ASIA: Beijing to Shanghai, a few observations

General observations about China:

1. Tiered pricing: very prevalent in China and consists of buyers paying different prices for essentially the same item. In the Silk Market, for example, one person might pay 1600 RMB for something that their friend can haggle down to 200. As an Economics major, this is an incredible thing to see in practice, because in theory, this is supposed to be more efficient than the traditional set prices. There is almost no gap between what buyers are willing to pay and what sellers are willing to sell for, so the sale happens almost every time. I would argue that although China is technically Socialist, this is capitalism and the market economy at its best.

2. Customer service: Chinese customer service and effort in the service and sales industries is far superior to American customer service. You want something? In a different color? Size? If they don’t already have it, they’ll find it for you. People were always on their cell phones in the silk market calling someone to bring the newer non-display versions of the item to the store. Where are these support sales people located? Who knows. Sellers work very hard and really long hours, and are almost always overtly enthusiastic in their approach to making a sale: for better or for worse. Servers at restaurants wait patiently to serve any and all needs through the meal, and yet the concept of tipping does not exist and a tip may even end up offending the waiter.

3. Transportation systems: very advanced, efficient, and accessible. New York City’s subway system could learn a thing or two from the way Beijing has their subway set up. Cab drivers in Beijing, however, will never take you to where you want them to take you to, even with a map and directions written out in Chinese. I blame it on the language barrier. And the fact that they just don’t care.

Beijing à Shanghai

Beijing was interesting. There were times when it was breathtaking and times filled with utter frustration.

Shanghai is developed -- easier to navigate, what many would think of when they think of a modern city. Our hotel is located in “People’s Square” which has LOTS of shopping malls and restaurants. We are right across a beautiful park a few museums. Our first night we went to a hot pot restaurant and had a great meal, and then did Karaoke at a KTV. Karaoke consists of getting a private room with about 3 mics, and one screen. The lyrics did not appear in English most of the time so we had to improvise to classics such as “I want it that way” by the Backstreet Boys. A few nights ago we discovered an all-you-can-eat-and-drink 150 RMB (about $22 USD) Japanese steakhouse (hibachi grill style). I am going to have a hard time adjusting to food prices in America when I get back.

A group of us took the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel and traveled in a tram through a tunnel which had ridiculous flashy lights and odd music to accompany the light show. We also visited the SWFC of Shanghai World Financial Center, which is the second tallest building in the world. The view from the top was amazing, and they had clear floors so you could look all the way down. Initially you feel a little lightheaded, but the view was fantastic. I went back again last night for dinner at the Park Hyatt and also to the jazz lounge upstairs. Watching a jazz band 93 floors up was unforgettable. The Shanghai skyline is beautiful, and with all the construction they have going on, I think it will be even more impressive in the future.

--Fiza Ahmed