One month ago, there’s a topic published on an English website, the topic is below

‘I have an opportunity to live and work in Shanghai for a year. I am very excited, because it seems like the opportunity of a lifetime and a grand adventure. Your thoughts....’

This topic soon followed and commented by lots of expats in Shanghai or who is going to come to Shanghai or have been lived in Shanghai.

Below is the content of their comments about what life will be to live and work in Shanghai. Due to some reason, here I hid the names and replaced by a code. The content are what they tell

Ony Ayne  

 You're right, it is the opportunity of a lifetime and a grand adventure. In my opinion, Shanghai is the most livable city in China. It will be frustrating, ridiculous, absurd, sublime and rewarding. When you go back home after a year you'll have experienced what most of western world can only speculate on -- but can't understand. Jump at the chance, bring the family, enjoy it, suffer through it -- the experience will change you forever

1 month ago

Yes. I agree. It is very different but very rewarding in many ways.

1 month ago

Most people still have wrong perceptions of China, but i guess for you to really go through and experience it yourself, its going to be both a culture shock, as well as a great experience. Whether its good, will depends on how you look at it. I hope you have a great time in Shanghai.

1 month agoTtake the chance if you can. Shanghai gives you a great place to live and a perfect hub location in Asia. I totally agree with Tony about Shanghai's attributes you will go through, but it is really a great opportunity. I was offered it in 2009 and moved to Shanghai in 2010, it was the best step I could have taken. If you have any questions before moving here or to simplify your start, just let me know.

Congrats on your opportunity. Even as the most livable city for foreigners in China, Shanghai is still in many ways a jungle. Just make sure you are prepared for wild ride, then sit back and hold on. Living in China for a year will definitely help you understand the true situation over here...

1 month ago

i moved to Shanghai with my entire family for my dads job at the age of 15 for only 18months, i only packed what i could carry in a 20kg suitcase.. I'm 29 this year and still in Shanghai. wasn't easy, sometimes ridiculous, even unbearable but it is rewarding on many fronts.

1 month ago

Been there almost a year family 1 kid 7 year, great experience. You don't regret, forget everything you learned about management and start all over again, worth doing it

1 month ago

I can only echo the above. At times Shanghai is the most rewarding place I've ever encountered, then the next day it is the most frustrating. It is not for everyone and whilst I think it is the easiest city to live in China, I would still reckon 95% of my friends and family wouldn't be able to live here. Having said that, 95% would enjoy a holiday in the city. You'll meet some of the best people in your lifetime, and above all else, you'll have FUN. Congratulations and hope to see you when you touch down. And be sure to take the Maglev if you are touching down at Pudong!

1 month ago

You're privileged! If it's just 1 year than enjoy every single minute. Shanghai is moving 24/7 and so will you. Experience that you had to be there to see what's really happening and how amazing life can be...!

1 month ago

I am on my 3rd month here in Shanghai and I am loving it more and more!!

1 month ago

I'm heading into my 6th month, I love where I work (location and the company) and I love the area where I live. Most times, I don't particularly care for Shanghai, but I am grateful for the opportunity to be here...

1 month ago

If this will be your first time going to China, then you will love this big city. It represents the financial centre of China. You can actually find anything here in this city; from poor neighbourhoods (awaiting to be destroyed and rebuild one day..) to skyscrapers of 100 floors, from rude and crazy people to smart business people, etc. You can find big differences.You have to prepare yourself mentally and physically; the culture is different from yours and you have to get used to the environment, the people and the food. Though you will only stay in Shanghai for one year, that probably will be enough to experience the most of Shanghai, the bad and the good things. I am in Shanghai for almost 7 years and will be staying here probably my whole life, as I love it here much better than my homeland (the Netherlands).

1 month ago

Congrats, I think it will be a great experience. Coming here is like stepping inside of one of the books of Lewis Carrol, not everybody gets the chance to see Wonderland !!!.

