Shanghai Arrival: My First Takes & WTF Notes
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Sure, I'll translate this piece into English for you. Here is the translation:
Back when I was studying in a small county, my knowledge of Shanghai basically came from what I saw online. So, in my mind, Shanghai was a place where all sorts of prosperity and excitement coexisted, its night life especially eye-catching and exciting.
I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there has always been a mysterious attraction towards Shanghai in me: a deep-rooted feeling that all big cities must be so advanced and avant-garde.
Later, my college entrance exam didn't go as expected, and I had stopped hoping to come to Shanghai. However, life has a way of throwing curveballs. Here I am, finally stepping into the metropolis.
But when I truly faced Shanghai, instead of those initial feelings, a conflicting mood overcame me.
It might have been because I was still depressed after my exam, or it was just the feeling of being unfamiliar with a big city that made me have some negative sentiment towards Shanghai.I felt somewhat cheated by this big city, which wasn’t as splendid and dazzling everywhere.
It wasn’t until the towering buildings stood right before my very eyes that realized that these were just piles of modern architecture gathered together (these are my real-time observations, without suggesting any negativity).
Perhaps I was too numb at the time, seeing everything with icy eyes. So, my impression of Shanghai back then was cold, without warmth, seemingly flamboyant but hollow.
I have always wondered why so many young people rush into Shanghai. When I first arrived, the feeling I had was, “I will never stay here, it’s too stifling!”
However, after some time, my attitude started to shift. I started interacting with others, explored more of the place, and it slowly dawned on me that things aren’t as stressful in Shanghai for young people.
Compared to small cities, more opportunities for making money and broadening horizons are indeed present here.
And, compared with other developed areas like Jiangsu and Zhejiang (these regions are economically very active), Shanghai might have even slightly less competition pressure (relative, mind you).
Moreover, weekends tend to be free time off from work.However, more than these tangible advantages, what made my outlook on Shanghai change was its unique historical flavor.
I visited the First and Second National Congress Sites of the Communist Party of China (which are crucial in the party’s history) as well as several martyrs’ cemeteries, which gave me the impression that Shanghai has this distinct and righteous ambience.
But there seems to be more to it; as evidenced by how a majority of China's classic movies and art originated here.Shanghai is like a melting pot, able to accommodate everything:
the boldness and determination of the young,
the solemnity and tranquility of the elderly,
its local characteristics,
and even a touch of European openness and freedom.Now, as I walk through Shanghai streets, I no longer feel disappointed when seeing the reality of things around. When the sunshine falls on the ground, people walk at their own pace, wearing all kinds of apparels.
Deep in my heart, I realized that the true Shanghai is one that’s serene and open-minded, while still filled with hopes for the future.
I understand now that my feelings towards Shanghai has shifted from unwary adoration to impulsive dislike, and finally to a sensible appreciation.