Mad About Shanghai

Beijing Office Rentals Now More Expensive than New York

According to Cushman & Wakefield, a global real estate services company, Beijing has overtook New York in office rents. The report was released this month.

Thes are the top 6 countries in terms of having the most expensive office rentals:

1) Hong Kong

2) London

3) Tokyo

4) Moscow

5)Beijing

6) New York

More details can be found here.

The Town with No Motorbikes

Its been a really long time since I last went to South China. I think my last trip there was in 2005 to Shenzhen and Dongguan.

I only realised recently while chatting with a friend that motorbikes are completely banned in the city area of Guangdong. I was really surprised as this is one of the most economical modes of transportatation around, especially for small businesses. I chatted with a friend in Shenzhen and he confirmed that too for Shenzhen.

Apparently, the main reason for the ban is due to the boldness of those snatch thieives riding along in their motorbikes with their accomplice snatching bags and mobile phones even in broad daylight.

Also, these two cities previously known for their high crimes rates, have been felt safer with the implementation of survelliance cameras in many areas. Both agree the cities are much safer now.

I guess these are the trade offs for making the cities safe for all.

So if  you are a first timer to Shenzhen and Guangdong, dont be surprised if you do not see any motorbikes there!

Most Expensive Cities in Asia

Here is the latest release from ECA International:

1) Tokyo

2) Nagoya

3) Yokohama

4) Kobe

5) Seoul

6) Hong Kong

7) Shanghai

8) Singapore

9) Beijing

10) Busan

Inside the Bird's Nest

You may have seen the Beijing National Stadium aka Bird's Nest on TV many times. Have you ever wonder what the interior is like ?

Some pics of the interior: