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| 62 |
Foreign Media's Response to the Opening It was a fabulous ceremony. I think you have to take it in context with what China was like just 30 years ago. Its easy for us to point out flaws and cite the defects in the society. I notice no one is ready to point out the defects in their own society. Unfortuantely the event was marred by tradgedy as a chinese man murdered an American tourist and seriousily injured the tourist wife and tour guide before killing himself. Within sight of the main event. Despite all the security and police. Another freedom we enjoy in the west China now has experienced a random act of brutal violence. |
| 61 |
Your Opinion about French Revolution The two Revolutions the French and Cultural were reactions to events in the country but thats about all they had in common. The French Revolution was a reaction to extremely poor practices by the French ruling class. If you study China's history you will see numerous times where popular uprisings dethroned an Emperor because the leadership was disasterous and abused the people while bankrupting the country. The 1949 revolution in China was similiar in that regard. The Cultural Revolution was actually a counter revolution against liberal policies and the communist party that Mao believed was out of control. The net result was ten years of Chaos and a confirmation that the policies that the cultural revolution was unleashed on were in fact the correct ones that once fully implemented created the China that exists today. It was not a movement to create freedom or demoracy it was in fact the reverse. There is an excellent video series called " China 100 years of revolution" documenting the history of China in the 29th century. The thing to note about the French Revolution is it accomplished absolutely nothing but lead to mass suffering for France and Europe over the following thirty years. The french revolution did not create democracy or greater freedom. It led to the rise of Napoleon and a replacement by the King with a Dictator that plunged Europe into 20 years of war killing countless millions of people. Napoleon was replaced back by the King. France did not actually see a democracy till the fall of Napoleon III in 1870 almost a hundred years after the revolution. It took WWI to actually end most of the old european monarchies. As for mitko's comments. The Olympics are intended to be a politically neutral event to celebrate the best in sports and bring people closer together. There have been protests in many countries about Tibet but the governments in those countries maintained control of the events and allowed the torch to pass on. Watching french citizens attack a women in a wheel chair to disrupt an event that is supposed to be politically neutral rightfully should anger the Chinese people and vilify the individuals involved. The incident did little to help the cause of Tibet and much to damage the prestige of the French in China for their inability to control things. An apology is the least they could have offered. |
| 60 |
Your Opinion about French Revolution The two Revolutions the French and Cultural were reactions to events in the country but thats about all they had in common. The French Revolution was a reaction to extremely poor practices by the French ruling class. If you study China's history you will see numerous times where popular uprisings dethroned an Emperor because the leadership was disasterous and abused the people while bankrupting the country. The 1949 revolution in China was similiar in that regard. The Cultural Revolution was actually a counter revolution against liberal policies and the communist party that Mao believed was out of control. The net result was ten years of Chaos and a confirmation that the policies that the cultural revolution was unleashed on were in fact the correct ones that once fully implemented created the China that exists today. It was not a movement to create freedom or demoracy it was in fact the reverse. There is an excellent video series called " China 100 years of revolution" documenting the history of China in the 29th century. The thing to note about the French Revolution is it accomplished absolutely nothing but lead to mass suffering for France and Europe over the following thirty years. The french revolution did not create democracy or greater freedom. It led to the rise of Napoleon and a replacement by the King with a Dictator that plunged Europe into 20 years of war killing countless millions of people. Napoleon was replaced back by the King. France did not actually see a democracy till the fall of Napoleon III in 1870 almost a hundred years after the revolution. It took WWI to actually end most of the old european monarchies. As for mitko's comments. The Olympics are intended to be a politically neutral event to celebrate the best in sports and bring people closer together. There have been protests in many countries about Tibet but the governments in those countries maintained control of the events and allowed the torch to pass on. Watching french citizens attack a women in a wheel chair to disrupt an event that is supposed to be politically neutral rightfully should anger the Chinese people and vilify the individuals involved. The incident did little to help the cause of Tibet and much to damage the prestige of the French in China for their inability to control things. An apology is the least they could have offered. |
| 59 |
Earthquake is Much More Terrible than I Thought Its hard to know what to say. It is easy to look at things half a world away and be detached. However I was married in Chengdu. I have many friends and colleagues there and loved ones in Chongqing. Last year we visited the Wolong Panda Reserve. I watch the video here from the USA and see the suffering there is no detachment it is very personal. I was relieved to find all my friends and loved ones are ok just very scared. If you can list some relief agencies where money can be donated to help the victims I am sure many of your readers would appreciate it. |
| 58 |
"Love China" Blooms on MSN Messenger I am living on this land, and you are thouands of miles far away, but now you are trying to tell me, you know this land better than me. Haha, this is what the western guys try to do, I met many, they told me I don't know the truth, stuipid, there is no exact truth, the words from the powderful party of your place is the truth, same in China or your "Freedom country" . |
