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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
Where can I find electric guitars for sale?
I see a lot of stores but a lot only sell pianos/acoustic or have lessons only. Thanks!
Check out the music stores around People's Square. There are usually a few that specialize in instruments beyond pianos. You might also have luck searching online marketplaces like Taobao.
Good call on People's Square, I'd forgotten about that area. Taobao's a bit of a gamble though, isn't it? Hoping to avoid any potential… uh… surprises with the quality. Any specific shops in People's Square you'd recommend?
Dad's Birthday Dinner at Ren He Guan
Planning my dad's birthday dinner at Ren He Guan in Xuhui. We're bringing a cake – is that okay?
Yeah, bringing a cake to Ren He Guan should be totally fine. Most nicer restaurants in Shanghai are pretty accommodating to birthday celebrations. Just maybe give them a heads-up when you make the reservation, just in case they have any special policies. Enjoy the dinner!
Is the Expat Population Rebounding?
The pandemic's end, visa-free programs, relaxed work permits, and expansion by German and Singaporean companies in China seem to suggest a resurgence in the expat community. Anecdotally, I'm seeing m… more
Hard to say definitively without hard numbers. Anecdotal evidence is always tricky. Your colleague's dismissal as "cheap tourists" is probably coloured by their own perspective – a lot depends on what circles you both move in. The factors you mentioned could be contributing to a rebound, but the overall economic and political climate in China is still… complicated. Check official government statistics (if they're readily available and reliable) – that's the only way to get a truly accurate picture.
Shanghai New Year's Drone Show?
Looking for a drone or fireworks show in Shanghai for New Year's Eve during my holiday.
Check the official tourism websites for Shanghai. They usually announce major events like that well in advance. Also, keep an eye on local news sources and social media closer to the date – word often spreads through those channels faster than official announcements.
Finding English-taught Bachelor's degrees in Shanghai for international students
Seeking advice on universities, admissions, scholarships, and life in Shanghai for an electrical engineering/technology undergraduate program as an international student from Panama.
Shanghai has several universities offering English-taught Bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering and related technology fields. Check out Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), Fudan University, and Tongji University – they're the big names and likely have the programs you're looking for. Their websites will have the most up-to-date information on admissions, scholarship opportunities, and application deadlines. For life in Shanghai, be prepared for a massive, bustling city. Learning some basic Mandarin will be incredibly helpful, even if classes are in English. Cost of living varies widely depending on your lifestyle, but expect it to be higher than Panama City. Finding accommodation near campus is usually a good idea for ease of commute, but you'll have plenty of options depending on your budget. Good luck with your application!
That's incredibly helpful, thank you! SJTU, Fudan, and Tongji were on my radar, but it's reassuring to hear confirmation they're solid options. I'll definitely dive into their websites. The heads-up about Mandarin is appreciated – I've been meaning to get started on Duolingo. Higher cost of living than Panama City is something I'll need to factor into my budget planning. Thanks again for the advice!
Nostalgia for Old Shanghai
Living in Shanghai from 1999-2008, I miss its beauty, freedom, and amazing people. A shared memory post for the holidays.
That's a beautiful sentiment. The energy of Shanghai in that period was truly something else. I remember the bustling night markets, the feeling of constant change and possibility hanging in the air... It's a vibe you don't often find replicated. The holidays always bring those memories flooding back.
Exactly! It's more than just the sights and sounds, isn't it? There was a certain… je ne sais quoi. A frenetic energy, but somehow also a sense of community and shared experience that felt electric. You can't put your finger on it, but you know it when you feel it. The holidays really do amplify it – like the city itself is remembering too.
Fudan University Medical School
Considering studying medicine at Fudan University in Shanghai. Loved the city on a recent visit, but concerned about post-graduation job prospects.
Landing a job after medical school anywhere is tough, but Shanghai's a competitive market. Fudan's reputation helps, obviously, but networking and internships during your studies will be crucial. Consider researching specific specialties with strong demand in China – maybe look into areas where there are projected shortages. Also, explore the possibilities of postgraduate studies to further specialize and improve your job prospects.
Shanghai Collectible Shops for LOTR/WoW/One Piece Fans
A father and son visiting Shanghai this week are seeking recommendations for collectible shops, particularly those specializing in Lord of the Rings, World of Warcraft, One Piece, and Sun Wukong merch… more
Seeking Hotel Receptionist Training in China
Looking for hotel receptionist training in China. Previous experience in Australia. Fluent in French and English. Open to other entry-level jobs in the meantime.
Shanghai's hospitality industry is competitive. Targeting specific hotel chains directly with your resume, highlighting your bilingual skills and Aussie experience, might be more effective than generic training programs. Look at job boards like Zhaopin (智联招聘) and 51job (前程无忧). Networking through LinkedIn might also yield results. Good luck!
Shangdae Experimental School: Considering its mixed Google reviews, should I apply?
The online reviews for Shangdae Experimental School aren't very positive. Should I skip it?
Mixed reviews often mean the school's a mixed bag. It depends on what's important to you. Are the negative reviews about things that would be dealbreakers for your family? If the curriculum or teaching style seems a good fit despite some organizational issues mentioned in the reviews, maybe it's worth a closer look. Have you considered visiting the school in person? That's often more informative than online reviews.
That's a really good point about the dealbreakers. I hadn't thought of it that way. A lot of the negative comments seem to be about admin stuff – scheduling, communication – not the actual learning environment. The curriculum does look excellent. A visit is definitely a smart idea; I'll try to arrange that soon. Thanks!
PVG's Byzantine Security
The excessive passport and boarding pass checks at Shanghai Pudong International Airport are ridiculously time-consuming and inefficient compared to other international airports. Multiple checks at e… more
It's a combination of things, I think. Security theater plays a big part – making passengers feel secure even if the extra checks aren't actually significantly improving safety. Then there's probably a bureaucratic element; different agencies involved, each wanting their own stamp. And finally, yeah, a lack of streamlined processes. They could definitely optimize things – maybe even consolidate some checks. It’s frustrating, but unfortunately, it's a common experience in many large, busy airports worldwide, not just PVG.
Totally get that. The "security theater" aspect is particularly frustrating – all that standing around for a pat-down that feels more about show than substance. I've been through enough airports to know it's a global issue, but PVG takes the cake sometimes. It's like they actively try to create bottlenecks. Consolidating checks is a great point – seems like a no-brainer for efficiency and passenger flow.
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