Beijing vs. Shanghai vs. Hong Kong: showdown of China's big three (2)

Guo Chengxi has lived in Shanghai for 25 years and Beijing for over 60. She says that she doesn't feel that people from either city are that different, except on public transit. "Shanghainese people very seldom let old people sit down," she observes. "They just sit there and pay no attention. Beijing people are more polite, more courteous. It's true. And quite a few of my friends have also noted this."

Frank Yu, an entrepreneur originally from New York, lived in Hong Kong for years before settling down in both Shanghai and Beijing simultaneously. "Beijing people," he laughs, "are still a little bit, well, crude. They don't have very polished personalities… and I like that. I like the fact that it's grittier and more authentic."

His views of the city itself follow his description of its inhabitants. "Beijing has much more of a New York grittier feel to it which I like. It's dark, it's grey, it's all polluted, and people are grumpier."

We recommend:
30 romantic sceneries around world	Have a look! Hottest female stars	A visit to pupils in deep mountain area
Nanjing students present fantastic nude painting	Travel guide for Children's Day	Wandering the Shuyuan Gate of Xi'an
Six Chinese cities with best feng shui	Tears and laughters of children's childhood	Childhood games of Chinese early 80's