We love Shanghai, we really do. Often we feel like we're married to it, in that sometimes we like to bitterly complain about it when we're in the pub with our friends, but other times we're just head over heels crazy in love and couldn't imagine being without it. If you've left this unique, bonkers, charming, polluted, one-day-freezing-cold-the-next-day-boiling hot city of dreams, or are thinking about doing so, do bear in mind what you'll be giving up...
1. Cheap stuff. If you are fond of things like taxis, tailoring, glasses, and massages (just to list a few), you can have a pretty good time of it here in Shanghai. Not to mention...
2. ...public transport. That's cheap too. And AMAZING. Metros that arrive on time, right down to the very second, all day long. Plus an ever-growing network that will mean by 2020, you'll never be more than 600 metres away from a station in downtown Shanghai. Savour it while you can, everyone.
3. The plane trees in the Former French Concession. In the winter, they wither into gnarly, Tim Burton-esque beauty, and in the spring, they transform into this:
4. Cycling, sloooooooowly. The city might be flat as a pancake, but that doesn't affect the lethargic pace favoured by Shanghai's many cyclists, who creak from street to street on their Forever bikes. It's in stark contrast to the lycra-ed up cyclists in most major cities who seem to think they're in the midst of a Tour de France time trial.
5. Diverse cuisine. Shanghai's breadth of food, ranging from the cheapest of street foods to the most dazzling Bund-side extravagances, mean that eating out is never dull. And be real with us – how often do you use that kitchen of yours? Then again, you could always order...
6. Sherpas. A one-stop shop for all your takeaway needs, poised to deliver you the cuisine of your choice via its city-wide network of orange-clad delivery gentlemen on motorbikes. What's for dinner? Sherpas. Sherpas is for dinner.
7. In-house delivery services, generally. Groceries, cocktails, massages, manicures, hot pot and much more - frankly, it's amazing any of us manage to leave our apartments at all. Which is why we end up...
8. ...using the pollution as an excuse not to go out. At least there's one upside to it.
9. Ballroom dancing in the parks. Every day of the year, thanks to our city's ever-sprightly retirees. Is there anything more life-affirming?
11. Champagne brunches. So what, we're pissed by noon most weekends, thanks to the city's wealth of fancy, free-flow brunch spots. And what of it? Burp.
12. Everyone you meet being on WeChat. Granted, we can't actually remember who 75 percent of our contacts are now, but still – way to connect, Shanghai.
13. Our ayi. Ayi knows how to fix all life problems. We can't live without ayi, and we wouldn't want to either. Talking of special ayis...
14. Avocado Lady. It is a universally acknowledged truth that the Former French Concession would descend into anarchy if the Avocado Lady were to ever shut down. Let's not even think about it happening.
15. Incredible Art Deco. We're lucky enough to live in the city known as Asia's Art Deco jewel, with architecture from the period everywhere you look. Educate yourself with our guide, or go on our Art Deco walking tour - you can find both on our website.
16. Lilongs. Lanes are very much microcosms of local life in Shanghai, complete with laundry, dogs, cacti, and an improbably large number of old people pottering about. Of course, more than we would like have been/are being destroyed, but there are some beautiful examples still standing.
17. The skyline. 'A man who is bored of the Shanghai skyline is bored of life,' said Samuel Johnson. At least he might have done if he'd been around to see the glittering lights of Luijazui facing off against The Bund. We bet he would have loved the Pearl Tower in particular.
