2025 Shanghai Expat Interview: Living in China, Mandarin, and the - Max Chernov

Shanghai Expat Interview: Living in China, Mandarin, and the

This walk with American in Shanghai changed my view of China

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation:24.9 million

This walk with American in Shanghai changed my view of China

Watch "This walk with American in Shanghai changed my view of China" on YouTube

Max Chernov2025-12-0943 min

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

December 9, 2025, Winter in China

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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

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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

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Shanghai Expat Interview: Living in China, Mandarin, and the

(100% discount for the first 1000 people, Grab $5000 worth of Bonuses Completely Free) 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...

Experiencing Shanghai through the eyes of an American expat who loves;

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

Attractions in this video: Citywalk