Modern Changning impresses Pakistani diplomat
Print Edition
FARHAT Ayesha is acting consul general of Consulate General of Pakistan in Shanghai. Shanghai Daily reporter Li Xinran recently sat down with her to talk about working and living in Changning.
Q: What do you think is the biggest advantage of living Changning?
A: I’ve been living in Changning District for around three years and it is very pleasant to stay in this part of the city. Our office is also located here. I think it’s very convenient to live here, mainly for three reasons.
The first reason is that it is very close to the Hongqiao transportation hub. For us, who frequently travel inside China via high-speed train or take international trips, like going back home, it is very convenient for us to travel. Also, the district is well connected through the Metro system and bus routes to other parts of the city. This is the biggest advantage for expats, I think.
The second: shopping is very important. We can find different stores and imported goods, especially imported foods which makes our lives very easy.
The third factor is schools. We have many international schools where we can send our children.
It is also less crowded than some other parts of the city or the city center.
Q: What do you think about the job of the Changning government?
A: I think the Changning government is doing a very good job. It is maintaining a peaceful atmosphere in terms of security. It is very good in terms of living standards. The infrastructure and public utilities — like water, electricity, gas and drainage — are also reliable. I have seen sometimes very heavy rains, but I have never seen any inundation here.
Also, the streets are clean. The cleaners get up very early to sweep garbage away. When it is time for people to go to work, there are only falling leaves on the ground.
In terms of security, it is quite safe here. During rush hours, traffic is well maintained by officers. When our new colleagues come here we highly recommend they stay here in Changning.
Q: What aspects do you think need to be improved in Changning?
A: So many expats live in Changning. The government could introduce some cross-cultural activities in the area, like in international communities or compounds. I think it would be proper to hold such kinds of activities at the community or sub-district level. That will be very helpful.
I think most expats in Changning are very happy to interact with Chinese people. I’ve seen on Hami Road there is a community center near the police station, which organizes cultural activities, especially during traditional Chinese festivals like the Spring Festival. Sometimes they invite foreigners. Actually we all love Chinese culture. But at the same time we hope more cross-cultural activities to be held.
While the government may introduce Chinese culture to us, it may also invite foreigners to introduce their cultures to Chinese people. That will be a very good idea and we’ll easily integrate into Chinese society. Different holidays, like the Mid-Autumn Festival and Dragon Boat Festival, are very good occasions for some relevant activities to be organized. This will help expats understand Chinese culture.
Q: Do you have any remarkable stories to share about things that have taken place in Changning?
A: What’s surprised me is the very fast development since I came here in 2013. Many old buildings were demolished and within a few months new buildings were created. I’ve seen this district modernize very fast. New malls and office buildings or complexes are being introduced without disrupting people’s lives. We have been using the Metro and roads as usual. There were no disturbances. There are some very impressive buildings here. All in all, the fast development and modernization is something that has deeply impressed me.
Q: Would you like to tell us something about the Pakistani people in Changning?
A: Many Pakistani people live here in Changning. The biggest community is our students who are studying in universities and schools in Changning. Their academic performance is very good. There are also many professionals who are working in different companies here. Apart from them, there are our business people. Many of them have their offices here in Changning.
These are the three major groups of Pakistanis in Shanghai. Many of them live in Changning and the population is on the rise because this is a place full of opportunities. What they are concerned about is the increasing rent for homes and offices. It is becoming more expensive to stay here and do business here.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
