Shanghai Travel: Living Like a Local & Beyond Usual Activities

I moved and was surprised

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation:24.9 million
I moved and was surprised
Mo Zhu2024-12-2611 min

Heyyy ! I’ve been living in Shanghai for 4 months now! From feeling uncertain at first to slowly starting to really know this place. Today, I want to share my thoughts about it.

I'm an IELTS teacher and media professional with years of cross-cultural work, tour guide and expo translating etc. I provide travel and exploration tips and information, as well as local survival guides with cultural and lifestyle consulting and local support services.

Follow my camera! City walk in Shanghai like a local in 2025. What to Do in Shanghai Beyond the Usual Activities in 2025. Why does the tea here cost $300/kg? Exploring Food, Culture & History in Sichuan (Must-See Route!).

--- Mo Zhu
December 26, 2024, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00how do I feel about Shanghai
  2. 0:40point 1
  3. 3:40point2
  4. 6:22point 3
  5. 8:17point 4
  6. 9:04why

Mo Zhu moves to Shanghai and becomes increasingly fond of the city, yet recognizes the distractions and endless opportunities that come with such a global hub.她

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Explore diverse neighborhoods in Shanghai, from historic concessions to modern districts, for authentic cafes and creative spaces. (03:00)
  2. Tip 2Sample international cuisines in expat-run restaurants and visit international supermarkets for hard-to-find ingredients. (05:40)
  3. Tip 3Pace yourself in a city with endless events; pick one or two activities weekly to maintain focus and balance. (07:40)

Mo Zhu used to dislike Shanghai but four months into living there she has grown to love the city, while also acknowledging that the love might not last. She dives into a nuanced view of Shanghai, moving beyond the surface of modern infrastructure to discuss the city’s spiritual and cultural levels. She notes an increasingly inclusive attitude toward animals and a more flexible Living Style where traditional life paths are no longer a necessity. She explains how Shanghai’s global, cosmopolitan vibe supports a freelance lifestyle, offers high hourly pay, and hosts a thriving scene for food, art, and nightlife. The city’s international character is highlighted through foreign communities, diverse events, and accessible experiences that range from themed parties to Christmas markets, all contributing to a vibrant, sometimes overwhelming energy. Mo reflects on how the abundance of opportunities and distractions can dilute focus and blur career goals. She observes a dating culture that is s

More about the current video:( 5 / 12 )

I moved and was surprised

Mo Zhu moves to Shanghai and, after an initial distaste, grows to love the city for its blend of modernity and culture. She highlights Shanghai’s inclusivity toward animals, its flexible, self-directed living styles, and a thriving freelance economy that lets her balance teaching with content creation. The internationally oriented scene, diverse nightlife, and foreign communities create a cosmopolitan atmosphere that feels almost intoxicating yet overwhelming at times. She notes the abundance of cultural activities, from art exhibitions to music and seasonal markets, which can be both inspiring and exhausting. The city offers endless culinary options, including Western-influenced and international cuisines, supported by global supermarkets. She also touches on personal growth, therapy, and a desire to keep evolving while living in China. Mo hopes to share more about self-love and China, inviting viewers to subscribe and explore a free China travel guide. The video closes with a sense of gratitude and anticipation for future chapters in her Shanghai journey.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: Is Shanghai truly international?
A: Yes, the city feels cosmopolitan with foreign communities, diverse events, and languages heard everywhere, making it feel like a global hub rather than a single-city experience.

Shanghai Travel: Living Like a Local & Beyond Usual Activities

Heyyy ! I’ve been living in Shanghai for 4 months now! From feeling uncertain at first to slowly starting to really know this place. Today, I want to share my thoughts about it. Feel free to download my new 💫FREE 💫China Travel Guide!! And more tailored guides and solutions about China🌏" 00:00...

Shanghai life beyond the usual: modernity, culture, and how to thrive

Mo Zhu shares her four-month journey in Shanghai, moving from initial uncertainty to a deep appreciation for the city. This vlog offers an insider's look at what it's truly like to live in Shanghai, moving beyond typical tourist experiences. Discover the nuances of daily life, hidden gems, and personal reflections that paint a vivid picture of this dynamic metropolis. Get ready to see Shanghai through the eyes of someone who has truly settled in and fallen in love with its charm and energy.

Attractions in this video: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, French Concession