Better City, Better Life

Authors

Anna Greenspan

Date of this Version

8-25-2009

Document Type

Article

Citation

August 25, 2009 in The China Beat http://www.thechinabeat.org/

Comments

Copyright August 25, 2009 Anna Greenspan. Used by permission.

Abstract

Since in Shanghai Expo preparation is now ubiquitous, and because I share China’s love of numbered lists, here are my top 8 suggestions for how Shanghai could implement its promise–now posted everywhere–of a ‘better city, better life.’

I’ve deliberately not included things that are a) already underway (e.g. more subway stops), b) up to the whim of a single entrepreneur (e.g. a decent bagel shop) and c) too obviously political (e.g. a more open media).

As those of us who love the city know, there is much that Shanghai–with its safe, pedestrian friendly, tree lined streets and spectacular skyline–gets right. Yet in certain areas, especially traffic, parks and migrants, there are easy improvements that would greatly benefit the grand unveiling in 2010.

Here then in no particular order is the list. My hope is that the meme spreads . . .

1. Strict enforcement of traffic rules. In particular, pedestrians should have the right of way on a green light and cars should be forbidden from driving on the sidewalk. Enforcement should not be that hard. Under the principle ‘kill the chicken to scare the monkeys,’ a very public wave of overly harsh fines should do the trick. In general the rule of ‘survival of the fastest,’ in which cars take priority over cyclists, which take priority over pedestrians, must be reversed.

2. More pools and water parks. In my hometown in Canada, where it is freezing most of the year, every neighborhood has a public pool and a park with sprinklers and splash pads. My two kids and I can go swimming for Cdn $7.25 (46 RMB). In Shanghai, where summers are sweltering, it is common for pools to charge 100 RMB per person and the cheapest I’ve found nearby is 100 RMB for the three of us.

3. A celebration of street vendors. The harassment–occasionally to the point of criminality–of the ‘illegal’ street peddlers is the most disturbing aspect of Shanghai’s development (and the greatest impediment to the hope of establishing of a harmonious society). Small traders (most of whom are migrants) are the most entrepreneurial and creative sector of society and bring color, convenience and most of all great food to Shanghai’s streets.