Job Discussion Forums

[mount real]

Hey hey, tryin to decide between Beijing and Shanghai to work, wonder what your experiences have been with both. I've been to Beijing for a week holiday and it was awesome, just wonderin if Shanghai is even cooler...or not...I've heard Shanghai can seem like Montreal or old Chicago at times, thoughts? Keep it rockin, Mount Real

[mount real]

bumpy bump bump

[gregoryfromcali]

In a nutshell, Shanghai is more modern.

Beijing is more traditional.

I think they're both great places to be.

I would go with the one which gives you the best job offers.

Try the China Off Topic forum, you'll probably get a better discussion going there.

[2 over lee]

I have worked in Shanghai and visited Beijing five or so times. Not having worked in BJ probably colours my views>

The two cities are comparable in price and the abundance of western comforts. While BJ's winter maybe cold you are more likely to have an efficient heating system in your apartment, due to the fact that buildings north of the Yangze have heaters installed. (I lived in an expensive place in Shanghai with air-con which just stopped working when the temp went under zero. Compare this to the cheap place I had in Dalian with a bog standard chinese heating system, which kept me warm through a much more sever winter.)
Beijing has a lot more in the way of cultural and historical interest......the forbidden city, beihai park and botanic gardens, the temple of heaven. Shanghai.......harder to get out of the rush....Suzhou and Hangzhou are nearish but I doubt you'd want to make the journey too often.

Beijingers are maybe slightly more civilised and speak putonghua.

Perhaps more and better paying work in Shanhai.

So to answer your question....I'd say Beijing was cooler.

[Yu]

Shanghai without heat is cold too... I remember my first heating bill after a winter month 1200 RMB.... you definately have to compromise the heating in Shanghai. Also classrooms I have had were never heated.