'This is my home' — Jing’an in the eyes of foreigners
Jing’an in the Eyes of Foreigners: a short video - Interview
Let’s welcome foreigners who have lived in Jing’an District for several years and talk to them about what it is like living in Jing'an.
Q What kind of urban area is Jing’an District for you?
Kent：Jing’an occupies a very central geographical position in Shanghai. Many different types of people gather here, and it is a very international community. A lot of people from all over the world live here.
Ella：Jing’an is a place full of vitality, and a place where we can see the past, present, and future. So, for me, Jing’an is the real heart of Shanghai.
Q What attracts you the most about Jing’an District?
Kent：One of the things I like about Shanghai in general and Jing’an in particular, is that it is a walking district. It has a history, present, and future. Also, I found that the government of Jing’an District has always been good at thinking about planning, which shows in its thoughts on urban planning and the future. That impressed me deeply. I think it’s a very positive thing.
Joey：I think the most attractive thing for foreigners in Jing’an is that it is very international. We can meet different people here and make friends with them.
Ella：For me, Jing’an District is like an open museum. All things are valuable, beautiful, green, and friendly. It is very convenient to observe them and see them.
Anna：The education in Jing’an is very good. We chose to come here for the sake of good schooling for our children.
Q What is your favorite place in Jing’an?
Evgeniya：I especially like Jing’an Temple, because I can find many foreign restaurants there. I often see people playing the guitar on the street. It’s a good way to combine work and rest. Life here is comfortable and convenient for busy office workers. They can do what they want to do to quickly eliminate the fatigue caused by work.
Joey：I’ve always liked makeup. I want to explore more makeup techniques and the combination of makeup and film art. So, I came to Shanghai University to study related majors. It’s really fun.
Kent：I have my own life and my family here. Although my children are in the United States now, my family is here. After careful consideration, my real home is Jing’an, and I am very proud to call it my home.
Q What impresses you the most about Jing’an?
Kent：Jing’an represents various possibilities. You can really find everything here. You can find interesting careers and social life. You needn’t go far. They’re right here. The advantages of any company located in Jing’an are obvious. The district is open to other urban areas in Shanghai and around the world.
Anna：There are many foreigners and many young Chinese people in Jing’an. They can also speak English. Jing’an is a very open place.
Ella：You can see the daily life of every generation here. You can see the elderly doing Tai Chi, aunts dancing, and grandparents taking care of their grandchildren; you can see young people dating; when you come here on Sunday and Saturday morning, you can see the children skating, roller skating... People have a lot of activities. Of course, it is also a very romantic place.
Evgeniya：For foreigners, we deal with some things like making some changes or handling work permits and visas here. Now we can basically solve them online. We go through the relevant procedures on the Internet first, and then get the passport on the spot. That is very convenient and saves a lot of time. This is a very convenient aspect for foreigners with job needs.
Q How do you evaluate Jing’an District where you live?
Kent：Whenever I think of Shanghai, Jing’an comes to mind. I have traveled all over the world and spent some important time in different countries, cities, and regions in my life, but Shanghai, especially Jing’an, can compete with the best of them.
Evgeniya：Generally speaking, Jing’an District is suitable for living and working.
Kent：I am always proud to invite and entertain colleagues and customers from all over the world here. I like them coming to China and seeing China; but I prefer that they see Shanghai, and see Jing’an, because this is my home.