Shanghai: My Reaction? "Oh." (Underwhelmed, TBH)
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Wow, Shanghai is truly a massive and incredibly lively city.
- Especially the Bund (Wàitān) in the evenings – it's a signature attraction of Shanghai, right next to the Huangpu River. On one side you have buildings that are rich with history, and on the other side stand towering skyscrapers that exude a sense of futurism – they light up the night sky beautifully, looking truly magnificent.
However, candidly speaking, wandering around such a big city can sometimes make one feel a little lost, possibly because it's so huge that things feel a bit overwhelming. I hope my experience would be different when I come back again...
I have read everyone's comments, especially those warm suggestions from Shanghai local friends, which I think hit the nail on the head:
- One reason might be that since I am not a local, I lack a sense of "this place belongs to me."
- Another reason – here comes a small travel tip:
- This time, I didn't really do much "research" (gōnglüè), which refers to planning my trip in detail ahead of time.
- So strongly recommend this: Before you come, it's best to make some plans about where you'll go and how you will spend your time, so that you can enjoy your trip more fully and not end up feeling as regretful as I did!
In conclusion, I am still very much looking forward to visiting Shanghai again in the future and truly experiencing it properly!
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The comment section is terrifying! I was planning a trip to Shanghai this week, but the comments from people with Shanghai IPs are really scaring me off.
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How many of Shanghai's wealthy are actually locals anyway? Aren't Shanghainese generally known for being exclusionary and stingy? I'm probably going to get flamed for saying this.
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It's not about a sense of belonging; it's that Shanghai lacks a real 'vibe' or 'life.' What are people in Shanghai busy with? The rat race, pushing their kids super hard academically... there's absolutely no chill.
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Exactly, that's just how it is. Plus, when you're out on the subway, if you happen to make eye contact, people just roll their eyes at you. I'm so sick of it.
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I spent five days in Shanghai. Apart from Disney, where the service was pretty good, the staff at the Oriental Pearl Tower and its revolving restaurant were terrible. They wouldn't even get some warm water for my child, telling me things are expensive there and a bottle of water costs 20 RMB. Then the Didi drivers, and even some security guards, had awful attitudes. I really don't feel anything for Shanghai anymore and don't want to come back. People in Beijing, even the 'uncle' and 'auntie' types, are much more welcoming.
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I think the service in Hangzhou restaurants is excellent. Last time I was traveling there with friends, we barely touched one dish, and someone who seemed to be the owner or manager came over, asked about it, and even offered to remake it for us. That's the only city where I've experienced something like that. Plus, I feel Hangzhou is a great city to live in.
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I'm just an ordinary person, but I really love Shanghai.
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I visited Shanghai for a few days and felt the people were very cold. It was a really bad feeling; everyone seemed to have this stuck-up, superior attitude. I was there to spend money, so why did I have to put up with their disdainful looks?
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The main thing is, it looks quite run-down. Apart from The Bund, many places generally have a 1970s vibe. I think Hangzhou does a better job in this respect than Shanghai. I don't deny Shanghai has a rich heritage, but I personally prefer the 'small bridges and flowing water' charm of Jiangnan culture.
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But The Bund is truly beautiful. This is a photo I took.
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That's not The Bund... If you turned around, that would be The Bund.
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It's a very regimented place, lacking human warmth. Everything there revolves around personal gain. If you're not capable or outstanding enough, I'd advise you not to go to Shanghai, unless you're incredibly strong-willed and brave.
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Reading these comments is making me really scared. I'm supposed to go to Shanghai for a concert at the end of the month.
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Don't go. It's a very cold city, not much fun.
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I went and walked along The Bund, and somehow I just felt... 'Is this it?' It's not that I'm being arrogant, but I was a bit underwhelmed. It didn't have that dazzling, captivating feeling I was expecting. I guess I'll have to go again sometime.
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Yeah, exactly, it's just like the big commercial/shopping district you'd find in any city. Nothing that truly wowed me. (No offense intended, and I'm not trying to bash Shanghai – maybe my expectations were just too high.)
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I visited Shanghai a few times in the early 2000s when I was still in elementary school. If I was eating ice cream on the street, older Shanghainese folks ('uncles' and 'aunties') would come over and tell a little kid like me not to eat cold things. They really like to get involved in other people's business.
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Aren't elderly people like that everywhere?