 Welcome

29 days ago

All the above comments are right on the money...I just want to say that as an expat executive you only become truly effective in your job after a few years, normally 2-3 years...most corporations only give 1-2 year contracts...this is a failing on their part...it will take the first 2 years to learn the complex dynamics of all things Chinese, the culture socially and business. Any role takes time here and often times a lot of effort...You are facing a challenge on many fronts...3 -5 year contracts provide better continuity for the expat and the parent corporation...embrace and understand things and plenty will work out very well despite the 1 year timeline...you will love it here and it will be a great life experience..!!! As Kenny McDonald suggests...life here is fast paced...just like the Maglev and on reflection you will think what a ride..!!! Who knows...as with Paul Adams post...you may just extend your stay..!!!

26 days ago

You should come. Everybody is insecure about it, but most of the time is worth it. Good luck!

25 days ago

I am into my 5th year...and the count is still on - Shanghai amazes me!

24 days ago

Shanghai is my motherland. Still has a lots of oppertunities for anyone with ideas. You will love the food there but watch out the water you drink. Stay healty is more than business.

Jon Anderson •  send me your email address and I will get some cross-cultural info to you

This is my 1.5years in Shanghai now. There are even cultural differences among the chinese. The Shanghainess culture is different than the people from the North (Beijing), South(Shenzhen), West(Sichuan).... Quite interesting experience though. As many already said...be prepared for all the shocks and experiences..

23 days ago

 a true story my wife uses to describe cultural differences is:

 one day we were sitting in the Gubei McDonalds having a quick burger and a family walk into the middle of the restaurant and take a seat, after a bit of shuffling we saw them laying newspaper on the floor.. OK maybe the floor wasn't that clean - a bit greasy perhaps. Not thinking too much we started to hear "grunting", those type of noises that a constipated person would make in the toilet, we turn around to see the mother holding the baby over the newspaper and the entire family grunting to get the baby to poop on the paper.. a few pops, burps and splats later one person goes running to the counter to get some napkins as the baby is finished.. the servers turn them over and not bat an eyelid. A few moments later they walk out leaving behind their rubbish. The Irony is that the bathrooms are just around the corner.. i guess that's what McDonalds means to them.

23 days ago

As a city- definetly not as good as Hong Kong, Taipei, Tokyo, or Seoul but it still workable.

 The challenge is what really keeps things interesting.

 Good Luck!

23 days ago

I spent around one year and half in Shanghai but I had to go back to Canada then Dubai exactly one year ago and I still miss Shanghai and China. What amazed me is the friendliness of the Chinese people and their willingness to go out of their way to help a foreigner.

 I had many good experiences with Chinese people of all ages who offered help and friendship without expecting anything in return and I will never forget that. I hope I can go back and live in China forever as I really miss the Chinese people.

 Of course, nothing is perfect and Shanghai as other people here said is has it's own imperfections but it's still a very nice to live.

 Good luck to you.

 Sounds great - but don't forget the rest of China - take time to look nearby. Shanghai is so great in part because it is how the rest of China is not. Try to go in the adjacent provinces, the countryside if you can, and see the contrast - I loved and hated Shanghai - because of the air and the rush and the energy, I wouldn't want to live there, but for 1 year it is worth the experience - but don't think you know Cina if you only know Shanghai. h

22 days ago

Would suggest that you come to Shanghai if you can see yourself developing an career that will be rewarding in ways you are looking for. As a large city in general- it is pretty typical full of many "takers"- that ranging from people with no money to those with more money than can imagine.

 Be sure that you can find people to assist you along the way in Shanghai.

 You are doing the right thing by getting some opinions- though you should probably come check it for a while to see if it is some thing that you are looking to do.

22 days ago

Shanghai is a very big city. Check out how different one Shanghai neighborhood is from the next. Exciting and high paced, but you may want to chill out from time to time. At least I do every time I stay in Shanghai. Try the parks in the morning. Get out to Hangzhou, Suzhou or even Shuangshan Dao in Zhangjiagang for some fresh air and real greenery. I liked Shuangshan Dao so much I moved out permanently, so I walk my talk. China is more than just city and competitive fashionwear. Every successful city is a sum of the closeness of its neighborhoods and the freshness of the regional getaways.

