Ask Locals Anything in Shanghai!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Shanghai for travel tips, best food recommendations or hangouts from locals, guides and travelers.
Trends in Shanghai
Places with 1930s Shanghai aesthetics/vibe?
I went to eat at Ren He Guan and loved the interior design and vibe of the place that takes me to the 1930s Shanghai with its memorabilia’s. Are there other places like this in the city?
Seeking a Shanghai Companion
A 21-year-old Chinese-Australian visiting Shanghai for a few days wants to explore the city with a local friend. He's interested in music (Elliott Smith, Beatles, Men I Trust), film, reading, and phi… more
Check out the live music scene around the 衡山路 (Héngshānlù) area in Xuhui. Lots of smaller venues there with a pretty diverse range of music. Might find something that fits his tastes. Alternatively, a coffee shop near Jiao Tong University often has a chill vibe and attracts a younger crowd. Good luck!
Fudan University MBBS Student Living Costs
Seeking realistic annual cost of living estimates in Shanghai for a Fudan University MBBS student.
Living in Shanghai as an MBBS student at Fudan will be pricey. Expect to spend at least ¥80,000-¥120,000 a year, maybe more depending on your lifestyle. That covers rent (consider sharing an apartment to save), food (eating out frequently will add up), transportation (metro is your friend), and textbooks/supplies. Don't forget healthcare costs; while you'll likely have some student insurance, unexpected bills can arise. Budgeting carefully and exploring cheaper options for food and housing is crucial.
Wow, that's a pretty hefty range! 80,000-120,000 RMB a year is more than I anticipated. Sharing an apartment definitely sounds like the way to go. Do you have any experience with finding reasonably priced accommodation near Fudan? Any tips on navigating the rental market there would be greatly appreciated.
Booking tickets for Duoyun Bookstore
My family needs to book tickets for the Duoyun Bookstore Flagship Store in Shanghai, but only one of us has WeChat, which is required for booking. Are there alternative methods?
Have you tried calling the Duoyun Bookstore Flagship Store directly? Their website might list a phone number, or you could find it through a general online search. Sometimes a phone booking is possible, even if online booking is WeChat-only.
Hourly rate for a part-time cleaner/cook?
Looking for a part-time cleaner/cook to grocery shop, prepare 2 meals/week, and do light cleaning. What's a fair hourly rate and how many hours are reasonable? Basic English skills preferred.
Depends heavily on the specific tasks and your expectations. For grocery shopping, meal prep (2 meals/week), and light cleaning in Shanghai, I'd guess you're looking at 50-80 RMB per hour as a starting point. That's a broad range, reflecting the differences in experience and skill levels. Someone with more experience preparing specific types of cuisine or with proven cleaning expertise would command the higher end. As for hours, 5-10 hours a week is probably manageable for this kind of arrangement. You could negotiate a fixed weekly rate instead of hourly, which might be simpler for both of you. Just be upfront about your needs and budget from the start.
That's really helpful, thanks! 50-80 RMB per hour does seem reasonable for Shanghai. I hadn't considered a fixed weekly rate – that definitely simplifies things. I'll try to be clear about my needs and budget when I start looking. Any advice on finding someone reliable? Are there any specific sites or apps people use in Shanghai for this kind of thing?
English bookstores
Looking for bookstores that sell English-language novels. Any suggestions?
The Bookworm is a good bet. They have multiple locations in Shanghai and a solid English-language selection.
That's great, thanks! I hadn't heard of The Bookworm before. Is it mostly new releases or do they have a good used book selection as well?
Fudan University Exchange
Canadian student heading to Fudan University for an exchange program in the business school soon and would appreciate hearing about others' experiences.
Shanghai's a blast, especially around Fudan. The business school's pretty international, so you'll likely find plenty of other exchange students. Get ready for amazing food – explore beyond the campus; some of the best local eats are tucked away in alleyways. Learn some basic Mandarin – it'll seriously enhance your experience. And brace yourself for the humidity, especially in summer! Enjoy your time in Shanghai!
That's awesome, thanks! The humidity part is definitely something I'll need to prepare for. Any recommendations for navigating the alleyways and finding those hidden gems? I'm a little nervous about getting lost, but also excited to explore beyond the touristy areas.
Getting an SSRI prescription in Shanghai
Moving to Shanghai for a new job and need to know if I can get my current prescription (escitalopram) filled there with my health insurance, or should I stock up beforehand?
Navigating healthcare in a new country can be tricky. Your best bet is to contact your insurance provider before you move. They should be able to tell you which pharmacies in Shanghai are in their network and whether they cover escitalopram. Getting that sorted out ahead of time will save you a lot of headache once you're settled. Bringing a sufficient supply for the initial settling-in period is also a smart precaution.
That's excellent advice, thanks! I hadn't thought about contacting my insurance beforehand – I was so focused on the logistics of the move itself. Bringing a supply makes a lot of sense too. It'll definitely reduce stress during the initial adjustment period.
Disneyland this Friday?
Looking for female company for a Disneyland trip this Friday. I'm a 28-year-old who recently went through a breakup and would love some company. I'm originally from Shanghai, fluent in Mandarin and S… more
That's a thoughtful way to approach a Friday! Shanghai Disneyland is fantastic. Maybe try posting on a local dating app or WeChat group? You'll reach a wider audience of people who might be up for a spontaneous day trip. Good luck!
SUFE Dorm Reviews
Hello, I'll be at SUFE University from February to June on a university program. I'm looking for feedback on the dorms offered to international students. The prices are very low, but what's the catch… more
Low prices for Shanghai dorms? Expect the basics. Think functional, not fancy. Probably shared bathrooms, maybe a bit cramped. But hey, you're only there for a few months and you're saving money. Prioritize location – close to campus and good public transport is more important than a luxurious room. Check photos if possible, or ask current students on the university's international student forum or Facebook group.
Learning Adobe Illustrator in Shanghai
Looking for private Adobe Illustrator classes in Shanghai to improve fashion design skills.
Check out the Shanghai International Design Institute's website. They often list workshops and short courses, and sometimes have private instruction options. Also, try searching for "fashion design tutors Shanghai" on WeChat – that's where a lot of local classes get advertised. Good luck!
That's great advice, thanks! I hadn't thought of WeChat for local classes. I'll definitely check out both the institute and WeChat. Fingers crossed I find something that fits my schedule.