People looking to travel for the first time often ask me how to choose which country to go to and how I decide the destination of my first international trip. My answer is to choose a country you are usually curious about, interested in its culture, or a place that can challenge you by allowing you to step out of your comfort zone. As I spoke to college juniors seeking to travel abroad before graduating college, I started to remember my experience traveling for the first time to a country I had no idea I would travel to and how that international experience helped deepen my love for traveling and seeing the world. Unlike these students figuring out what country to choose, I did not select the country; it chose me. Here is my unforgettable travel journey to Shanghai, China.
Study abroad opportunity in Shanghai.
Going to China is a dream I never even knew I could have. As I think about the highlights of my early 20s, learning Chinese and going to Shanghai are some of the best highlights of my life. My journey to Shangai started with a flyer I received the summer before attending the University of Rhode Island, my alma mater. The flyer promoted learning the Chinese language and immersing in Chinese culture. I hadn’t planned on taking a language in college; if I did, I would plan on taking a Latin language like French and Spanish. However, when I looked at the flyer, I saw it as an opportunity to do something different, challenge myself, and do something unique. Not every day do you meet a Congolese-American who can speak Chinese; if there is, I want to be part of the few. Also, I have always admired Asians’ ability to integrate into new countries and cultures. Whether in Africa, Europe, or the Americas, they always find a way to learn the native language, integrate and build businesses. I once met a Chinese person who spoke Lingala, my native language, which motivated me to study Mandarin. Fun fact: when I interviewed for the program, and the interviewer asked me why I wanted to learn Chinese, I referenced Rush Hour, which made her laugh.
Chinese Program Requirements
As part of the Chinese program, I had to add Mandarin as another major, which I did not know I could do, allowing me to begin my college journey as a double major in Political Science and Chinese. A couple of months later, after expressing my desire to work on African policies and wanting to interact with African Francophones in French, I added French as my third major, making a triple major. Considering my career interests in working on African development projects, diplomacy between the United States and African Nations, and the influence of China in Africa, I was incredibly proud of the majors I had chosen. The cherry on top was realizing how, with all my three majors, I would have plenty of opportunities to study abroad and realize my dreams of traveling. Hence, I was keen to be the best student I could be and perform my very best to put myself in the position to have a strong resume for my career ambitions and my life’s resume.
The Chinese program at my alma mater was rigorous but promised three opportunities to study abroad independently. One trip was during the J-term or winter break, the other was a summer trip between my sophomore year and junior year, and the third was an academic year abroad during the fourth year because the Chinese program was a 5-years plan. I knew I would not do the five-year program. I had too many things planned for myself, and with two other majors and a desire to have internships and study abroad in a Francophone country to fulfill my French credits, I knew I could only travel during the J-term or the summer. Since the Chinese program was rigorous and we learned a lot by the first year, the accelerated program allowed me to go to China during my second year of college with an intermediate knowledge of Mandarin. It was not great, but it was good enough to impress my hosts in Shanghai. My classes at East China Normal University were challenging but rewarding, and the cultural immersion was an invaluable part of my education. Here is my travel journey to Shanghai!
Travel Journey to China
I left Rhode Island for Boston’s Logan International Airport on December 25th, 2017, on a 33-hour journey to Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, China. This voyage was my first plane trip since my family and I moved to the United States. It was my first time going on an international trip alone, so my nerves were on high alert! Plus, traveling on Christmas Day, a day that I usually spend at Church, added to the abnormalcy of this day. My 9-hour flight from Boston’s Logan Airport to LAX taught me how big the United States is. I also learned that the arrival time usually follows the local time of the city where you are landing(Someone should have told me that before I held my pee for 9 hours!) I learned that most commercial flights do not fly across the Pacific Ocean because that route requires a lot of fuel. From LAX, we flew north to Canada, Alaska, and Russia before descending toward China. After 13 hrs and a half, the plane landed at Pudong International Airport, one of the biggest airports I have seen.
Landing in Shanghai felt overwhelming. After the 33-hour journey, including 9 hours from Boston to LAX, sleeping on one of those uncomfortable seats at LAX during the 11-hour layover, and 13 hours from LAX to Shanghai, I was happy, anxious, and hungry. The person who was supposed to come to pick me up did not show up. After waiting a few hours, I taxied to East China Normal University. Taking a cab when it is dark outside, in a city you do not know, and in a language you are not proficient in is a good plot for a true crime story. I was on edge the whole time. Thankfully, I arrived at the University safe and sound. However, when I met my teacher, she told me the driver had overcharged me and that the receipt he had given had not come from a registered taximan(Great!). China mandates that taxi companies have official receipts from an official scanner from the State for tax purposes, so officially recognized taxi drivers cannot just write a paper receipt. After settling in my room and informing my mother of my safe arrival, my adventure in Shanghai began. But first came the cultural shocks. These personal interactions, while challenging, were also opportunities to learn and grow, and they formed an integral part of my journey.
