Shanghai, China

What to expect in... Shanghai

13. Insane Roads
In this rushed city of 14 million, the drivers don't look and don't care.
Side note - German luxury cars are in high demand.

12. Modernity
Shanghai has exploded with new buildings since the 90's. The bund looks like a toy city. 

11. KFC
They really like KFC and McDonald's.
They're easy to find, which is great when you're feeling America-sick.

10. Water towns
Popular destinations include Suzhou and Huzhou (not far from Shanghai.) 
There's also a touristy water town in the middle of the city.

9. Toxic air/water

Hopefully they clean it up before strange creatures start coming out of the water!

8. Limited media

Only 12 imported films are permitted to reach the public each year. People also have to live without Facebook, Google, and YouTube (if you're a foreigner you can get a VPN tho.) 

Leaves time to practice this - 

7. Xiaolongbao

Amazing dumplings filled with soup and meat. You must eat this in Shanghai.

6. The marriage market
Even in 2014 in a metropolitan city, parents gather in the park and negotiate marriages.

5. Keeping up with the Zhongses
It's all about money and social status.



4. Western influence
Historically, Shanghai has had a lot of contact with the western world. 
Today, the city is filled with ex-pats working for international corporations.



3. Communism (but really capitalism)
They're trying to outdo America in capitalism.

2. Getting squished on the subway
You'll get packed like a sandwich and caught in a torrent of bodies. It's very frustrating because people are very pushy and competitive to get seats. On the plus side, the transit system is modern and fast.

1. The world trying to rip you off
If a native speaks English pretty decently, odds are they're trying to swindle you.
When bargaining, 1/4 of the asking price is probably too much.

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