15 signs you're not gonna make it in Shanghai

Unsplash: Benjamin Patin

As far as we're concerned, Shanghai is the greatest city in the world, but we'll begrudgingly admit that it isn't everyone's cup of tea. Some aspects of life here can be difficult and while they should be embraced as part of the Shanghai experience, some people just can't handle it. Here are the telltale signs that maybe you're not gonna make it here.

1. You're constantly complaining about the weather

'It's too hot, it's too smoggy, it's raining again, why is it so cold?' Shanghai's weather is far from ideal – if you're not soaked with sweat you're probably soaked with rain. But that's just part of the Shanghai charm.

2. You like personal space

If you get a bit stressed in a lift or during your morning commute on the metro, there's not much we can do for you. We highly recommend avoiding Yu Gardens and The Bund during the holidays...

3. Your selfie game is weak

Best get working on those Moments/Insta friendly angles.

4. You hate bikes, cycling and cyclists

Pretty much everyone you know here is a cyclist, so you'll have to change your tune.

5. You love using cash

Well, that's going to have to stop immediately.

6. You like cooking

It just doesn't make sense slaving away in the kitchen when you can get almost any meal delivered straight to your door.

7. You don't like having roommates

Tough. Get used to people drinking your milk and leaving hair in the sink.

8. Brunch isn't for you

What is wrong with you? It's not quite breakfast and it's not quite lunch and there's free-flow booze!

9. You hate using a mobile phone and prefer communicating with people in person

Sorry, but WeChat rules here. Living without it just doesn't work.

10. You're not a fan of cocktails and fancy rooftop bars

Your Friday nights must suck. We've got word class cocktails and roof terraces in abundance.

11. You never want to meet a DJ

One in three people in Shanghai are DJs, that's a fact...

12. You still don't know how to eat Xiaolongbao properly

Although there's still time to learn:

https://v.qq.com/txp/iframe/player.html?vid=o03902e4izh&width=500&height=375&auto=0

13. You don't understand the concept of soft restaurant openings

To be fair, nobody does.

14. You hate to haggle

A trip to any market will prove whether you can hack it or not.

15. WeChat stickers don't appeal to you

You're a monster.

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