Shanghai’s Little Surprises: What Western Tourists Notice First
At first glance, Shanghai might remind visitors of other international cities like New York or London. But stay a little longer, and you’ll quickly pick up on Chinese culture, on the small, surprising cultural differences that make Shanghai utterly unique. Rarely somebody speaks about these, however. So, below there is a list of what Western travellers always notice—and learn to love—when coming to Shanghai, but rarely speak about these experiences. You could discuss them with your online Chinese teacher or a friend! See what they think!
A City So Clean It Feels Unbelievable
One of the first things visitors realize is just how incredibly clean Shanghai is. For a city home to over 24 million people, it is impressively well-maintained. Unlike many Western cities where trash bins overflow and cigarette butts litter the sidewalks, Shanghai takes cleanliness seriously. Literally, you may not even find a cigarette thrown on the ground here. Sanitation workers are stationed at nearly every block, and public restrooms are kept in shockingly good condition. What’s even more surprising? You’ll rarely see anyone littering. It’s almost an unspoken rule—people instinctively respect public spaces. If you do happen to drop something, don’t be surprised if a local subtly gestures for you to pick it up.
Wait… Motorcycles on the Sidewalks?!
But one thing that throws visitors off almost immediately is the way motorcycles and electric scooters casually ride on sidewalks. In most Western cities, sidewalks are strictly for pedestrians, but in Shanghai, even though technically not allowed, it has made its ways into a form of “civil law”, where scooters drive on sidewalks with impressive agility, accepted. Since most of them are silent electric bikes, you often won’t hear them coming until they zip past you. At first, this can feel chaotic, but locals are so accustomed to it that they instinctively move aside. There’s a certain rhythm to it, and once you learn to step out of the way just in time, it almost feels normal.
Your Phone is Your Everything
Another thing that feels futuristic to visitors is how your phone becomes your everything. Shanghai has taken cashless living to the next level. Whether you're paying for coffee, ordering food, renting a bike, or checking out at a convenience store, it’s all done with a simple scan of a QR code using apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay. Even small food stalls and street vendors only accept mobile payments. Public transport is just as easy—no need for paper tickets or metro cards when you can scan your phone to enter the subway. For tourists, this is both incredibly convenient and slightly frustrating because without a Chinese bank account, setting up mobile payments can be tricky. Many visitors find themselves scrambling to find cash in a city where even beggars sometimes carry QR codes for donations.
Metro Security & Thoughtful Details
Speaking of the metro, one thing that surprises almost every visitor is that you must put your bags through an X-ray scanner before entering the subway. These security checks are quick and routine, but they are something Western tourists aren’t used to outside of airports. It might seem like a hassle at first, but once you realize it’s just another small part of keeping the city safe, it becomes second nature. Another thoughtful detail? On rainy days, metro stations roll out large carpets at entrances so people can dry their shoes before stepping inside. It’s a simple but brilliant solution to prevent slippery floors and keep the metro stations clean.
Locals are Super Helpful— Better If You Speak Some Chinese
Despite the size of the city, one of Shanghai’s most endearing traits is how helpful locals can be. If you ever get lost, people are often more than happy to point you in the right direction. Some will even walk with you until you find your destination! However, there’s a small catch—English isn’t widely spoken, especially among older generations. To learn Mandarin online in advance may be a good idea. While younger professionals might understand basic English, the experience is much smoother if you know a little bit of Mandarin. Even simple phrases like “你好 (nǐ hǎo)” for hello and “谢谢 (xièxiè)” for thank you can make a huge difference in interactions. Locals appreciate the effort, and it often leads to even warmer interactions.
Dining Culture: Sharing is Everything
One of the biggest cultural differences tourists notice in Shanghai is how food is shared. In Western culture, people usually have their own individual plates, but in China, eating is a communal experience. Dishes are placed in the center of the table for everyone to take from, and it’s completely normal for friends, colleagues, or even acquaintances to offer you a bite of whatever they’re eating. This practice isn’t limited to just restaurant meals—even if someone is eating a fruit or a snack, they might instinctively share some with you. The polite thing to do? Return the favor. If someone hands you a slice of their apple, offer them a bite of your orange. If you’re eating a bag of chips, pass it around. It’s a simple but meaningful way of building social connections in China.
Chopsticks Mastery: A Must-Have Skill
Of course, being able to eat with chopsticks is somehow a must, and this is where many tourists struggle. Unlike in the West, where forks and knives are standard, chopsticks are the primary utensils in Shanghai. If you’re not skilled with them, you might find yourself dropping food back onto the plate or fumbling to pick up a single grain of rice. Locals usually find this amusing but will appreciate the effort. Some restaurants may offer forks, but it’s far more convenient and respectful to practice using chopsticks before your trip. Plus, once you get the hang of it, it’s actually quite fun!
