Shanghaiist: Beijingist: Coin of the realm

Tao

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 15:25:41 +0800

This is just a small portion to know cities. Just like I would like to hear different opinions from people from different places. I am Beijingist but I work in ShangHai. When my parents came and visited me, they noticed that they got coins everywhere in ShangHai. So they ased me:"Are people here love coins so much?!" Why do not care about Beijing? These are two important cities in CHINA.

Micah

Tue, 13 Jun 2006 10:35:21 +0800

I wish the Shanghai vs Hong Kong thing would get more exposure. Here's another one: http://www.executivesummary.com/archives/2002/12/new_york_vs_los.php

William Moss

Tue, 13 Jun 2006 10:07:20 +0800

Actually, Nick, I think HDP raises a very good question. Why compare Beijing and Shanghai? Fortunately, I have an answer handy: Because city rivalries are one of the great joys of life. They enliven business, sports and cocktail parties. Think about it: Beiing vs. Shanghai; New York vs. London; London vs. Paris; Beirut vs. Damascus; Singapore vs. Hong Kong; and my personal favorite, San Francisco vs. Los Angeles (I'm a San Franciscan). I intend to continue wallowing in the Beijing vs. Shanghai rivalry as long as there is a Beijing and a Shanghai. Vive la difference.

Nick Withycombe

Mon, 12 Jun 2006 14:10:26 +0800

Let me guess, hdp, you're a Shanghainese girl.

hdp

Mon, 12 Jun 2006 13:46:24 +0800

Yawn ... why do people in Beijing always resort to comparisons to Shanghai? Is it some kind of inferiority complex they have? Who cares about Beijing anyway! Keep this a Shanghai blog, please.

Kevin

Mon, 12 Jun 2006 06:00:34 +0800

I find that in general bigger cities in China tend to use coins more and smaller cities use coins less. For instance, I used to live in a small city in Sichuan, Nanchong. It was rare in Nanchong to be given coins as change. When I'd travel to Chengdu or Chongqing, however, my pockets would soon be loaded with them. Now I live in Weifang, Shandong. Coins are more commonly used in Weifang than in Nanchong, perhaps reflecting Weifang's slightly larger size, but still coins are not used nearly to the same extent here as in Qingdao or Jinan. When I travel to Beijing the number of coins given to me increases still yet and I even get - why in Beijing people bother with this I can't understand - fen.

Liuzhou Laowai

Sun, 11 Jun 2006 23:30:25 +0800

Fen? As in 分? You still have fen? I haven't seen them for years!

frankly

Sun, 11 Jun 2006 23:15:29 +0800

Ah, but I hate when I'm in beijing and my wallet gets stuffed with 1 kuai notes. I prefer a pocket-full of change. The miao and jiao and fen -- I just toss them on the sidewalk and if someone needs it they can pick it up.