| 57 |
"Love China" Blooms on MSN Messenger I am living on this land, and you are thouands of miles far away, but now you are trying to tell me, you know this land better than me. Haha, this is what the western guys try to do, I met many, they told me I don't know the truth, stuipid, there is no exact truth, the words from the powderful party of your place is the truth, same in China or your "Freedom country" . |
| 56 |
Rent an Apartment in Shanghai Hi, I'm looking for a cheap apartment in shanghai from may to july 2008. Something small and simple for 1 person, under 1500 rmb/month, preferably in luwan or on line 1. Contact at custom_caps@hotmail.com. thanks Nick. |
| 55 |
"The Right to Refuse Service to Anyone" I think that people are making a big deal about nothing. This sign does not say, "We have a right to refuse service to....(naming a specific race, sex, gender, etc.)" It simply protects the business owner from any one who may be disturbing the business. Again, that's why America is such a sue-happy culture now. Always feeling attacked from someone. To Jian Shuo and Bovemanm specifically, you two are especially bringing unnecessary attention to a sign that benefits everyone. For instance, if I were a patron and another customer came in making a whole lot of noise and being obnoxious, I would feel better knowing that the business owner refused to service this person. Therefore, in this case, I strongly feel that the business owner should have the right to refuse service to this customer. |
| 54 |
Find a Job in Shanghai Hi! Could anybody tell me what is the easiest way to get a job in shanghai for a foreigner? Is there an agency for that? I've been living in Shanghai with my wife (both 20's) and both of us are looking for work. Is there any more than the few they advertize in newspapers? Thank you in advance for help! Nick. |
| 53 |
Shanghai Map Viewer Excellent work, I truly appreciate your effort. I would love to see a searchable pinyin version. All the best! |
| 52 |
Shanghainese Girl Marrying Foreigners I take exception to Ronglimeng comments. Its "disturbing" to see mixed couples. Why should people need to conform to what you think a compatiable couple should be? I also dont like the idea people think its "trendy". Do any of you know China or Japan? I tend to give people more credit. If you are talking high school girls then immature girls do trendy things. If you are talking about a serious relationship moving to marriage I think both people put alot of thought into it. I know Iam engaged to a chinese girl from Shanghai. There is enormous family scrutiny before the family approves. Dont mix casual dating with serious relationships. First would you date someone who was an unsuccessful slob? The fact is expats by their nature are educated businessmen or they would not be there. In every country woman tend to be attracted to successful educated men. This is part of the culture in most countries. The population of expats that are not ethnic chinese is so small compared to the population in shanghai its laughable to worry that all girls are running to foreigners. If a chinese man can not find a suitable girl in shanghai its because they have not left their house. The population of chinese women that speak english and are interested in foreign men is really very small. Its just suprising people still have racist ignorance. Dont sit in front of the Portman. Its where the US Consulate is and most mixed couples tend to walk by there. If you are a single foreigner living in China. Guess what 99.9% of the girls are chinese. So I guess you will have a chinese GF. China has a long and rich culture. The woman are both beautiful and sensitive. They are very family oriented and this is very appealing. I feel I am so lucky to be with someone from this background. I do not think I would have found a better match in the states. Remember the percentage of divorces are higher amongst people of their own culture. There is no guarantee for happiness. Age, looks whatever its up to two people and that is there business. |
| 51 |
Shanghainese Girl Marrying Foreigners This topic is very interesting from am america viewpoint. The fact is chinese woman in many cities not just shanghai date foreigners. In the USA we would consider it racist to say people should only date people from their own race. This is what you really are saying. The reverse is true why are foreigners dating chinese girls? I am an American with a Chinese girlfriend. We enjoy the differences in culture and yes the fact that we have a more worldly view is important. You will find in every country a certain percentage of the population likes cross cultural marriages. Not just in China. Money is not the big issue. There are many wealthy chinese men now and I know chinese girls with foreigners who have not much money. The fact is when you have so many people you will have a certain percentage that wants to experience different things. The biggest thing I have heard in Shanghai is that wealthy Chinese men treat women badly. They have too many girlfriends and switch easily so some women prefer western men. There are always bad men no matter from where. So yes some foreign men treat woman badly as well. Again its not a cultural statement. The vast majority of chinese women even in shanghai marry chinese men. I dont think this is an issue. Also, many women marry for money all over the world not just in shanghai. Look at Anna Nicole Smith. China is very focused on money and material possessions this is a society issue on the whole. So its not unusual for women to seek successful men its the same everywhere. If a man marries a woman who is just crazy for money then he has either chosen badly or the situation works for them. Money is an attraction as much as looks, culture etc. Again women stay with men for different reasons. In the USA young women go with much older men. China is not unusual. Some girls value security and need a father figure for them to feel happy. I would imagine this is a very small number of actual marriages. We are becoming a global village and very dependent on each other. It is a very old and ignorant viewpoint to say races should stay separate. This is what starts wars and maintains hostility. Every horror inflicted by man against man comes from this basic viewpoint that we are not the same and that other cultures should be purged. Cross cultural relationships bring understanding of different cultures and for those of us a much more expanded viewpoint. I do not consider myself bad because I am not with an American girl. I feel comfortable with the cultures and would not want to be with anyone else. People of the same culture and religion get divorced all the time. There is no recipe for happiness. Its just two people deciding there future. |
