Shanghai International

Shanghai is a first-class international city, its once and future fame and fortune well-deserved as the city seems to re-create itself as it goes. Initially built or at least controlled largely by foreigners in the 19th century, it has a very European feel in many ways, mixed in with Chinese culture and 21st century architecture, all in the same place.

The Shanghainese are many things (good and bad), but they are very international in outlook and perspective - I just saw a survey indicating that the local folks are steadily improving their English and knowledge of the global ettiqute while following world news on a daily or weekly basis. Such outwardly focus means the Shanghainese are very comfortable with foreigners; in fact the French Concession and international business district are one of the hottest neighborhoods to live in (especially for foreigners, but for internationally-oriented Chinese, too).