From its rich cultural tapestry woven from centuries of history to its diverse cuisine and a dynamic sports scene, living in Shanghai is an incredible experience that caters to the needs and desires of expats from all over the world.

In this article, Sage Birden, an expat who has been living in the city since 2010, shares the benefits of living here from her perspective.

The article has been edited for clarity and brevity.

A city of connection

Shanghai is all about connections. As one of the world's best-planned cities, its residents can reach a hospital within 15 minutes and choose from numerous international standard vet hospitals, convenience stores around every corner, food delivery that runs 24/7, and shops of all kinds that stay open late.

Most expats, if not all, love it in the heart of Shanghai. Nothing is like walking around under the canopy of old trees, their shade cooling half the street, making Shanghai summers more tolerable. Once you settle in the center, you will soon find yourself scooting around, running into familiar faces and forming new connections.

Food and leisure

Few cities in Asia make expats feel at home as quickly as Shanghai. A big reason for this is the food scene. Much like New York, Shanghai attracts people from around the world, and with them comes diverse flavors, ingredients, and cuisines.

Apart from restaurants and shops, Shanghai is home to a variety of social events—Jiaotong Market, Super Club, Christmas markets, beer festivals, adoption days, and more—where you can wander and enjoy a welcoming, diverse atmosphere. Isn't that the essence of "自由自在", or the freedom to be yourself?

Books

The Foreign Language Bookstore, just a few blocks from Fuzhou Road subway station, is a place where you can find classics like Sherlock Homes, Robinson Crusoe, Lord of the Rings, and the latest releases. It's reminiscent of Kinokuniya or Page One with a casual, friendly atmosphere.

Beyond brick-and-mortar stores, you can join book swap events and discover secondhand books from fellow expats. It's not just the books that make you feel at home—it's the sense of community, where people share your language and the things you miss.

A safe place

There's something special about heading home or going out alone at 3 am, completely at ease. Passing open windows on a summer night, I'm struck again by how much trust Shanghai residents have in their city's safety—it's both a comfort and a wonder to experience.

History

For those who appreciate a blend of historic charm and international flair, Shanghai's streets offer a unique experience.

The city is rich in history. Every now and then you will find yourself reading the plaque of a heritage building, peeking through an old gate, and taking in a breath of air from the past. Your rented apartment might even be one of them, making you curious about the people who lived in it...100 years ago.

Be it sitting on one of the rooftops near the Bund gazing down the horizon or strolling under the trees that might have their own stories to tell. One undeniable pleasure of Shanghai is the blend of past and present, reflected in its architecture that glimmers in the light before you.

Sports

Shanghai life is an active one. It offers so many choices, whether you're looking to dust off your high-school skills or to learn new ones. From free public courts and parks, or just a morning run or bike ride across town, to luxurious gyms and clubs, one thing is certain—you won't find yourself idle for long here.

You can come out of a subway station and find a gym within a short walk. Every now and then you run into a friend who is heading to or back from their exercise. Everyone is motivated.

A transport hub

If you look at the world map and focus on Asia, you might be surprised to find Shanghai in the center of it all. Less than three hours to Hong Kong, Macao and Tokyo. Within two hours from Taipei and Seoul. Just four hours to Hanoi. Only five hours to Bangkok and Manila, and six hours to Singapore. This makes frequent getaway vacations and home visits entirely doable.

The author Sage Birden has been living in Shanghai since 2010 (first brief visit in 1995). She has 25 years of experience in animation, and is the mother of hundreds of kittens.