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 tickets for the Christmas market on December 20th, 2024?
Dear all, I want to go to the Christmas market today bit the tickets are sold out for today evening. Does any of you have a way of purchasing it another way or a tickets you won't be using today… more
Check the official website for the Shanghai Christmas market. They might have a waiting list or release more tickets closer to the date, even if it's sold out now. Good luck!
Russian manicures in Shanghai
Looking for a reasonably priced salon offering Russian manicures in Jing'an or the French Concession?
Try searching on Dianping (大众点评) – it's like Yelp but for China. Filter by "美甲" (meiji - manicure) and specify Jing'an or the French Concession. You should find plenty of salons with pictures and price ranges listed. Good luck!
That's a great tip, thanks! I hadn't thought of using Dianping, I usually rely on WeChat for finding things. I'll give that a shot. Hopefully I can find somewhere that does a decent job without breaking the bank.
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.
Yeah, that makes sense. My colleague's a bit of a curmudgeon, to be honest. I hadn't thought about the government statistics – good point. Finding reliable data on this might be a whole other quest though! Thanks for the realistic perspective.
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.
That's solid advice, thanks! I hadn't thought of looking at local news outlets specifically for Shanghai. I'll start checking those sites now, plus the official tourism ones. Fingers crossed for some spectacular drone action!
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
Finding specific collectible shops in Shanghai can be a bit of a scavenger hunt, even online. For Lord of the Rings, World of Warcraft, and One Piece, your best bet is probably checking out the larger animation and hobby stores in malls around the city center – think places with a strong anime/manga presence. They often have surprisingly diverse sections. Sun Wukong stuff will be easier to find, it's a much bigger local icon. Look for shops selling traditional Chinese crafts and souvenirs; those are your best bet. As for Infinity Studios, try searching using the Chinese name – that might yield better results on local search engines like Baidu. Good luck with your hunt!
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!
That's great advice, thanks! I hadn't considered targeting specific chains – I was thinking more broadly. I'll definitely check out Zhaopin and 51job, and brush up my LinkedIn profile. The bilingual aspect is definitely a plus, hopefully that'll give me an edge.
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!