Refer China: Newcomers Shocked by Shanghai Supermarket Prices? Pomelo for $22?

Is Shanghai Really That Expensive?

Newcomers Shocked by Shanghai Supermarket Prices? Pomelo for $22?

Pic irrelevant to text

A recent viral video featuring a Northeastern Chinese elderly marveling at the prices in a Shanghai supermarket has sparked widespread online debate. In the clip, the man highlights products such as a single pomelo priced at 159 RMB (about $22 USD) and a pack of steak selling for over 1,500 RMB (around $210 USD), dubbing it the "Fool's Supermarket."

Check our latest video on China Visa and foreign-related knowledge!

Follow our channel for updates 👇

The dramatic pricing left many viewers—especially those from outside Shanghai—stunned. But as the clip gained traction, so did the backlash. Viewers quickly pointed out that the items shown were from a well-known high-end supermarket, showcasing luxury or imported goods not representative of typical Shanghai grocery costs.

Not Fake, But Not the Full Picture

Crucially, nothing in the video was fabricated. The prices were real. The supermarket exists. But the issue, many argued, lies in selective framing. By zooming in on the most expensive items in a premium store, the video may give casual viewers—especially those unfamiliar with Shanghai—a skewed impression of everyday life in the city.

"It's like filming caviar and Wagyu in Tokyo and saying all of Japan is unaffordable," one commenter noted. Others compared it to walking into Whole Foods or Harrods and using those prices to judge a city's entire cost of living.

Supporters of the video defended it as lighthearted and satirical. "It's a comedy account, and this is clearly meant to entertain. Most people get the joke," one user wrote. Others argued that even though these prices don't reflect the norm, they are still part of the consumer landscape — so why not show them?

Shanghai: A City of Contrasts

Shanghai is home to both ultra-luxury stores and beloved budget chains. A glance at popular local supermarkets reveals that most basic groceries — fruits, vegetables, meats — are priced similarly to or even lower than in many other Chinese cities.

Yet the presence of high-end markets catering to niche or affluent clientele is also part of Shanghai's identity. The city's diversity in pricing reflects its broader diversity in income, taste, and lifestyle.

If you've been living in Shanghai for a while, how do you feel about the city's prices?

We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your experience in the comments!

Source: 上观新闻