Shanghai is one of China's most modern, diverse and cosmopolitan cities. It's also a city with rich cultural and historical heritage. It's the most popular city in China among expats, and the 12th most expensive city in the world (Mercer Cost of Living Index). You will probably love living in Shanghai. But you may also need to do some adjusting. Learn more about the city's interesting past and promising present.
Shanghai history
Having started out as a small fishing village, Shanghai became an important treaty port after the First Opium War and was quickly opened to foreign influence. The city was soon divided into concessions independently administered by the Americans, British, French, etc. Even though there were specifically Chinese residential areas, a lot of people chose to settle in foreign neighborhoods, resulting in a mix of cultures and traditions that has formed Shanghai's signature character. The city became the center of commercial and cultural activity in the country and attracted both foreign investment and migrants from other parts of China.
Today, Shanghai is a colorful blend of glass skyscrapers housing offices of international enterprises and quaint little neighborhoods with authentic tea shops and flea markets.
Shanghai culture
Shanghai is where eastern and western cultural traditions intertwine in China. Here, you will be able to experience the country's age-old traditions alongside bearing witness to large-scale international events; try the local snack called 'stinky tofu' or enjoy a gourmet meal at a Michelin star restaurant; watch the original Shanghai opera or see the sunrise over some of the world's tallest skyscrapers and more.
In China, however, Shanghai is primarily noted for its wide acceptance of western trends, styles, and traditions ' also known as 'haipai' (ocean/overseas culture). The city is home to a large number of foreign corporations and is the country's number one ethnic melting pot for both foreigners and locals.
Shanghai is not only China's commercial hub but also the center for arts and culture. It is always the first city to welcome the latest performances, concerts and shows and is home to the Shanghai Grand Theatre, where some of the biggest international cultural events take place.
Etiquette and traditions in Shanghai
While Shanghai is as international as a Chinese city can get, there are still some unspoken rules to follow in public and certain lifestyle aspects that may be surprising at first.
The Shanghainese deeply value the concept of 'face' ('mianzi' in Chinese). This means that they do their best to avoid public embarrassment — being either on the receiving or causing the side of it. It is, thus, recommended not to poke fun at people in a public setting, not to reply with a direct 'no' (phrases like 'I see' or 'maybe' are preferred), and to do one's best to avoid direct conflict.
Gift giving is another traditionally important part of Chinese culture, and you should be prepared to receive traditional presents (usually cakes or other pastries) for major festivals and events.
Speaking of festivals, they are taken very seriously in China. Some of the country's main holidays include Spring Festival (or Chinese New Year), Moon Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, China National Day, and others. All of the mentioned holidays come with public days off, celebrations and traditional gift giving. Note that most traditional holidays are celebrated in accordance with the Lunar calendar, and their dates shift slightly every year.
Shanghai lifestyle
The first thing that may catch your eye is the extensive use of mobile phones. Most of the city's residents, especially the younger generation, almost never part with their handheld devices. A mobile phone in China, and, especially in a big city like Shanghai, is way more than a means of communication. You can use it to rent shared bikes, pay for all types of purchases and public transportation, order food with just a few taps, and more. Having mobile phones out at business meetings and keeping them on the table during dinner are also common practices.
Then, there is Shanghai's signature rush. The rapid pace of life is a trait shared by most big cities, but Shanghai is notoriously fast. The city is alive 24/7, and you will be able to order takeout and even get a haircut at any time of day and night. As most offices work overtime, so do coffee shops, bakeries, street food stalls, and other vendors. You will see people on the streets starting from as early as four o'clock in the morning, and the hustle doesn't quiet down until late at night.
Shanghai is China's leading city when it comes to career opportunities, and most people come here to make a better living for themselves. Money and money-making, specifically, are important aspects of the city's culture, exaggerated even further by the striking contrast of posh high rises and small traditional lane houses standing side by side. People in Shanghai talk about money a lot, and you should expect questions relating to your salary, rent, expenses, etc., which are not considered rude.
Another city feature that may take one by surprise is that the use of cash is getting to be very rare in Shanghai, as well as the use of bank cards. Almost every transaction, from purchases in a big shopping mall to buying breakfast at a street food stall, can be done via one of the two popular mobile payment platforms: WeChat or AliPay. A WeChat or AliPay account is linked to your bank card, and by scanning the vendor's QR code, you will be able to make the payment in a matter of seconds. You will also find quite a few self-service stores in the city which work based on WeChat and AliPay as well.
Shanghai expat community
Shanghai is the most popular city among expats in China. Foreigners come here for career opportunities, education, relocation via their home companies — and more. It's a city with a lot of western conveniences. Out of all cities in China, Shanghai will probably require the least adjustment on your part. There are plenty of “expat bubbles” across the city where you can retreat if you get overwhelmed. You will also be able to get around with English and basic Chinese in most of the city — so the language barrier shouldn't be as big of an issue as in other cities in China. For more information, check out local expat forums like Shanghai Expats, Shanghai Expats 2022, Foreigners in Shanghai, etc.
Good to know:
Following the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions and lockdowns, many foreigners have left Shanghai. This may be a temporary situation. However, as entry to China is currently limited, foreigners find it very difficult to travel back to the country.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