22 days ago

 I saw your msg, i just want to say something about it, it is disgusting for what these people doing, and a lot of people would say or think the same way if they see it, but if someone would tell them where the loo is as some people just do not have the subconsciousness for this kind of thing. Actually it is not in McDonald, you may see this kind of thing on the street just like people who doing spit which I hate very much.

 Anyway, thanks Paul to speak out, I do hate that kind of thing as well but I would understand these mothers.

 Have fun and spot more interesting things in China, specially in food. Some foreign colleagues asked me why you guys need to eat "pig's ear" or "pig's tail", I did not know the answer, but I got the answer from my Nan, she said they were so poor that they had to make great use of the meat, and cook in all kinds of decilious ways, wyes, that's right, now this makes a lot of sense for me to answer the question.

 Another thing is that, if you see or hear some ugly things around you (maybe still happen in your country.), please show up your respect, and patient, it is just the experience like everybody travels in any other countries.

22 days ago

Thanks. I love Pig's Ear for lunch, thinly sliced and slowly cooked in that sauce.. i think it's the crunch that i enjoy the most, goes very well with with a little La Jaio Jiang, goes well with dumplings, my Favourite ones are in Zhe Jiang province around Qian Dao Hu i think it's the sauce that really makes it, mmm, i'm getting hungry now.

 If someone asks me why i like Fish head, pigs ears, jellyfish (yummy), chicken heart, stinky tofu - all i can say is try it once.. i dont like pi dan but atleast i tried it.

22 days ago

 Shanghai to me has been "random", in fact, most densely populated cities in China are. Unregulated, huge gaps in wealth, polluted, overpopulated, repetitive, unoriginal. Yet, if you're controlled mentally and have self control then I believe you can thrive and be successful and have an awesome wild ride. Have been here 7 years from Australia (where I was born), Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai and have done most of everything one could do - have hated them all and loved them all. No regrets though. 7 years in a major Chinese city is like 21 anywhere else. Still here, still wondering about the day I'll take that last flight home.

18 days ago

 Hi my husband got transferred to Shanghai about 2 months back and I joined him here. I simply love the city and learning Mandarin.. but I have been unable to secure a job here. I have more than 8 years of experience in food industry south Asia but still no luck.. any hints at what might work???

18 days ago

Learn Mandarin as fast as you can. X-pats are becoming increasingly out-of-favor in more and more professions where locals are picking up on western practices (or have been western educated) and the pay difference is that substantial that it goes without saying locals are becoming the preference over an X-pat that is demanding a higher income, housing, expenses etc. If you're willing to work for a local salary then I'm sure there's something out there for you.....just don't have that high of an expectation. Shanghai is one of the fastest growing cities globally, competition for well paying jobs is fierce. But if you're a western born / educated foreigner with fluent written and spoken mandarin...you'll have no issues getting a nice plumb job. I read a recent article from a website back home which basically said "if you have knowledge of the construction industry, can read and write Chinese, you could be a millionaire in China !!". Language skills are paramount now.

18 days ago

Don't worry about the culture shock - Kingston downtown was a culture shock -

 Then I went to the poor area of Manila - that surpassed Jamaica in deprivation...

 Modern 'Metro' China is different only in its history and lack of knowledge

 about the west (For ordinary Chinese). I still occasionally get stared at,

 and I have been here for almost 5 years (I came for 2/3.)

 All the above are right. In the main - todays wide eyed young executives

 are proud of there New China, with most people being very, very polite. If you look beyond that surface, the 'past' ideals, mild propaganda and old stereotypes,

 can be evident but some things take a little longer...

 Enjoy the sights and make the most of what will seem, a very short year.

 Local People Worldwide

18 days ago

You will discover the world which is very different from what you learn on TV! I think you will like it. And if you need any Language help or Chinese lesson, please feel free to let me know or contact Mandarin City!

17 days ago

 You'll love Shanghai! But be prepared for the public toilets.......flush to the floor - what a surprise. :)

16 days ago

 I just completed a 1 year expat assignment in Shanghai. Very rewarding from a personal level and career wise. Higly recommended. Msg me if you are looking for specific information.

