This video offers an intimate look into the unique living situation of Always Away, who resides in an apartment within a shopping mall on the outskirts of Shanghai, China. The tour begins by showcasing the vibrant external environment of the mall, highlighting the abundance of Western restaurants like Papa John's, Popeye's, Pizza Hut, McDonald's, Subway, and Starbucks, a surprising find given their suburban location.
The mall itself is a hub of activity, featuring a Family Mart conveniently located near their apartment entrance, areas for roller skating, a basketball court, and a dedicated section for children's rides that comes alive in the evenings. Inside, the mall is undergoing renovations, with new restaurants and a food court gradually opening. The hosts note the affordability of dining out in this area and the common practice of evening dancing.
A particularly interesting aspect is the mall's transformation: it was initially closed and converted into apartments, but due to renewed demand, it has reopened as a fully functioning shopping center. This dual nature means residents live amidst ongoing retail development.
The video delves into the practicalities of living in such a unique space, detailing the parcel pickup system with multiple entrances (A, B, and C) and the use of facial recognition for entry. The long hallways, a consequence of the mall's vastness and the conversion of space into smaller apartment units, are a notable feature. Residents often store personal items like shoes, vacuum cleaners, and even small desks outside their doors due to limited indoor space.
Inside their three-bedroom apartment, the hosts reveal a surprisingly spacious living area, a functional kitchen with ample cupboard space and a built-in induction hob, and a communal workspace. They've adopted two rescue cats, Georgie and Albi, and have furnished their space with a cat tree and a comfortable king-size bed, though they note the provided sofa isn't ideal. The apartment boasts significant storage, including built-in wardrobes and cupboards, and large windows offering views of the distant Shanghai skyline.
The bathroom features a spacious walk-in shower with a unique heating system for colder months. The master bedroom, also equipped with a smart lock, offers similar storage to the downstairs rooms, while the third bedroom lacks wardrobe space. The study, though small, provides a quiet workspace with ample shelving. The apartment's rental cost of 9,000-12,000 RMB (approx. $1,000 USD) per month is highlighted as affordable for its size, especially compared to the UK.
