American author Patricia Marx, who is well-known for her humorous observations of city life, came up with a catchy phrase while considering Shanghai's busy atmosphere. Her description of this Chinese megacity's unrelenting vitality and dynamism does not directly contrast it with New York's moniker as "the city that never sleeps."

Marx made this observation based on her personal experiences in Shanghai, where she observed an unheard-of level of activity that never stops, not even for a second. Shanghai appears to be constantly moving without stopping or resting, in contrast to New York, which thrives through the night but requires some respite during the day.

To better grasp Marx's argument, think of these two cities as two marathon runners. In the morning, New York may be the one who sits down to catch her breath after running all night. On the other hand, driven solely by ambition and momentum, Shanghai would keep moving forward without stopping.

This quote alludes to Shanghai's recent decades of rapid economic growth and development in addition to reflecting the city's physical bustle of daily life. Being the financial center of China, the city is constantly bustling with people doing business, trading, and innovating, which adds to the city's ever-evolving atmosphere.

Marx's observation emphasizes the distinctive qualities of contemporary Chinese cities, especially Shanghai, as catalysts for development where every second is viewed as a chance to improve. Her observation challenges readers to see past superficial parallels between major cities around the world and recognize the unique vitality and character of each one.