn't spot any cute guys.

[Lula Schmidt]

Didn't feel much, just went for the fun at Disneyland.

[Leslie Kunde]

My takeaway is that Wei Xue is incredible . She manages to snag the very best even in Shanghai, right up to the 'Emperor of Shanghai'.

[Theodore Wiza]

It's because she could leverage her youth, beauty, height, and figure. Plus, she was young and good-looking back then.

[Marion Barrows]

I love Shanghai, people there are so tolerant.

[Rafael Rau]

That's just non-locals in Shanghai being tolerant towards other non-locals.

[Felix Glover]

Not really, what about our Hanting Hotel for over 200, and local Shanghainese dishes averaging over 50 per person?

[Susie Kutch-Green]

Which Hanting Hotel are you talking about?

[Beatrice Thiel]

It's always this one.

[Sally Breitenberg]

So many young people! Cute guys and pretty girls everywhere. On my way back, I just saw a guy who was over 1.8 meters tall, slim, and looked exactly like Liu Yaowen! He was stunningly handsome!

[Velma Thompson]

Rich ladies like it too.