16 days ago

 just do it :)

 i had the same opportunity and i am still in China

 now i am also married to a great chinese girl :)

 if you need more information about life in china just let me know

16 days ago

Currently on my 6th year of my 2 year secondment (it's never just 1 / 2 years...) and still loving every minute.

 It's a bit of a culture shock at first but give it a month or so, I don't think I've met a single person who regretted the move out here!

12 days ago

Just moved to Shanghai from Sydney. Shanghai was one of my hometowns where my best skill social skill learnt from there was how to complain.

 I thought the different between Shanghai and other cities of China is that how to handle the complaints. In most cases, in Shanghai, if your are right and you do not complain, people would think you are an idiot. But if you do the same in other part of China, things would be different: You jeopardise yourself to be a target of personal revenge by a network officials whoever are the targets of your complaint. So congratulations, we are living in a city of complaint, a city that handles the largest volum of complaints in the world.

I will move to Shanghai next september with my family. Thanks for every comment you have posted here.

8 days ago

 I've been in China for only 2 years and only 1year in Shanghai this June, and I am not planning to leave it!

 First of all, the working life is awesome... they give you real responsibilities and you meet very interesting people coming from anywhere in this small world.

 Beside this, your life is just exciting, you can get anything at anytime, and you will never be tired of visiting. It's like you can see so many different places, and sightseeing.

 However! nothing can be that great. always a bad side somewhere. If you are talkative and like to spend time talking with your Chinese colleagues you might be frustrated that they don't understand your jokes...

 When the cute girl you are admiring is making a grunting sounds to spit in front of you ~~

 Or the stinky taxi driver who will scream at you : 去哪？？？？ and you will show the address and he will say that he can't read it! then you have to go off, you wet your shoes because it's raining out there and finally have to walk to the subway... (my experience)

 But after all, we, expats here in Shanghai, we still love this wonderful city.

 When are you planning to come?

 Welcome here!

8 days ago

 Thats a great description for the city!! I have been to Shanghai a few times and I am now moving there (next month) for a few years with my husband.. extremely excited!!!

8 days ago

 I moved my family to Shanghai almost 7 years ago because I wanted my daughter (1yr old at the time) to be exposed to a different culture, and our son was born here and almost 4yrs old. Yes, it's an amazing city to experience and things move at warp speed over here (only 2 subway lines a few years ago and now over 11). I do recommend you have the chance to experience China countryside and 2nd/3rd tier cities also, a big difference from tier 1 cities like Shanghai and Beijing. I've been blessed to experience all the changes of China since 1981 when I first moved out here, and it sure is a wild ride!

 Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.

 - Carl Gustav Jung

 "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of

 arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but

 rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, strawberries

 in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and

 screaming "WOO HOO - what a ride!"

8 days ago

 Ok since most has already been said I will try to bring something else to the discussion. Even though I have only been here for a few years (compared to a lifetime for some of the people who wrote here) I think what strikes me the most about Shanghai is that it is a city where literally EVERYTHING is possible and almost everything can be bought. Now this might sound wonderful (and it is) but it can also be a trap as everything good can happen but also everything bad. So basically this place can both be a dream and a nightmare (often a bit of both at the same time). If you do not know what you want and you do not have a strong will, do not come to Shanghai as it is very easy to fall (easy access to women, power, luxury,... is not something everyone can manage on the long run and I have seen many people fall prey to it). On the other hand if you know what you want, you will find no better place to make your dreams come true (Shanghai is said to be the city where you have the highest chance of becoming a millionaire in the world). But careful with your family as the same warning apply (your kids for example will see their purchasing power multiplied by 3 to 5 which will allow them to get their hands on many things). Anyway welcome to Shanghai as I believe your decision is probably already made :)

2 days ago

 Watch out for water, i am on 7 months now, almost settled, yet still feels it has more than i anticipated. Also be carefull of the stuffs you buy, it will not stay long. If you are struggling with the language then the best place you can stay is in Biyun Road Pudong, you will find expats all around. and Everyone speaks english. But definately shanghai has lots to offer. Welcome to shanghai ...Congratulation. Cheers..

2 days ago

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