City Life
Our life in Shanghai officially began in January, 2007. At that time these were our reflections about the city life.
The older people in Shanghai live life very modestly – in simple, small apartments, usually grouped together – and their daily lives are displayed for all to see. Doing laundry by the street (hand-wash in a tub and hanging out to dry), brushing their teeth, having a pedicure or a haircut or simply congregating with friends. Its fun to see the same people every day doing their everday life things.
Most items one could need are usually located within several blocks surrounding the home. For example you may see a small metal fabrication business next door to the bakery and hair salon. Noodle houses (small restaurants that serve a limited menu and a bowl of noodles) next to a shop that sell sundries. Everything is basic and every price is negotiable.
The younger generation is focused on brands and material possessions. Next to the millions of worn out bicycles that all look the same as they travel the many streets and alleys throughout Shanghai, you’ll see many of BMW’s, Mercedes’, Ferrari’s, and Porsche’s latest models – mostly driven by the children of the middle-aged professionals that have accumulated significant wealth over the past few decades. Rolex stores (the real ones), Hugo Boss stores (real ones) and other popular global brands line the major thoroughfares throughout the bustling city.
Every other intersection looks like Times Square in New York City. Lots of flashing neon lights and super-sized LCD TVs light up the night sky. Street vendors are hawking anything from DVDs to almost real watches to all kinds of food. There are literally thousands of people converging on the large intersections trying to dodge the buses, cars, mopeds, bicycles and each other.
It’s really the true-definition of “organized chaos.” Like in business the bigger you are (higher in rank) the smaller will yield. On the street it’s no different – a pedestrian is the lowest on the food chain. Up from there bicycles, mopeds, cars, buses then trucks. It’s an amazing sight to behold. We’ve often wondered why there are traffic lights and markings on the pavement. Like in the US a yellow light means speed up, but here a red light only suggests that you stop.
Fun Facts & Tips
With an estimated population of 18 to 22 million people (varies seasonally due to migratory workers). Shanghai was incorporated as a town in AD 751. The municipality today covers an area of 2,717 square miles and is approximately the size of the state of Delaware in the United States. According to 2007 census figures there are 6,838.4 people per square mile. That’s one huge city with a lot of people!
This year in China is the year of the Tiger. The Tiger basically stands for bravery.
Shanghai, is gearing up for the World Expo in the spring of this year. Everything is changing rapidly as we live very close to the planned activities. New buildings are constantly popping up and current store fronts are changing and/or adding English words for all the foreigners expected to attend.
Shanghai is divided into two sides by the Huangpu River, Puxi and Pudong. We live in the Pudong side of Shanghai where most of the Expo is taking place.
Shanghai Landmarks Worth Visiting:
The World Financial Center
Shanghai Grand Theatre
The Bund
Yu Garden
Oriental Pearl Tower
Jinmao Building
Shanghai Museum
Pictures Around Shanghai
Shanghai
I took this from our apartment on a crystal clear day. This is amazing because these days don't happen very often. If you look closely at the sky at the top of the shorter buildings you can see the pollution. It really was a beautiful day in Shanghai.
You'll notice the Shanghai World Financial Center, the worlds tallest building or at least the tallest obversation deck. We had an opporunity to go to the top and the whole viewing area including the floors is made of glass. You feel like you're going to fall through the floor! We went at night and we could see forever. This building is within walking distance of our apartment.
This is our apartment building. We're up there somewhere! Another nice day in Shanghai.
Notice each number is an infraction in the U.S. I love this pic!