The Commercial Side of Shanghai

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The city of Shanghai has many contrasts, from the French area, to the old town, to the ultra modern skyscrapers, to the ex pat living areas, and the very commercial parts that exist here in China as they do in any large city.

There is a large international community living here, which is to be expected of a city this size. Many many nationalities are represented, with many of these expats living in one or two areas of the city with more western supermarkets, shops and food outlets. There are private international schools and universities, tree-lined streets, soccer fields, and wonderful looking apartments, which are behind high walls and with, armed guards on the gate.

Some of these communities have their Christmas lights on display and at Carrefour which is the French International supermarket chain, you have the pleasure of listening to Christmas carols played at full volume across the whole complex in Chinese. Jingle Bells, Silent Night, and all the usual favourites.

Today when I went shopping there I got treated to “Oh Susanna”, “Edelweiss” and other evergreen favourite tunes all in Chinese.

Carrefour is our one and only outlet to buy what we consider to be normal bread. Chinese bread is white, sweet and as light as air. Most of us Westerners prefer a more heavier, denser loaf so this supermarket chain seems to be the only place to stock it. Blocks of cheese, breakfast cereals and butter are also needing to be purchased there, but most other products can be brought from the local supermarkets including fresh milk and yoghurt, as well as the other bits and pieces you need in day to day life.

Amongst all this commercialism are little parks beside the high rises, important green places for apartment dwellers to come when they want to enjoy nature. These parks are highly stylized and manicured, with each and every leaf just so.

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Photos

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Carrefour supermarket and other shops which are 9 kms from the uni

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the line of taxis waiting to take shoppers home

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ultra modern architecture in the new areas is common

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a busy little restaurant and bar overlooking the sports fields in the expat area

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This area is called Green city, and it name is reflected in the walled and gated communities housing the foreigners

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Leafy tree lined streets

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One fo the exclusive residential areas

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almost a cafe culture happening with all the usual pleasures to be had in a large city ie massages

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A board promoting a new housing area, note the wording

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There's a catholic church in this area with regular masses both in English and Mandarin

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Large hotels of all the usual chains are here also

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So many apartments

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the usual commercial places, coffee here is 28Y which is around $7 Aus, but a bowl of noodles from a street stall is 4Y

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The western fast food places are popular with the young kids and teenagers and is causing some problems with fitness and health

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Little well ordered parks are everywhere