Is this still the “world’s biggest city”? If not, it sure does feel like it. It’s tough getting around without a little of the language here, or a guide. The extent of English on the streets is restricted to “Hello” which you will hear very often if you are caucasian. Not to mention the parents’ turning their kids’ heads to point and stare at you.
The architecture is interesting. There is a concerted effort to create a city center that shines like some monument to western society. There are malls and an ice-skating rink in huge sky-scrapers, but upon closer examination of these near-empty buildings you have to ask yourself, who goes to these places.
Sneaking a peak behind them reveals that there is a whole different world if you just walk around the corner. There are people living in conditions that in the US would be considered poverty level. The people seemed happy enough, though.
Going to tea houses in the back alleys with Chinese friends was a real treat. Check out how high the hot water pouring woman can get with her pot. The stream of water doesn’t miss your cup, no matter how far away she is.