| 50 |
One Child Policy in China There is great ignorance on the one child policy. The analysis of China collapsing because of demographics is absurd. The USA has worse demographics. The age old fear of bigoted people is one race having more children will result in that race overrunning the country. China will not be overrun by muslims or any other ethnicity. This was the same thinking in the 50's in the USA that with a declining white birth rate that white people would be in the minority it hasnt happened. Islam is a religion and not a race so you may see that adherents switch or dont strongly follow the creed. Bellevue you really have some social agenda to grind. Have you ever even been to China? The one child policy has caused some social issues certainly but lets compare it to India where the population growth is out of control. China is not the only country where girl births are not highly valued. Education will solve this over time. The thought that the imbalance of males to females will result in war is also unwarranted. As my buddy suggested it will just result in more men coming out of the closet. Even if there are 40 million more men than females by 2010 that is about 3 % which is probably similiar to other countries. Not a receipe for war. Also China does not live in a vacuum women come to China from Mongolia, Russia etc . As was stated the policy has been relaxed. It was never mandatory you could have multiple children if you could afford it. You can not impose democratic ideals on a country that for 5000 years has never had democracy. The undeniable fact is things are better than they have been this century and maybe even before. Managing 1.4 billion people is a big job. Its will take decades for China to impact all the people but positive progress is being made. Look at the USA in the 1930's depression, child labor, pollution, racial persecution, low literacy etc It took decades to grow out and educate the population with only less than 25% of the polulation. It will happen with political stability and sustained economic growth. |
| 49 |
"The Right to Refuse Service to Anyone" They must have had that up there for a while. Places of business had to post those signs so they can refuse service to inappropriate people. This would include people not dressed appropriately, homeless people annoying other customers, etc. It was required by the City so that business could avoid a lawsuit if they refused service. The general laws of the country are still in effect so I cant be refused service because of my race or religion but if I come in and I am sick or dirty or not wearing shoes I could be refused service. San Jose had many homeless who would wander into restaurants looking for food or money. So this is what is behind this. |
| 48 |
We Need a Bridge, Seriously I agree neither country understands each other well. I saw an article where a shanghai girl had an American boyfriend who was in the Iraq war. She posted it on her blog. The amount of angry comments and misunderstanding about America was very suprising. Even she who is native Chinese from Shanghai was so suprised about the comments and ignorance of the people regarging the USA. I have been traveling to China for 12 years. I am engaged to a Chinese lady and have lived in China and its still very hard for me to understand the thinking. The whole concept of "face" is very alien to Americans. Also the fact that China is a group society and Americans are individulaistic is a big gap to understand. For example if Americans go on a bus or plane if they dont know the person they will always sit separate and hope no one sits next to them. So the middle seat in an airplane is very unpopular. China is the exact opposite people will enjoy sitting with strangers. While in China its not uncommon for strangers to just sit next to me and start a conversation this would rarely happen in the USA. I know Chinese dont have the concept of "personal space" that we have in the USA. This can make it very uncomfortable for Americans when walking around in China as people will grab and bump into you. More understanding will be needed. |
| 47 |
Hukou System in China JSW its good to see you enjoying my old hometown. Next to Shanghai San Fran is my favorite City! It is hard for USA to understand this system. My Girlfriend lives in Shanghai with her father's family. However she was born in Chongqing. Her Hukou is there. To get a passport, get married we have to go back to where she was born. I live in Phoenix now but was born in NYC. Imagine everytime I needed to do something with the government I had to fly back to NYC and go to my old neighborhood. My Girlriend's father needed serious medical treatment. He is from Shanghai but was married and lived in Chongqing. He had to come back to Shanghai to get medical care and separate from his wife for one half year. Its unlikely the government will eliminate this system. It acts more as a security system so the government can track everyone carefully and favors regionalism which is very strong in China for thousands of years. It was worse before. When I first went to China in 1993 Foreigners had to use certificates and could not use chinese currency. If we traveled and there was no International Hotel you had to register with the police. The government discouraged people from moving around and different regions did not welcome migrants. Things are definitely more relaxed now. Shanghai has literally millions of migrants who come there for work but call another province there home. |
| 46 |
