Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Suburban Shanghai malls often feature a surprising variety of Western restaurants, making dining options diverse even outside the city center. (0:21)
- Tip 2Malls in China commonly have dedicated areas with rides and entertainment for children, especially in the evenings, creating a lively atmosphere. (1:13)
- Tip 3Many public spaces in China, including mall courtyards, are utilized for activities like dancing, roller skating, and skateboarding in the evenings. (2:30)
- Tip 424-hour spas are a common amenity found throughout China, offering convenient relaxation services at any time. (3:27)
- Tip 5Living in a functioning shopping mall is possible in China, with some malls repurposing upper floors into apartments while maintaining retail operations. (5:04)
- Tip 6Picking up packages in large malls often involves designated areas with clear signage for different courier services, accessible via multiple entrances. (7:00)
- Tip 7Facial recognition technology is increasingly used for access control in residential areas within China, streamlining entry for registered residents. (8:01)
- Tip 8Due to limited space in some apartment units, it's common to see residents storing shoes, luggage, and even small furniture items in the hallways outside their doors. (9:13)
- Tip 9Newer apartment complexes in China often include communal gyms and workspaces for residents, enhancing the living experience. (10:15)
- Tip 10Keyless entry systems, such as six-digit codes, are frequently used for apartment doors in modern Chinese residences. (12:10)
- Tip 11A common feature in Chinese apartments is a designated area near the entrance for removing shoes, similar to Japanese genkan. (12:37)
- Tip 12Apartments in China often come with built-in kitchen appliances like induction hobs and ample cupboard space, a valuable feature for residents. (13:11)
- Tip 13Affordable pet supplies, including cat trees and food, are readily available, making it easier for pet owners to furnish their homes. (15:04)
- Tip 14Built-in beds with mattresses and extensive wardrobe space are common features in Chinese apartments, maximizing room utility. (16:05)
- Tip 15Some modern bathrooms include integrated heating systems linked to the extractor fan, providing warmth during colder months. (17:34)
- Tip 16Apartments, especially larger ones, may feature smart locks on individual bedrooms, suggesting a potential for shared living arrangements. (18:14)
- Tip 17Lack of air conditioning in smaller rooms can lead to warmth during summer, a factor to consider when choosing accommodation. (20:51)
- Tip 18Proximity to metro stations significantly enhances convenience for commuting in large Chinese cities like Shanghai. (21:01)
- Tip 19Renting a three-bedroom apartment in Shanghai suburbs can be surprisingly affordable, especially when compared to Western cities, offering significant value for space. (21:12)
- Tip 20Navigating moves and local services in China can be challenging without fluent language skills; seeking help from local friends or using translation apps is advisable. (22:25)
Always Away gives an exclusive tour of their apartment, uniquely situated within a bustling shopping mall on Shanghai's outskirts. Discover the surprising abundance of Western eateries, the mall's evolving nature as both a retail space and residence, and the clever ways residents maximize limited hallway storage. Experience the practicalities of parcel collection, the convenience of communal amenities like gyms and workspaces, and the cozy charm of their three-bedroom home, complete with rescue cats and stunning city views. This glimpse into suburban Shanghai living reveals affordability and a unique lifestyle.
More about the current video:( 8 / 8 )
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.
The video concludes with the hosts preparing for their move, showcasing a new wheeled cat carrier designed for easier transport of their pets, a testament to their adaptability and resourcefulness in navigating life in Shanghai.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What's it like living in a shopping mall in Shanghai?
- A: It's quite unique! We have access to lots of restaurants and amenities right on our doorstep, though some parts of the mall are still under renovation.
- Q: Are there many Western restaurants in the suburbs of Shanghai?
- A: Surprisingly, yes! Even though we're in the outskirts, we have places like Papa John's, Popeye's, McDonald's, and Starbucks nearby.
- Q: How do you receive packages when living in a mall apartment?
- A: There are specific parcel pickup areas at different entrances (A, B, C) within the mall, and some entrances even use facial recognition for access.
- Q: Is there much storage space in these mall apartments?
- A: While the apartments themselves have good storage, the hallways are often used by residents to store shoes, suitcases, and other items due to limited space inside.
- Q: What are the communal facilities like?
- A: Many newer apartments offer communal gyms and workspaces. We also have a communal lounge area where people have organized movie nights and craft groups.
- Q: How do you get around from the suburbs?
- A: We're about a 10-minute walk to the metro, which makes commuting to the city center feasible, taking about an hour.
- Q: What is the rent like for a three-bedroom apartment here?
- A: It's around 9,000 to 12,000 RMB per month, which is roughly $1,000 USD. We find it quite affordable for the size, especially compared to the UK.
- Q: Do the apartments come furnished?
- A: Yes, some furniture is provided, like a sofa and dining set, though we found the sofa uncomfortable. Beds and mattresses are also included.
- Q: What are the cats like?
- A: We rescued two brothers, Georgie and Albi. They are very sweet and easy cats, and the apartment is quite cat-friendly with space for a cat tree.
- Q: What's the bathroom like?
- A: It's like a wet room with a big shower that gets very hot. There's also a control panel for the extractor fan and a heating unit above the shower, which is great in winter.
