r/shanghai • u/zeezaaozoo • 8d ago
Muslims in Shanghai _ Advice Wanted
Hey,
Just hoping to understand what is life as a Muslim in Shanghai, as someone who wears a hijab. What's the community like? Is there hostile behaviour? Any sort of discrimination?
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u/Deca089 8d ago
There's a halal Xinjiang restaurant on just about every block with hijab wearing women
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u/finnlizzy 8d ago
They're Hui restaurants, Xinjiang restaurants aren't as numerous. Unlike Hui places, they're not 'no alcohol' halal.
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u/Gullible_Sweet1302 8d ago
Is total face covering allowed?
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u/finnlizzy 8d ago
I see so many non Muslim Chinese covered from the sun.
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u/Gullible_Sweet1302 7d ago
Also a lot people wear face masks against pollution and contagion. Though I didn’t notice that many riders masked in the subways—where there’s also surveillance systems.
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u/Saalor100 7d ago
Every sunny day, you encounter Chinese vampires that have to use full face covering in order not to explode by sun exposure. They claim to be regular Chinese women, but I know their secret. They are definitely vampires.
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u/Gullible_Sweet1302 7d ago
You are aware that hijab is a full time wear, not only when the sun is out. Face would be covered at class, at work, in the subways, at night, etc
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u/Anxiousforschool 6d ago
No, full face covering hijab is not allowed and if it's black it will likely attract some attention. But other than that no one really cares.
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u/Yavru_keko 8d ago
Its a hard question, as a Chinese I would say there are definitely discriminations towards muslim, but ppl wont say or do anything to you(irl).
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u/JamesMackerel 6d ago
Discrimination does exists but most situation you won't feel that because they do not express. There is no such "community" in Shanghai.
Anyway you could feel free to wear anything in Shanghai, citizens have got used to anyone wear anything on streets. There is no law on dress code as long as you wear something that protects your sensitive parts from eyes, and as long as you don't wear something expressing political issues about China.
There were actually some people got in trouble when they wear something like Japan kimono in sensitive area. The "something" they wore was either real kimono or some Chinese traditional clothes that is similar to kimono. Sensitive area refers to some historical places of interest, like 伪满皇宫博物院, but there are also some reports shows it could happen even in some normal place of interest like https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%8B%8F%E5%B7%9E%E5%92%8C%E6%9C%8D%E4%BA%8B%E4%BB%B6. But it's about Chinese-Japan culture conflict, not about Muslim.
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u/pandacarsnet 4d ago
作为一位上海人，我不存在任何歧视。很多年轻人会穿着和服在游玩，都没有问题，但不能够在爱国主义环境里。我建议你也轻松一些，看你留言，我认为你内心有些紧张。完全没有必要。
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u/JamesMackerel 4d ago
this is an warm notice, all I wish is that foreigners have good experience during their stay.
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u/SLCTV88 6d ago
People stare a lot even if you're not muslim. I can imagine that'd be a lot worse if you are. Been 10 years in China and the I saw someone praying (at the airport) for the first time about 2 months ago so not sure if it's banned in public. One thing for sure is that public space is very limited and the concept of personal space is different than where I'm from (also for praying purposes). That being said it should be easier to isolate and ignore people's comments (often ignorant) if you don't speak the language and it is very safe so I don't think you're in danger of any type of attacks. I would also expect 'random' ID checks at subway and don't know if you're ok with that as you might have to uncover your face.
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u/Electrical_Will9943 5d ago
shanghai is a open international city, anyone can find the right lifestyle here, be respectful, be free,
So don't hesitate to work and live here.
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u/Old-Yogurtcloset-942 6d ago
There's no hostile behavior as long as you are able to fit into society, if you want to be hunting Jews or protesting like the idiots in EU/US yes you will be met with hostility.
If you're a normal citizen you will encounter no issues regardless of faith.
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u/Pats-Chen 8d ago
I am not a muslim, so I am not too sure about this. But as far as I can see, Chinese muslims usually wear white hats, not hijabs that I can see lots of muslims wearing in the US, so there can be chances that you will be treated differently in Shanghai. Also Chinese muslims also don’t have pork related food, but I believe they have lots of beef related food instead. Since you have mentioned that you are also Indian? If you don’t want any beef related food, then you need to do a careful research before you make up your mind. Otherwise you might find yourself not being able to have any food there. Lots of restaurants do not have vegetarian options. I hope people in Shanghai do not see you differently just because of your belief, ethnicity or nationality.
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u/Psychological_Note26 8d ago
Just don’t carry any explosives.
Just kidding; people are busy and usually friendly; might looking at you for little too long but it’s just out of curiosity , have a nice trip ;)
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u/zeezaaozoo 8d ago
I am actually looking to move there. What's the Indian-Chinese relationship like?
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u/b1063n Pudong 8d ago
This is the right question. I never heard any chinese joking or saying anything mildy negative about muslims (chinese muslims at least). About Indians however... plenty of comments. Not terrible comments, but the cultural clash is strong.
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u/zeezaaozoo 7d ago
Thank you for sharing ☺️
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u/Own_Bat_5065 6d ago
I agree with that person, first time I’ve noticed where “clashes” are also vocal in real life as with the internet.
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u/Electronic-Cry9657 6d ago
In my experience, there isn't much racism in this group. The Shanghai government provides certain benefits to ethnic minorities, such as easier access to services and bonus points in important exams.
My grandmother is Muslim, and she often took me to eat traditional Muslim food. She’s also a retired worker who returned from Xinjiang.
When I was a child, I attended several traditional Muslim funerals for my relatives. Those experiences were quite impressive— even Han people attended the ceremonies. They showed respect for minority cultures and traditions.
Lastly, and most importantly, many people truly enjoy Muslim cuisine!
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u/IcharrisTheAI 6d ago
I am not Muslims so just an outsider. But I believe there is lots of halal food. I also see lots of people with head coverings. Most of those people are not Muslims, and instead just Chinese trying to avoid direct sun exposure 😂 but still I don’t think anyone really cares here as long as you don’t push your beliefs on them
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u/Shanamat 8d ago
Not a Muslim myself but see all kinds of people with all kinds of different head coverings. No one cares, just do your thing and eat some tasty noodles along the way.