Why I Don't Have an English Name I'm a second generation Chinese living in Indonesia. I have worked and studied in the U.S. for more than ten years. Here in Indonesia back in 1960s, Chinese name's prohibited by the government due to assimilation process. So, my parents (as many folks in their age) changed their name to sound more like locals (both first name and surname). For example, family name Wong (Wi, Hwang, Wang) changed into Wijaya, and for first name it's easier, they can choose whatever they like. I found out that most of my Chinese American friends have Western first name too, although they retain their Chinese surnames. Well, on the contratry from mcgjcn's post of not taking this on higher level, I believed that Chinese identity is in crisis. "Making fun of Chinese name" are not only happening in the U.S., but also other countries where overseas Chinese resided for generations. The Chinese lost their empire due to wars in the beginning of the Century to the West. This created an "inferior" mentality to Chinese (both overseas and mainlanders). It's a humiliation to Chinese all over the world, which created a whole new searching for identity according to the place they chose. We often don't see Japanese with a Western name, instead they are proud although foreigners have difficulty saying their names. That's why we hardly see Thomas Miyazaki around, instead of we see Yoshihiro Miyazaki. I was given a Western name by my father who adopted local Indonesian name. When I went abroad to study in the U.S., people found my name is easy compared to my Thai counterpart such as Itthiphoung Jeamjunjasiri. So at majority's expense, my name is Nick, instead of the Wong Chi Zi. So it's an issue of SHAME. Shame of being a Chinese. Soon, it's started to change. Chinese in Indonesia and overseas are now converting their children's name into Chinese again. Well, it's obvious that China is now powerful in economy and military. The proud of the Chinese is restored. It's not impossible that in the next hundred years or so, we see Westerners adopting Chinese names? |
| 45 |
RMB Finally Goes Strong Real estate prices in Shanghai will probably continue to appreciate the rmb situation aside. Shanghai is becoming one of the great cities of the world on par with New York, San Francisco etc. As the city attracts more attention more people will want to live and work there. Look at prices in San francisco, Hong Kong etc They are probably triple Shanghai so I would not expect a return to cheap prices unless their political turmoil or an economic collapse. |
| 44 |
RMB Finally Goes Strong I agree this is a political move to appease the Bush government but the Bush government policies are economically unsound. Actually dangerous. Why? Forcing the rmb to float only makes Chinese goods more expensive in the USA. We have a trade deficit because labor intensive goods are made more cheaply in China than the USA. So now when I go to buy clothes at Walmart the clothes will become more expensive over time as the RMB increases in value. The theory that we can sell goods more readily in China is not viable. China still is very poor in the rural areas they wont be buying cars or computers anytime soon. The impact far more effects American consumers than will help american companies. China is the second largest holder of US treasury notes they will move to higher yielding assets or lose money this will actually generate higher interest rates in the US affecting consumption. If the rmb were to appreciate substantially it would create chaos in China. Companies like Walmart, nike, all the computer related companies would relocate to other countries with cheaper labor (like India) forcing many people out of work. In the short term big buyers like Walmart would force the cost increases back on their suppliers who would cut workers pay and benefits. It will only make real estate speculation worse as purchasing properties in RMB will yield greater profits from dollar investors if they see the rmb increasing in value. There is no benefit to local chinese accept higher prices. Tourism from the USA would be severely impacted as now a beer that cost 30 rmb at an 8 to 1 ratio is about 3.80 on a 4 to 1 ration would be 7.60. This reminds me back in the 1980's when Japan was the bad country with the big budget surplus taking all our money all the tariffs etc did not change a thing. The Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the us dollar and there has never been a complaint about it not floating freely. I first came to China in the early 1990's. The country was just settling down after the Tianemen Square upheavels. People literally did not want to take rmb because they had lost confidence in the stability of the country. Pegging to the dollar provides a strong measure of stability and I think that is what we would want rather than undermining a weak banking system and creating social instability. My sense is the rmb will increase in value till it equals the hong kong dollar ( this makes bookeeping alot easier) then it will not change much from there. The Chinese government is very sensitive to social unrest and wont add to it by free floating which leaves the country at the mercy of currency speculators after all Bush will be out of office in a few years. |
| 43 |
MSN Messenger Virus BR2002 The virus is called Win32.HLLW.Skydevil, it shuts down a most known anti viruses and spyware programs and Ctrl-Alt-Del is disabled. It also shuts down system restore, which is in the procedure which Symantec have said to remove the virus! so anyone got any bright idea im all out. *ps when i say shuts down i mean it closes the program instanly as you open it* Nk |
| 42 |
I Got my U.S. Visa Well I am livid. The US can take their country and their tourism industry and shove it. I have never been as humiliated as when I applied for a visit to my friend in the US. Had I lied on my letter from the curent work i wouldhave been better off. Still - I can now visit the U.K. and meet my friend there - who needs the bloody USA anyway - I'm sick of defending them! |
| 41 |
Night Life in Shanghai You used my quote! Somehow I dont consider working late much of a night life but its true my friends never finish work before 9 PM. I guess I was looking at night life as a visitor/business person. The fact is places like Xintiandi, Heng Shen Lu, Park 97, etc are well outside the affordable price range of most people in the city. So a walk, movie, or window shopping is where most people probably find night life. There is no cultural barrier I think women like shopping no matter what country. My shopping saga with my girlfriend Wei trying to pick out her Christmas present was a complete tour of the shopping centers near the Grand Gateway. After seeing the prices no wonder people like Xiang Yang Market. |