Experiencing Cultural Shock
Cultural shock is standard when you are in a new environment. Many people think you only experience cultural shock when something unusual happens abroad. However, being in a foreign land alone will cause cultural shock. Being away from my African household, my Rhode Island hometown, and being a new minority as a traveler to China was enough for me to experience cultural shock. Going to get food that night and being unable to have my usual meal illustrated that I was not back in Rhode Island, and it would be a while until I got a taste of some African food. However, Shanghai had some similarities that made me feel right at home.
First, Shanghai felt like New York City but ten thousand times bigger. There were tall buildings almost everywhere. Plus, the city was decked in Christmas ornaments, which was a surprise. I did not know they celebrated Christmas in China since it is a secular country, but I realized it was less about religion and more of a capitalist thing since people liked seeing Christmas trees and decorations around that time of year. Aside from being in a country where the demography was different, being in Shanghai was like walking in Chinatown in New York City, except the whole city was just Chinatown. Being familiar with a big city made the mental transition easier. Although, as a Rhode Islander, we do not have the metro as a method of transportation, I have been to Boston and NYC, so I was familiar with taking the train.
Another thing that impressed me about Shanghai was that the city is a real-life museum! Everywhere you walk, you are sure to bump into a museum. Our host university scheduled many museum visits, allowing us to see Shanghai in all its glory. With 162 museums, Shanghai is a city filled with history and innovation, making it a must-visit place. Here is a list of some must-visit places in Shanghai.
8 Must Visit Places in Shangai
- Yuyuan Garden
One of my favorite places in Shanghai is the Yuyuan Garden. Created during the Ming Dynasty, this 400-year-old masterpiece, which took 20 years to complete, is a testament to Shanghai’s history and culture. Pan Yuyuan created this garden to bring happiness and pleasure to his family and friends. Today, 40,000,000 visitors find joy and delight in this garden. Get a feel of old China in this garden, where you will find sculptures and unique Qing architectural designs that bring the whole garden to life. The five-acre garden offers beautiful scenery to enjoy culture, marvel at human creativity and creation, and relax in nature. Enjoy the waterfalls, conifers, and rockeries. The garden also has a shopping center where shops sell jewelry, silk, antiques, and local snacks.
- The Bund
Every visit is complete with hanging out at the Bund. When we first visited, I said, “The Bund is the Times Square of Shanghai.” Like Times Square, it includes historic buildings, has a great view of the Huangpu River, and is excellent for nightlife activities. The Bund boasts 52 buildings with a variety of architectural influences. You will find buildings with architectural designs including Eclecticist, Romanesque Revival, Gothic Revival, Renaissance Revival, Baroque Revival, Neo-Classical, Beaux-Arts, and Art Deco. The Bund has a promenade along the Huangpu River where you can take a relaxing stroll, exercise, or enjoy the river view. The building lights up in the evening, illuminating the skyscrapers and bringing a magical spark to Shanghai at nighttime. People of all ages can enjoy the lively night scenes at the Bund. From restaurants, nightclubs, and bars, nightlife in Shanghai will undoubtedly bring even a shy person out of his shells. The Bund is also where people celebrate the New Year’s celebration. However, because of China’s ban on fireworks because of pollution, the long walk to the Bund on New Year’s Eve can be pointless as it is heavily crowded, and finding a place to eat can be difficult.
- French Quarter
As a history lover, I was surprised to learn about France’s history in China. I knew of England’s history in China but was not too familiar with France’s history in China. The French Quarter, originally called the Concession, was established in 1849 and gave some territory to allow French settlement in the region. Since this French territory in Shanghai was smaller than that of the British, over the years, the French authorities looked to expand their territory in Shanghai to build more influence. The French authorities started developing the area, building houses, businesses, and roads, and by the 1920s, the French Quarter was the premier residential area in town. Foreigners of different nationalities and wealthy Chinese families moved to this residential area. However, when WWII began, this prosperous area became a victim of the politics of war. Under Vichy’s France, he signed over the Concession to Japan. When Shanghai was under Japanese control, thousands of Chinese fled to the Concession, where there were troops to ensure civilian safety. Post-war, France struck a deal to hang back foreign Concession to the Chinese government. Still, the Communist government did not change much. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, inviting you to enjoy French influence and culture in Shanghai. You will find boutiques, mansions, and restaurants. During our visit, there was a dancing event where people came around this square, partnered with friends, family, or even strangers, and shared a dance.
