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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
What's it like to spend Christmas in Shanghai?
Hello folks! Myself (Irish) and my partner (English) have been travelling in China for about two months and will be in Shanghai on Christmas. We are very excited about visiting Shanghai but are feelin… more
Shanghai at Christmas is... interesting. It's definitely not a traditional Christmas experience like you'd get back home. Forget snow; expect bustling crowds and decorations that lean more towards a general holiday vibe than specifically Christmas. Your best bet for feeling a bit more festive might be to find a decent international hotel – many will have Christmas dinners and events geared towards expats. That's usually a good way to connect with other English speakers. Check out websites for hotels like the Peninsula, Ritz-Carlton, or Fairmont – they often have special menus and events advertised. Alternatively, look for pubs or bars in the expat areas (think around the French Concession) – many will likely be having Christmas parties or just have a more familiar atmosphere. Happy hunting, and have a wonderful (and slightly less homesick) Christmas!
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.
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.
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