| 40 |
Xujiahui - Night I know the Grand gateway well as I always stay at the Jianguo Hotel which is just up the street. You are right its a beautiful area at night with so many restaurants. Heng Shen Lu a prime night life stop is about a mile up the road. |
| 39 |
Exciting Shanghai Night Life JSW, I will be back in Shanghai next week I will check out the three on the bund. I usually dont go down their for dinner as I usually stay near you in Xu Jia Hua and its a long trip to the Bund. I have not eaten at M but if you want a treat have dinner at the Grand Hyatt 56th floor when its a clear day and you can see the whole city. Its expensive maybe 600 to 800 rmb for two people but for a special occassion its worth it. No comments on Xin Tian Di? Its perhaps one of the nicest places in the city to go in the evening. Dont be suprised to find foreigners about late at night as the night there is our daytime so many people can not sleep early. Shanghai is rivaled only by Tokyo for Nightlife. So many places to go and see and experience. No matter how many times I go each time is better than the previous visit. If you have not visited its a must if you go to China. |
| 38 |
Volunteers Wanted JSW, I would love to help as a Shanghai Expert I have tons of photos and I will be back in Shanghai next month as well. |
| 37 |
Red Restaurant If you are looking for karaoake places there is a cashbox on heng shen lu and Huai hau Lu across the street from maya. Also there is a very large cashbox in Fuxing park. |
| 36 |
Red Restaurant JSW By buddy said the street was closed and I read on shanghaiexpat that the bars were open but no music and there were like 40 police there. Some guy wrote he was beaten up by a gang of young guys. I am not sure its true was wondering if you could find out. |
| 35 |
Red Restaurant JSW I heard Mao Ming Lu was restricted by the police do you know what is up? |
| 34 |
Shanghai Consolidated Guide Night Life Part I I will focus on expat night life first. All of the places have either all or some English speaking employees. If anyone has some places I missed I am always looking to check out new places. I am happy to say Shanghai is back to the City that never sleeps as it was quite depressing post sars last year. Night Life starts at 9 PM anything before that is Happy Hour pretty much and there are literally thousands of pubs with local flavor to check out. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are packed everywhere in Shanghai with Monday Night being the slowest. However every night can be a different adventure. Night Life is not cheap by local standards. If you want to sit by yourself and nurse a beer you can get away with ten dollars in an evening however expect to spend $100 USD or more for a whole night out if you are a single guy and perhaps less if you are a couple. As a girl told me this last trip if you want to play you gotta pay! These are all in downtown Shanghai I have only briefly explored Pu Dong but its a long trip and there are plenty of places in downtown. The best places to go (in my opinion): Part 1 Hengshan Lu Fuxing Park Xiantiandi Part 2 Mao Ming Lu Ju Lu Lu Tongren Road Hengshan Road Hengshan Road has many little pubs that are colorful if you want a drink without the noise. Some come with companions and some not. My favorite place and first stop on Hengshan Road is usually Bourbon Street. Its across from the Real Love Disco which used to be popular with foreigners but no longer its mostly local teens. Bourbon Street usually has a decent live band and dancing, Drinks are reasonable (for expat bars) and there is no cover. If you are lonely the second floor has plenty of rent a companions who will want to be your friend just beware if a women wants to get money and then buy the drinks for you. If you are happy tell the girls you are waiting for your girlfriend and they will leave you alone. The staff is also not high pressure if you tell them you dont want a second drink they will not ask you over and over. Its a relaxed casual place. I usually stay to about 11 unless I meet someone interesting and stay the evening it closes at 3 AM. The band sings almost all songs in English by midnight its packed on the 1st floor. Fuxing Park If you have a girlfriend this is the place you want to go. Both places are pretty upscale and nice and they weed out the working girls. The cost is a bit higher but again if you are having fun and not just drinking you can have dinner and a few drinks for under $100 USD. Both places have cover charges unless you can get in on a VIP list. First is Park 97. Several really good restaurants and then you can dance the night away at either the Califoria Club with DJ or the new popular spot which is upstairs at 97 which has live music. Its all white collar upper income people. However, I prefer Guandi across the way. Guandi has two dance rooms and is very upscale. The service is great and it alot bigger so you have room to breath. They have DJ music with a mello R&B and a faster pace techno/trace room. Xiantiandi In the heart of one of the most upscale areas in Shanghai sits Xiantiandi. Its an outstanding collection of first class restaurants, pubs, and clubs. Its also where you too can pay 70 rmb for a glass of coca cola. However its a nice place to stroll and take a girlfriend or just listen to the live music in all the clubs. I would suggest you try them all over time to see which ones have music that fits your taste. If you liked part 1 let me know and I will push on with part 2 and then cover the best Chinese clubs and KTV's.. |
| 33 |
Shanghai Consolidated Guide JSW, I have been using your site for awhile and you have some of the best info on the city there is. All you lack is a nightlife guide. I see two forms of night life expat night life and Chinese night life. The difference being the places cater to expats so staff speaks english etc. The Chinese night life you definitely need a Chinese friend with you. On my last trip in April my Chinese friends showed me their side and I showed them mine so Shanghai has much to offer especially if you have a Chinese friend. This was probably the most fun I had had ever! If you want me to expand let me know. Nick |
