Settling-In Tips from
Staff in Shanghai


What is special or unique about your city?

Shanghai has been called the Paris of the East and the Pearl of the Orient. Rich with history, Shanghai first opened its door to foreigners for trade in the 1840's. The resulting international community contributed to Shanghai's unique character, architecture, fashion and food. The Japanese invasion of 1937 forced most of the foreigners to flee the city and it would be 50 years before international influences would return to this alluring metropolis.

Today Shanghai is China's most cosmopolitan city and is regarded as the economic powerhouse of mainland China. Shanghai will be hosting the World Trade Expo in 2010, which will showcase famous landmarks such as the Pearl Tower, the world's tallest hotel and the world's longest arch bridge.
 
What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?
Initially, most newcomers are struck by the city's vastness, the pace of development, the population density and the chaos and energy of the city. There is a feeling that Shanghai is a city on the move, developing at a fast pace.

It is more modern than imagined. Skyscrapers stand in stark contrast next to old communist dwellings, giving the city a sense of time and change.
 
Are these impressions likely to change?
The look and feel of the city can be quite deceptive. Many things do not get done as quickly or work as reliably as in a western country. The "bright lights, big city" image of Shanghai tends to give a much better surface impression than the reality of daily life. However, Shanghai is constantly changing and improving its modern facilities. Western interests are catered to more and more.
 
What is the local language?
Natives to the city speak Shanghainese, the local dialect. Everyone understands and nearly all speak standard Mandarin -- as required by the government for state employees (police, health care workers, taxi drivers, etc.).
 
How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?
In Shanghai, English competency is probably the best in mainland China. Staff in most hotels, for example, speak English very well. Most other non-English speakers such as taxi drivers are getting used to visitors, but are still only able to understand "yes", "no", "hello" and "good-bye."

Learning a few key Mandarin phrases definitely helps.
 
What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?
It would be advisable to steer clear of talking about certain political issues involving China.

When handing over a name card, do so using both hands at the same time. This is a sign of respect.

If you find yourself in a conflict situation, a better way to get what you want is not to raise your voice but to calmly persist. Local residents tend to react to another’s anger equally or more strongly. Loud voices are used quite frequently and often what sounds like an argument is just a lively discussion -- for example, when bargaining for goods at a local market.
 
How might the local weather affect my daily life?
There is a wide range of weather in Shanghai, so you need to prepare for cold damp winters as well as hot, sweaty summers.
 
Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?
Relative to other parts of mainland China, Shanghai is known for having the most liberal and forward-thinking residents. They welcome foreigners living in their city and are eager to learn more about international cultures. Shanghaineses are also renowned for their business acumen and their negotiating skills. They are quite western in their fashion, pursuit of material items and monumental drive for success.

Some of the less pleasant aspects one comes across include: spitting in public places, nose blowing without tissues, pushing on public transport and on the pavement (sidewalk). The latter is still quite widespread, the former two, however, are on the decline although still quite common in rural areas.

One could almost call Shanghai a cross between the greater freedoms of Hong Kong (for example, more colorful clothing) and the restrictions of the mainland.
 
Useful Links
That's Shanghai: www.thatssh.com
City Weekend: www.cityweekend.com.cn
 
 

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