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This walk with American in Shanghai changed my view of China
Shanghai Expat Interview: Living in China, Mandarin, and the
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Meet Paul Ashton, an American who’s lived in China for eight years. He’s a content creator and entrepreneur who became globally famous for the “city, not city” meme. Paul shared why he chose Shanghai instead of...
Meet Paul Ashton, an American who’s lived in China for eight years. He’s a content creator and entrepreneur who became globally famous for the “city, not city” meme. Paul shared why he chose Shanghai instead of moving back to America, whether Chinese people are kind to foreigners, and how living in China drastically changed his view of the US. Enjoy!
Max Chernov’s video centers on a revealing conversation with Paul Ashton, an American who has spent eight years in China and became famous for the “city, not city” meme. The interview explores why Paul chose Shanghai over returning to the United States, and whether Chinese people are kind to foreigners. It also touches on how living in China changed Paul’s view of the US and his experiences navigating life under constant surveillance, starting a business before social media, and the evolution of his content as success grew. The discussion covers language learning, adapting to Mandarin, and the general mindset differences between Americans and Chinese. Throughout, Max’s channel aims to bridge cultural gaps by sharing expat stories and insights about life in vibrant Asian cities, emphasizing cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
The travel narrative invites viewers to consider daily life in Shanghai through a personal lens: learning Mandarin, dealing with cameras, and balancing a
Meet Paul Ashton, an American who’s lived in China for eight years. He’s a content creator and entrepreneur who became globally famous for the “city, not city” meme. Paul shared why he chose Shanghai instead of moving back to America, whether Chinese people are kind to foreigners, and how living in China drastically changed his view of the US. Enjoy!
Max Chernov travels to meet Paul Ashton, an American who has lived in China for eight years and became famous for the city not city meme. Paul explains why he chose Shanghai, how locals respond to foreigners, and how life in China altered his view of the United States. He reflects on cultural differences, education, independence, and how Chinese society balances individuality and community. The pair discuss language learning, reactions on the street, and the gratifications of bridging cultures. They share funny moments from everyday public life, such as a child mislabeling a foreigner and an elevator moment in Beijing, underscoring the surprising warmth and curiosity people show toward foreigners. The discussion touches on surveillance, urban development, and the rapid changes in Shanghai versus other Chinese cities, while also considering personal safety, lifestyle, and the evolving relationship between China and the United States in a global context. Max highlights the meme’s rise, its spread across Chinese social media, and how international audiences perceive China beyond headlines. Throughout, Paul emphasizes empathy, cultural relativism, and the desire to present nuanced perspectives on China in a landscape often dominated by simplistic narratives. Max, in his role as host and observer, guides the conversation with curiosity about personal experiences, language, and the social fabric of Shanghai, while also exploring the tension between national narratives and individual stories.
Max Chernov visits Shanghai to interview Paul Ashton, an American who has lived in China for eight years and became famous for the city not city meme. The conversation ranges from cultural contrasts between the US and China, perceptions of foreigners, and the dynamic changes of Shanghai as a global city. Paul explains how Shanghai’s mix of international exposure and local warmth shaped his decision to stay in China, how Chinese people react to foreigners, and how living in China shifted his view of the US. He shares personal anecdotes about speaking Chinese, receiving compliments on language, and the humorous realities of cultural exchange, including a funny elevator moment in Beijing and the unexpected spread of his city meme. The chat delves into surveillance perceptions, daily life in Shanghai, infrastructure, and the fast pace of Chinese urban development. Paul reflects on generational differences, American cultural narratives, and the value of cultural relativism gained from years
Max Chernov chats with Paul Ashton about life in Shanghai, cultural differences, and how living in China reshaped his view of the United States. They cover how来
Experiencing Shanghai through the eyes of an American expat who loves;
01:40 Expect cultural differences; don’t expect sameness, learn local etiquette and values when engaging with locals.
03:45 Practice Chinese in daily life; compliments come often early, but genuine feedback comes with real conversation.
13:30 Explore Shanghai’s center for global vibes, then venture to outskirts to see residential life and more local scenes.
21:40 Use citywalk format to discover the city with friends; leverage local social media formats to connect.
28:50 Consider how to monetize social media while maintaining authenticity; work with MCNs and platforms for better reach.
01:40 Expect cultural differences; don’t expect sameness, learn local etiquette and values when engaging with locals.
03:45 Practice Chinese in daily life; compliments come often early, but genuine feedback comes with real conversation.
13:30 Explore Shanghai’s center for global vibes, then venture to outskirts to see residential life and more local scenes.
21:40 Use citywalk format to discover the city with friends; leverage local social media formats to connect.
28:50 Consider how to monetize social media while maintaining authenticity; work with MCNs and platforms for better reach.
00:01 US villain frame
01:11 Paul Ashton background
06:41 Chinese compliments on language
11:18 Surveillance vs. safety discussion
14:53 Night walk in Shanghai
24:40 Citywalk meme origin
00:00 INTRO
00:34 American and Chinese mindsets
02:23 Chinese react to his Mandarin
06:15 First time in China
09:35 How to learn AI (+100% discount for my viewers)
11:11 Living under cameras in China
17:33 Work and business before social media
18:50 Video success changes his work
20:14 The story of "city not city" meme
24:48 The secret of "city not city" meme
25:39 Turning views into income
27:14 What brands pay per video
33:33 Government control and daily life in China
max chernovexpatchinacitylifeshanghaiculturememelanguagesurveillanceurban-development