| 32 |
Learn Shanghainese Shanghaiese? Where did you guys create this word? Because China => Chinese? Japan => Japanese? What about America => Americanese? English => Englishinese? France => Francinese? Russia => Russianese?.... |
| 31 |
OOB for Wedding Anniversary Has it been a year already! Have a great vacation... |
| 30 |
FIAT Siena 1.5 HL Pictures JSW, Het Congrats! Nice car. Can you help us understand this process. How much is a car like this in China and it was my understanding to get a license the fees are very high like 20,000 RMB is this so? Nick |
| 29 |
Wow. Shanghai is Snowing Wow!! I just got back from Shanghai it was cold but I would have liked to see the snow fall. My co-worker might get to enjoy it instead! JSW thanks for the great site my company uses your blog for all newbies going to Shanghai as its by far the best for information on the city and events. My next trip is in April so hopefully spring weather will have returned. |
| 28 |
My Big Fat Wedding JWS, Congratulations!!!! You and Wendy look very happy. Glad to be able to get some time to comment. I have been away from Shanghai too long. Nick |
| 27 |
Lost My Passport of P. R. China JSW, I loved your story it is so true to have to deal with the government even here in the USA. There is no desire for service. Although the process to replace your passport is not as nearly involved. I am trying to get computers shipped from Taipei to Shanghai and this already has become a nightmare even with the help of a multinational corporation. Was your company not able to call some boss to smooth the way for you? I found this to be very true in China. Perhaps it might help with your wife (congrats when did you actually get married? I must have missed an article). In 1993 I got married in China. I had the same experience I only had three weeks to have marriage and get everything done. Of course officials said I needed to wait get many stamps and papers etc. Then it occurred to me because this worked at the Chinese consulate in San Francisco. I started to ask if I pay an extra fee can I get this faster. Jian Shuo there is no posting for these fees nothing. But everytime I said that the official said yes and what I needed was done immediately. When we went to actually get the official to issue our marriage papers I brought her flowers and we paid a special fee and she did everything in about 15 minutes which she had stated would be a month. Once I paid the fee she declared this was a special case and processed everything immediately! Stangely enough when I went to get paperwork in the USA some time later they said it would take six weeks I asked can I pay a fee to make it faster and amazing they said yes and for $20 and a fedex envelop I got it in two weeks. Governments are amazing! Try it the worst they can say is no. |
| 26 |
Crime and Beggars in Shanghai JSW thanks for the comments on crime. I agree I see women and kids late at night walking with no problems. I agree with Anya's comments on the beggars. They ruin the enjoyment on the city. They will come up to the taxi door before you get out and follow you. I have had them even try to stick their hands in my pockets to get money. I have no problem being generous but they are never satisfied and it attracts more beggars. I also agree I hate the ones who drag their kids out even to 4 am in the rain running after people for money. I have even had some be disatisfied with the amount of money I gave them! I give credit to the shanghai police normally it is not that severe and the police are good at keeping it under control. I noticed on my last trip that because of the heat the police stayed in their car and did not clear them out as normal. They would drive up everyone would scatter but they would come right back. I think the most problem area is mao ming lu and on nanjin road. I rarely see any on hengshan Lu and never at Xinitandi. The local owners of pubs etc are just as upset I had two times where they came out and hit beggars with newspapers for bothering the customers. I was at the railroad station maybe 1000 people waiting for trains and this little girl well dressed went up and down the rows with a basket collecting money. This girl must be rich! Even my out of work girlfriend gave her money! Couple beggars with the agressive flower selling kids and it gets a headache. Well at least you get a flower they have some ethics. |
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Typical Rush Hours in Shanghai JSW nice photo. When I vist Shanghai I usually stay at the Jinguo hotel which is easy walking to that photo. Its such a nice area with many places to eat and close to Hengshan Leisure Street. Although Caoxi Lu has very bad traffic all day. I think from all the expats I meet in shanghai and the reaction from my coworkers who visited Shanghai in March most people love Shanghai. Would you be able to comment on crime in the city? I read alot its bad in Shanghai. However I always feel very safe. Compared to America it is probably very safe so the perspective is different. The only think that is very bothersome are the beggars. They are very aggressive and will grab you and follow you. When I was in Wuxi one man followed us and would not leave the local people were so embarassed they beat him with newspapers to make him leave me alone! |
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Shanghai is Hot JSW you right! I just returned from two weeks in Shanghai and the last few days were miserable. I remember having breakfast at Bin Fen Tang (on Nanjin Lu across from the Portman very good food and reasonable prices) and even at 3 AM we were soaked in sweat with not a breath of air. I went to the Carnival( very expensive by the way) with my girlfriend and they were charging 1/2 yuan to use water it was so hot. I could be completely dry and 5 minutes outside be soaking wet. Also the air quality was very poor due to much heat and no air circulation. Even most beautiful lady loses some appeal when they are dripping in sweat and their hair is all stuck to there face. Still beautiful lady is beautiful lady and I was happy to see Mao Ming Lu, Xintiandi, and all the other places full of people with no worry for Sars. I took many nice photos of the night life if you would like I could post them to you so others can see the expats way to spend evening. Definitely I will stick to May and October for future trips even cold weather was better than this heat with so much humidity. |
