Enjoying Shanghai

I've been making comparisons to HK, Shanghai and London recently.  Before I didn't really stop to think about this - I was part-way through my establishment in Shanghai.  Now I'm through that phase, I can reflect on my choices.

 

My lifestyle preference at the moment is Shanghai.  It's naturally not yet truly a world standard metropolis, in terms of transport, hygiene, road safety, but I do find it very interesting from the aspects of culture and people.

 

The Shanghainese people very strongly have their own culture.  e.g. The interesting power-play between couples, where men cook clean as well as earn.  Lack of trust.  Raw raw ambition by the younger generations. 

 

I am also enjoying exploring more of the Chinese arts scene.  This is something Hong Kong doesn't have.  In Shanghai, there are small theatres with drama, acrobatics, or art, sculpture and photography exhibitions.  Or even a couple of weekends ago, visiting the furniture district near (not that near) to Ikea, that was fascinating (and reallllly good value for money!)  It seems decorating an apartment very much to your individual quality and taste is not expensive in China. 

 

Living in Shanghai is also very affordable.  This assuming you rent of course, which is my strong preference, because it's such good value to rent.  Many of my local friends shun renting however, they are very determined to buy, but high costs mean that they have to live further away or in lesser accomodation.