It’s been a week since I landed back in Germany, and now that the jet lag has worn off (mostly), it’s the perfect time to sit down, sip on a decent coffee (which I’ve been missing), and reflect on my two-month adventure in the People’s Republic of China.
finding peace in the bustling Jingwan city
Nestled in the district of Yangpu, Shanghai, Jingwan turned out to be my little oasis amidst the ever-buzzing city. Nature takes center stage here, offering an unexpected contrast to the concrete jungle surrounding it. One of my favorite pastimes? Watching the elderly dance groups in the parks—graceful, energetic, and absolutely heartwarming. They move in perfect synchrony, smiling like they own the moment. And then there’s Wei and his Nottingham coffee place—a true gem! Super relaxed, always up for a chat, and serving a decent cup of coffee, which, let’s be real, is a necessity when you’re constantly on the move.
Skyline dreams: the Axiom and Wujiaochang towers
Shanghai’s skyline is straight out of a sci-fi movie. Yangpu is no exception, especially with The Axiom and Wujiaochang area stealing the show. At 280 meters high and with 49 stories, The Axiom is the first of two skyscrapers set to redefine the cityscape. The second one, still under construction, will stand at 250 meters. Watching these giants pierce the sky every day made me feel like I was living in a futuristic metropolis.
The food: a spicy, meaty love affair
Let’s talk about food because, it’s the heart of any travel experience. Shanghai’s cuisine is bold—spicy, meaty, and bursting with flavors. While I absolutely loved some dishes, there were moments when my taste buds begged for a break (or a gallon of water). But hey, when in China, eat as the Shanghainese do, right?
The people: a mixed bag of encounters
If I had to summarize the social atmosphere in Shanghai, I’d say it’s not the most welcoming place, but it has its moments. A prime example?
On the other hand an elderly lady once talked to me in English saying “I have to be careful going down this way as it’s super steep” as she strolled down a dirt road near the canal. She then proudly declared, “I’m 80 already!” – a brief but wholesome exchange.
Conversations, however, were often one-sided, thanks to my non-existent Mandarin skills and the need for a translator app. A lot of pointing, nodding, and smiling was involved.
Weather: a tale of two extremes
January? Absolute bliss! Sunshine, 18 degrees, the perfect weather to wander and explore. February? A different beast. It dropped to 0 degrees, and suddenly, I needed all the winter gear I hadn’t packed enough of. Smog, clouds, and rain made indoors the better option. Safe to say, Shanghai kept me on my toes with its unpredictable moods.
The grocery shopping & the great disinfection ritual
Supermarkets became my little sanctuaries. Aldi and Herma covered the basics—fruits, veggies, cheese, and bread. But for those special expat cravings? Epermarket and Times Grocery had my back. The real kicker? The disinfection process after every delivery. In China, pesticides are common, so clearing the air (and the apples) was part of my new routine.
Taobao: my wallet’s worst nightmare
Let me introduce you to Taobao—China’s online shopping utopia. Think of anything. Now, imagine getting it at an unbelievably low price. That’s Taobao. The image search tool is a game-changer, and before I knew it, I had packages arriving in the lobby every other day. And the return process? Surprisingly smooth – with the web browser automatically translating mandarin to the language of your choice. If online shopping were an Olympic sport, I’d have won gold in Shanghai.
The swimmers in the river & the wild motorbike chaos
One of the most unexpected sights? People swimming in the river—year-round! Whether it was warm or absolutely freezing, they were there, slicing through the water like it was a heated indoor pool. Absolute respect to them, but I was happy to stay on dry land.
And then, there were the motorbikes. Not just any motorbikes—motorbikes piled high with trash, bags, boxes, and sometimes what seemed like an entire apartment’s worth of furniture. These guys zipped through the streets like they had nine lives, defying physics and traffic laws in equal measure. Every time I saw one, I half-expected it to topple over, but somehow, they always made it through. Pure Shanghai magic.
Navigating the great firewall
Ah, the joys of the Chinese internet. Need to check WhatsApp or Signal? VPN. Want to read the news? VPN. Online banking? …You guessed it! Accessing everyday sites required an extra step (or five), and I quickly learned that China’s digital landscape is a world of its own. And on some days, VPN reconnecting. Well, good luck with that.
The emotional rollercoaster
Shanghai had me feeling all kinds of ways. Some days, I was an unstoppable explorer, taking on the city’s vibrant streets with wide-eyed curiosity. Other days, the language barrier, cultural differences, and sheer vastness of it all left me feeling lost. It was a mix of highs and lows, energy bursts and moments of solitude. But that’s the beauty of travel—it challenges, humbles, and ultimately transforms you.
The best part: quality time with Elise & her daughter
Of course, the most important reason for my stay was spending time with Elise and her daughter. And we made the most of it. Exploring the city, sharing meals, laughing at my Mandarin fails—it all made the experience so much more meaningful. At the end of the day, the connections we make are what truly matter.
Shanghai, you were chaotic, exhilarating, frustrating, delicious, vast, tall and unforgettable.
Thanks for the wild ride!
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