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Living Cost in Shanghai - Part II Shanghai is expensive! At Xintiandi they charged me 45 RMB for a coca cola I thought about it later and that is $5 us dollars! The most I ever paid anywhere for a soda even worse than hotel! Stick to Tiger Beer.served by very pretty Tiger girls! |
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Back From CultureXChina Party JSW, Dont forget it is usually very difficult for Chinese to get a visa to go to other countries particularly the USA. Also the cost for a visa is about 1000 RMB fee plus all paperworks and time. However I agree with some of what you say but lets face it there are alot of very wealthy Chinese people in Shanghai that can easily afford these things. Apartments are being sold for $150,000 USD plus which is more than the cost here in Arizona for a house. At the Department stores the prices for clothes and things are just as expensive as the US and these places are packed with people who seem to have plenty of money to spend. You talked about Xiantandi but the majority people there are local Chinese not foreigners. They easily afford the 45 RMB drinks. I agree you can get by on lower salaries as people do here also but the fact is shanghai has millions of wealthy people who can afford a trip easily. |
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SARS Update in Shanghai JSW, Hey Jianshuo! I am in shanghai and happy to confirm also Sars is over. Everyplace is full with people and the only masks I saw was at a few restaurants. There is no tempaturature taking its back to normal. The humidity is an adjustment as I reside in arizona which is very dry. Mao Ming Lu is very active and I was at New Hong Kong Plaza at Luna and there was so many people it also looks like all the foreigners have returned. Thanks for all your efforts here its good to be back in Shanghai! Nick |
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SARS Update in Shanghai JSW, Have they lifted the temperature taking twice a day? Are the restaurant employees still wearing masks? I will be back in less than two weeks. Looking forward to normal Shanghai. |
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SARS is Over in Shanghai - II I am happy I postponed my trip till July. Shanghai is best when everyone is out having fun and enjoying the city. Go to Mao Ming Lu on Friday night if its full of people then Sars is surely over. |
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Shanghai Hand-Made Map JSW Thanks for the map now we just need to get the street names. So is Xujiahui the best place to live? I am looking at relocating maybe later this year for business and I like that area and its near my girlfriends home. I have spent alot of time in that area what is the romantic appeal say over the Bund or the older parts of the city? |
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Red Restaurant Jian, You can go to Heng Shan Road around nine and leave about midnight and Mao Ming Lu is just waking up. Its more of an After party street. I often frequent Bourbon Street on Heng Shan Road. Also New Hong Kong Plaza has alot of very good restaurants, pubs and live music. Do you have any other places you reccommend? |
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Red Restaurant JSW, I will surely try out the restaurant. Thanks for the photos. You are right Shanghai has one of the most diverse menus of anyplace I have traveled. You can go out every night to a new place and not get tired. Do you or your associates ever go to Mao Ming Lu? I was wondering if things were getting back to normal. There is a pub called Manhatten that is not much to look at but is the most fun and most crowded place on the street. ( Also the best managed). They have a custom if you are a frequent customer you can be immortalized by having your business card pasted to the ceiling. I think this place is pretty famous as its a big expat hang out. If you stop by say hi to Iris, Mickey, and Stella for me. Also please update us on SARs. Also how the city is getting back to life is encouraging. Thanks |
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Tahiti JSW, Thanks! they are ranked #4 of the top agencies I will research and check it out. Yes everyone says Guilin is very pretty. Nick |
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Tahiti JSW, I like your travel comments. Do you have any information on Guilin? Or what are good tour agencies in shanghai that will arrange tours for you. Thanks |
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Flight to Shanghai: A Journey in the Plague Year IV Thanks for this series of articles. I found them extremely informative. I would actually like to see Mr. Irons write about his experiences in Thailand as well. |
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6 SARS Cases in Shanghai For all information from the shanghai City government you c an find it at the following URL in both english and Chinese. http://www.shanghai.gov.cn Clearly the city is upset about the two couples coming from Northern China during the may holiday and having Sars thus the resulting new regulations. I will arrive in Shanghai from the USA in late May and I hope things will be calmer by then. I have read every possible web site from residents, the WHO, CDC, etc and it would appear the situation in Shanghai is good and its more imagination and fear than actual problems that is effecting Shanghai. It is wise for the government to take these precautions to protect the City. An outbreak like beijing has suffered in Shanghai would be devastating to the City and the local economy for a long time. |
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Flight to Shanghai: A Journey in the Plague Year II Thanks for the articles by Mr. Irons. As I will also be traveling in a few weeks this is very good information on what I need to be prepared for. It is my hope things will be under control by the end of this month. I agree with Mr. Irons there is no place like Shanghai. Thanks |
