Discover the Local Lifestyle of Shanghai

Shanghai has come far from its humble fishing village roots, and today, the Shanghai lifestyle is an inspired mixture of traditional customs, delicious food, and fabulous nightlife, all set against a backdrop of ultra-modern skyscrapers and traditional Shanghai architecture.

The fusion of old and new styles is one of the key things that makes Shanghai so unique, and you can see this dynamic blend in the city's culture and lifestyle. Once you peel back the curtain from your more standard tourist experiences, you'll be able to truly see how local people live.

Daily Life of Locals

Understanding the daily lives and routines of local people is one of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in Shanghai's exciting lifestyle.

Shanghai Elders

Shanghai elder people love to play chess games

Shanghai's elderly population stays active by visiting parks like People's Square to practice morning exercises, including tai chi, an ancient Chinese martial art. You'll also often see them doing local or Western-style dances in the park. Strolling through one of Shanghai's many beautiful parks with a morning coffee is an excellent way to interact with the city's elders in this peaceful environment.

Shanghai Youths

A glance of Xintiandi

Youth culture is essential to Shanghai's lifestyle and often involves managing work, fun, and social activities. Hard work and hard play seem like the mandate for Shanghai's energetic younger generation, and you'll find them in hot nightlife destinations like Xintiandi, Hengshen, the Bund, and Julu. Middle Huaihai Road and Changle Road are full of youth-oriented bars, perfect for mingling with local youth after the workday concludes.

Living Costs

The bilingual PIS at a Shanghai Metro station

A one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the city center costs 6,975 RMB, or $931, but local people can find more cost-effective accommodations on the outskirts, where they'll pay an average of 3,742 RMB, or $516.

Transportation is fairly inexpensive, with one-way metro tickets costing 4 RMB, or $0.55, and a monthly pass costing 250 RMB, or $34.48. Depending on the length of your stay, you might want to do as the locals do and purchase a multiple-trip pass to take advantage of Shanghai's robust and speedy transportation system. We can help you work out a plan for your needs and budget.

Dining out is a major part of Shanghai's lifestyle, and locals and tourists alike can find delicious options for 30 RMB or $4.14 at an inexpensive restaurant. Domestic beer is affordable, too, with a half-liter costing just 10 RMB or $1.38.

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Local Food Culture

Delicious food in Shanghai

When in Shanghai, it's advisable to try all the glorious food on offer. From street food to higher-end restaurants, there's truly something for every budget and taste. Local markets like the Yuyuan Bazaar are fantastic places to sample local staples, and traditional restaurants like Din Tai Fung and Jia Jia Tang Bao offer succulent traditional dumplings that you won't get anywhere else in the world. You can also enjoy traditional Shanghai cuisine at places like the Zun Pin Shao Cai Gong Fang Restaurant and the Maylinge Restaurant, where you can feast on exquisite delights like braised yellow croaker with potherb mustard.

Of course, you don't need to head inside to sample some of the culinary wonders Shanghai offers. Street foods like sheng jian and ci fan are easy, portable snacks to fuel you up nicely. Other dishes that you must try for the full Shanghai experience include xiaolongbao, steamed buns filled with delicious meat with zesty ginger sauce for dipping, and New Year cake with pork chops. These innovative treats feature glutinous rice filled with tender pork, and you can find them at the Xiandelai and Xiaochangzhou Confectionary Branch Stores.

Pear candy is another unique Shanghai treat, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. This candy does double duty: It acts as a soothing medicine to treat asthma and couches and is deliciously sweet enough to be enjoyed for the sheer fun of it.

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Traditional Customs and Festivals

Chinese tea sold in Shanghai

Traditional customs and festivals are integral to Shanghai's lifestyle, balancing elements of ancient Chinese culture with global influences. Festivals include the Chinese New Year, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Moon Festival. Visitors are welcome to partake in the fun.

Coffee and tea are two staple beverages in Shanghai. Coffee culture is a more recent development that blossomed in the 1990s. Today, trendy cafes like Cafe Liang and Baker & Spice dot the city, and the younger generation enjoys their designer coffees and baked goods.

Chinese tea culture is steeped in the culture, quite literally. Initially, tea was seen as a medicinal beverage but quickly became fashionable in the 18th century, when Shanghai residents started drinking it for pleasure.

Calligraphy is another essential part of the Shanghai lifestyle, and you'll find both older and modern representations of this iconic art form throughout the city's streets, gardens, and museums. Pingtan is a special version of Chinese storytelling that hinges on a one-person performance and generally details the lives of some of China's pivotal historical or cultural figures, and Shanghai Opera is an interplay of song and dance that you won't soon forget. Familiarizing yourself with Shanghai's unique culture, art, and traditions will certainly enhance your experience in the city.

Public Transportation and Mobility

Public bikes in Shanghai

Shanghai is an ultra-modern city, and its transportation system certainly reflects its international prestige. Locals travel by MoBike, an easy bike-sharing option that starts at just 1 RMB, or $0.14. You can also use Didi Chuxing, Shanghai's answer to Uber, to book easy transportation that starts at 14 RMB, or $1.93, or use the metro or bus lines.

Shanghai has a comprehensive metro and bus system where you can buy single or multi-day passes at either the ticket machines or manned service counters, and many stations have information in both Mandarin and English, so it's easy to navigate.

Embrace Shanghai Lifestyle

Shanghai is one of the most fascinating cities on the planet, with deep roots and modern flair. At China Odyssey Tours, we can help you enjoy a fully authentic experience by diving into local culture. Email us at trip@odynovotours.com to get started on your personalized itinerary today.