I do agree. I’ve been coming to China since 2004. I remember the days before you needed a VPN. Shanghai is interesting because it has a lot of history as a city. The problem is that history doesn’t exist in China. That makes Shanghai seem very superficial because all you are left with is some attractive buildings. In other places — I’ll give Japan as an example instead of a western country — you have amazing museums, well-perserved historical sites, and lots of ways to learn about and appreciate the history and culture. China doesn’t have that. Even all the imperial treasures from the Chinese dynasties are in Taipei. In addition to a lack of history, there is a lack of contemporary culture. I’ve lived in Tokyo where you are practically assaulted by a multitude of pop- and sub-cultures. I had no interest in politics at that time and was into art and music. Well, is there a vibrant art and music scene in Shanghai? Did I miss it because I am an ignorant foreigner? Maybe but I don’t think so. Apart from cute old buildings and big skyscrapers, Shanghai has a lot of restaurants and malls; the malls are shiny and new but they all have the same stores and chain restaurants inside, repeated over and over. Eventually it was the lack of any substance at all that made me sick of SH. The only thing to do was go shopping or eat in a restaurant and I was trying to save money so I just stayed home all the time. In other cities there are usually great things to do for free such as beautiful natural parks (Tokyo), free movie nights, world-class museums, even free concerts, events and so on. I love Shanghai and it will always have a place in my heart but I could only tolerate living there before Covid, because back then I used to leave the country and travel for 3-4 months of the year.