Beijing and Shanghai People Chit-Chat

Author: Zhang Qi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-09-01
Features: Beijing and Shanghai are the two largest cities in China, home to the enigmatic Beijing and Shanghai people. Beijingers are hearty and grand, while Shanghai people are sharp and capable. Beijingers are like the bold verses of Su Dongpo, whereas Shanghai men resemble the lyrical style of Liu Yong. Beijing girls are "women who do not yield to men," while Shanghai girls are "like willow trees swaying in the wind." When it comes to speech, Beijingers are very proud, as the official language of China—Mandarin—is based on the Beijing dialect. The words "daku" (big spender) and "dawan" (big shot), coined by Beijingers, have become popular nationwide. Conversely, although few people understand Shanghai dialect, Shanghai people still proudly say to the nation, "We are Shanghai people."
With the development of society, both cities have undergone tremendous changes. Skyscrapers are now densely packed in both cities, and they are both the first choice for foreign companies to invest in. As they move towards modernization, Beijing and Shanghai are drawing closer. After 50 years of construction, Beijing has become a super metropolis that all functions of politics, economy, and culture. However, this has come with severe pollution and the destruction of urban heritage. Meanwhile, Shanghai, once known as the "Foreign Concession" before liberation, has become the "pioneer of planned economy" and, after reform, the "Oriental Pearl of China." These scenes of tragedy and comedy have written a vibrant and exciting chapter in modern Chinese history.
In the early 21st century, the reborn Shanghai and the transformed Beijing are equally noteworthy. The people of Shanghai and Beijing have once again become the focus of attention.