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WHO Reports Shanghai Findings I have looked at many sites to get news for what is actually hyappening in Shanghai daily life and so far this is the best I have seen. I am scheduled to return to Shanghai during June. So far I see that Shanghai has contained Sars is that the overall impression? Are the pubs, clubs and dining spots closed or no business. ON Mao Ming Lu are all the staff wearing masks> Is the night life of shanghai now a forgotten past time. Any viewpoint would be appreciated. |
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SARS Pictures From Beijng and Shanghai Why does someone assume the USA is not doing anything about SARS? Why is the USA the only one that needs to take action? Making a cure to something like Sars takes years not just money. The largest drug company in the world has only just developed a test for Sars and it needs to be checked and that alone takes a year to 18 months. Perhaps you are unaware that the variations in treatment in Hong Kong may have actually killed some people. You can not just randomly inject people with whatever and hope it does not kill them the process to develop vaccines that are both effective and safe is very lengthy. I find this type of naive anti-america rhetoric disturbing and does nothing to foster better relations. I think you will find that China is extremely important to the USA and that I expect both countries to become very close friends over the next decade. |
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Comments on My Daocheng Pictures Jian Shuo, Thanks! Is it true the China airlines are doing a promotion to travel again and over steep discounts on air tickets? I traveled to Cheng Du and spent a month there in 1993 I bet it has changed alot since then. Sichuan is right next to Tibet. Final question where did you learn English so well? |
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Comments on My Daocheng Pictures JWS, These photos and your video are great! Just a nice pick me up for a Friday. Only two weeks till I return to shanghai. I guess you went here as part of a tour? What was the expense per person? I wonder if I could get my five star hotel girlfriend to think about it. |
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Guestbook Dear Summer, I was born in New York City, lived in San Francisco and have spent much time in Shanghai. Shanghai and New York are very similiar. Both have unique histories and much to offer. I prefer Shanghai.. Its safer, cost of living is less, people are more friendly. However, depends if you can get a good job (USD salary), know the language well, and can get used to moving about the city. I love shanghai and I speak very little mandarin and hope to live there so my answer is yes. |
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Hero of Zhang Yi Mou I am happy the reviews are good maybe I can get a DVD at the market as it does not get released till October in the USA. |
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Is English Skill That Important I work for Pearson Education the largest English Language Publisher in the world. I have been to Shanghai to bring english teaching software to Mainland China. My opinions maybe biased however I feel strongly: You can learn other languages without losing your culture. China has been around a long time and the culture has remained in tact. I think people confuse american cultural invasion with the fact that people everywhere want prosperity they want cars, nice homes, good life. Having more prosperity is not an inport of america. We have a developed country and we have all these things. One hundred years or more Europe was the envy and Britain was the ideal before that it was France. English is not the world language because of america. Britain established english in many places of the world during the colonial period. Post WWII American economy and business dealings made English the language of business and commerce. Now English is taught pretty much as a second language. Why? English is simply an easy language to learn. I know many people in Shanghai who are self taught. Something that would be almost impossible with Mandarin. Because of the tonal qualities of Chinese, Japanese and other asian languages it makes it very hard for europeans and americans to speak these languages properly. The romance languages like english, spanish, french etc are very similiar so they can pick up english quickly and we share a common alphabet. The written languages of asia especially china are not aligned with the spoken language making it even more difficult. In asia in particular there are so many numerous dialects which are so different they are like a foreign language to each other. Take cantonese versus mandarin. As stated above english is a simple common format for everyone to be able to communicate with. Does knowing english give you a better life in China. The answer depends on the person. It definitely gives you better work opportunities but its up to the person to seek those opportunities out. This would be especially true in areas where people interface with people in other countries like the big costal cities etc. History has shown people borrow from each other's cultures. I dont thing there is a need to worry the Chinese will all become Americans like some of the phobic comments made above. I do believe that there are many misperceptions about China in the states and in China about America. The bottom line is the more people can communicate with each other the better off we will all be and the safer the world will be. |
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Living Cost in Shanghai You would be suprised how far you can get knowing about twenty words. If you stay in shanghai long enough you almost get a feel for what people are saying without knowing the language. I find only in one on one conversations is it really hard to communicate with a limited vocabulary. However I can shop,go out, do what needs to be done to live every day without the need to be fluent in Mandarin. Again many locals speak shanghainee and not mandarin. Knowing English and some key Mandarin words can get you by pretty well. |
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Stop NET SEND spam Xelent information (Which does the job) on net send. |
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Stop NET SEND spam I am trying to run "run" without using the start menu. Does any one have an idea how do do this. |