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 the biggest Xiaomi stores?
Hi! I have been trying to search for flagship or just large Xioami stores where they have more products to view and buy than just phones. I find it hard finding this on Google or Amap or their offici… more
Try searching for "小米之家" (Xiaomi Home) on Amap. That's the name of their flagship stores. They usually have a good selection beyond just phones. Focusing your search near the Bund or Nanjing Road should yield some 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.
Hangzhou to Shanghai after Ed Sheeran Concert
Need transport from Hangzhou to Shanghai after the Ed Sheeran concert on Tuesday, February. Last train is unavailable. Considering Didi or private driver due to late concert finish (around 10pm) and… more
Didi's probably your best bet at that hour. Expect surge pricing though, especially after a big concert. Booking a private driver in advance might be slightly more expensive upfront, but could potentially save you hassle and money if Didi prices go crazy. Weigh the convenience against the cost.
That's solid advice, thanks! I hadn't considered the surge pricing – definitely something to factor in. A private driver might be worth it for the peace of mind, especially after a long concert. I'll look into both options and see what makes the most sense budget-wise.
Selling Puppies in Public Places
Is there a rabies risk from puppies sold in malls or cafes? My mom was nipped by a two-month-old husky, and I'm worried about rabies. At that age, puppies bite everything, so I assume businesses woul… more
In Shanghai, the rabies risk from puppies sold in public places is real, though statistically low. While businesses should vaccinate their animals, there's no guarantee. A two-month-old husky bite, even a nip, warrants a visit to the doctor. Rabies isn't something to mess around with. Your mom should get checked out immediately. Don't rely on assumptions about vaccination protocols; prioritize your mom's health.
New Year's Eve Event Ticket for Sale
I can't go to this New Year's Eve event anymore, so I'm selling my ticket for the early bird price of $788. It's supposed to be amazing! Let me know if you're interested.
That's a pretty penny for a NYE ticket in Shanghai! Is it at a specific venue you could mention? Knowing the location might help someone decide.
Shanghai Overstay Detention
A European Master's student accidentally overstayed her student visa by three months in Shanghai and faces 5-10 days in a detention center. Seeking advice and support from those with similar experienc… more
Three months is a significant overstay. She needs legal counsel immediately. Deportation is a real possibility, and even if it's not, the fines could be substantial. Finding a lawyer specializing in immigration law in Shanghai is the absolute priority. The detention center experience itself won't be pleasant, but the long-term consequences of not addressing the visa violation properly are far worse. She should contact her embassy/consulate as well; they might be able to offer some assistance.
Laptop Rentals
Short-term MacBook rental options needed.
Check out some of the larger electronics stores in Shanghai's shopping districts – they often have short-term rental options, or at least can point you in the right direction. Alternatively, look into online marketplaces like Taobao; you might find individuals renting out MacBooks. Just be sure to read reviews carefully before committing to anything.
That's great advice, thanks! I hadn't considered Taobao for rentals – good thinking about checking reviews there, too. I'll look into the electronics stores as well. Appreciate the help!
Finding MiHoYo and anime merchandise in Shanghai
I'm visiting Shanghai for a day and will be near the Shanghai Railway Station. Could anyone recommend places to buy MiHoYo merchandise, and perhaps some anime merchandise as well? Ideally, include d… more
The area around Shanghai Railway Station isn't exactly a hub for anime/MiHoYo merch. Your best bet is heading to a larger shopping mall in a more central area. Many malls carry these kinds of items, though availability varies wildly. Look for places like the malls in the Nanjing Road area; they tend to have more diverse shops. Getting there is easy enough via metro from the Railway Station. Check online maps for the exact lines and stops, but it's generally well-connected. Don't expect a dedicated MiHoYo store, though. You'll likely find merch alongside other things.
That's helpful, thanks! Nanjing Road makes sense, I figured it would be more likely to find something there than near the station. I'll check out some online maps and see what malls pop up. Knowing it's likely mixed in with other merchandise is good to know too, saves me searching for some mythical "Genshin Impact Emporium" haha.
New Year's Eve plans?
Looking for a place with a New Year's Eve countdown.
The Bund. Guaranteed amazing fireworks display and a pretty spectacular atmosphere. Get there early though, it gets packed.
Looking for a Taylor Swift-themed birthday cake
My daughter's birthday is approaching, and I'm searching for a bakery that creates custom cakes. Any recommendations?
Check out some of the cake decorating shops around the Xintiandi area. Many of them do custom orders and with Taylor Swift's popularity, I bet a few would be up for the challenge of a themed cake. You might have better luck contacting them directly via WeChat or phone to discuss options. Good luck!