Experience in Shanghai, China by Chunxiao

What is it like to live in Shanghai? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Life is up tempo and busy in Shanghai. I would recommend it if you have a mind to become a business person. Shanghai is a place of prosperity and opportunities for the ambitious. If you prefer leisure I would recommend my hometown, the nearby tourist resort "Hangzhou", it is a city of typical southeastern Chinese scenery. Good thing about Shanghai is that there are plenty of jobs in the city, and great convenience for travelling. It is a bit large, though, you have to take the subway anytime you want to go somewhere.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Shanghai?

Nicknamed the "Devil's Capital", it is a city of innumerable attractions and diversions. It is only too easy to get distracted from your studies in Shanghai, if you happen to be in my university (Fudan University), what with the huge shopping malls, restaurants around and student activities on campus.

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How much does it cost to live in Shanghai?

Amazingly, living costs in Shanghai are more or less the same as they are in Thessaloniki; the major cost would be spent on housing.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Shanghai? Is there any advice you can give?

It is not difficult to find a place to live in since there are so many houses; the real difficulty is the price. Housing price is rocket high compared with other regions, so it would be a good idea to share an apartment with some other students.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Shanghai local cuisines tend to be "sweetish". They are mostly traditional Chinese food consisting of a mixture of meat and vegetables. Saute is the most common way of preparing food, and stew as well. Chinese food is in general style very different from Greek food, which on the main is western. I am afraid you might come to miss Greek cheese a lot while in Shanghai.

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Therefore, you need to be somewhat open-minded toward differences. The ordinary Chinese rely on rice instead of bread for food. Also the ways that we prepare meat are unique and varied. However, since Shanghai is a major city with multiple cultures, you can find a large array of food styles from other provinces and regions. If you prefer hot, strong taste, then you might go for Hunan or Sichuan food; if you prefer mild taste, then go for Hongkong or Cantonese restraurants. My favourite is the "Cantonese Morning Tea", which contains a great variety of nice little snacks. The Cantonese are the real gourmets in the country.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Shanghai?

The Bund, the "Oriental Pearl" Tower, Binjiang Forest Park, Shanghai Wildlife Park, Chongming Island, Qibao, and many more..

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Is it good to eat out in Shanghai? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

It is certainly good, if you live near a university, I would suggest the area around my university, Fudan, in a place called the "Pentagon Square".

Is the nightlife good in Shanghai? Where is good to go?

Very good if you enjoy night life, there are lots of pubs, bars, Karokes and lots of international students in the city.

What advice would you give future students heading to Shanghai?

Get to know a Chinese friend to sort out the administrative affairs in the university first after arrival, those guys in there don't speak English. Inside the university, English is sufficient to solve most problems, but after it is China, so Chinese is essential if you really want to have fun.

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