- Shanghai Museum
As mentioned above, Shanghai is a real-life museum, not just because there is so much history everywhere you walk but also because there are a lot of museums in Shanghai, and some of them have similar names. One of the museums you must visit is the Shanghai Museum, Which houses one million artifacts that outline Chinese history. People consider it to be one of the best museums in China. At the museum, you will find a selection of ancient Chinese bronze vessels, classical scroll paintings, calligraphy, Buddhist sculptures, ceramics, and porcelain dating from the Han to Qing Dynasty. The museum collection is a testament to human creativity and the importance of saving art and masterpieces from centuries ago and keeping our history alive. As an African, being at this museum and others and seeing how other cultures were able to keep their work made me sad for my homeland, as many of our arts are not housed in Africa.
- Discover the Love Park
Everyone wants love, and Chinese cities have found a unique way to ensure everyone finds their perfect match but with a twist. When walking the streets of Shanghai, you might come across posters on lampposts or trees. However, these posters are not for job ads or business announcements; they are dating ads. Young Chinese men and women, but mostly men, will write information about themselves, and you can answer the ads to meet someone great. However, there is a twist to this dating adventure. At Shanghai Marriage Market, you will find parents and meddling mothers primarily acting as wingwomen for their sons and daughters, looking for an excellent match for their adult children. It’s a real-life Tinder or a modern twist to parents arranging marriage matches for their kids. As an African, I found the similarities between the Marriage Market and how African parents arrange their children’s marriages. If you are single and looking to date in Shanghai, you can stroll the People’s Park to find and meet singles and impress their mothers.
- Zhujiajiao Water Town
Although I describe Shanghai as like New York City, it has kept to its ancient roots, and one of the places where you will enjoy Old Shanghai is Zhujiajiao Water Town. An hour from Shanghai center, discover the historic town of Zhujiajiao Water Town, a traditional Chinese village with cobblestone streets, rocky bridges, and waterways. This town gives you a beautiful blend of ancient tradition and modernity. Blue bricks and tile architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is also a film location for many movies, getting the nickname “the Hollywood of Shanghai” on top of being known as the “Venice of Shanghai.” On North Street, you will see the perfectly preserved ancient streets from the Qing Dynasty. At Kezhi Yuan, you can relax in this garden, a five-story building with a pavilion on its roof. Enjoy its natural beauty, from mountains to lakes; Zhujiajiao lets you get in tune with nature. Another way to enjoy the city is by cruising along the rivers on gondolas, giving you an unforgettable Venice experience in Shanghai.
- Oriental Pearl Tower
One of my most memorable adventures in Shanghai was a visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower. This Radio and Television tower was the tallest in Shanghai from 1994 to 2007. Today, it is the world’s third tallest television and radio tower after towers in Toronto and Moscow. It is 1,536 feet, giving you the best view of Shanghai when you stand on its top floor. It is a tourist destination for many reasons. It features a double-decker elevator, a recreational palace, a city of science, a hotel, and a house at the Shanghai History Museum. Its unique architecture is The first thing that makes it stand out among other buildings it faces on the Bund. Its design comprises three giant columns, a space module, the upper and lower spheres, five small spheres, a tower base, and a square. In the upper sphere, you will find a revolving restaurant and a see-through glass, an excellent experience for those afraid of heights like me(sarcasm!) When visiting the five small spheres, visitors feel like they are in spaceships. The sphere is an excellent attraction for visitors of all ages and of every interest. Apart from the revolving restaurants, you will also find standard restaurants and shops to relax and enjoy this tower’s adventures.
- Shanghai Disneyland Park
If you want to explore all the Disneyland parks in the world, take a trip to Shanghai Disneyland Park. For some who have already visited Disneyland Park in the United States and feel like they have already seen what Disneyland has to offer, why bother going to another Disneyland park? Shanghai Disneyland Park offers a distinct experience you cannot find at other Disneyland parks. You can experience Disneyland’s culture mixed with Chinese distinction at Shanghai Disneyland Park. Shanghai Disneyland Park allows you to enjoy the thrill of Disneyland while also recognizing and experiencing Chinese culture. Like other Disneyland Parks, this park is excellent for visitors of all ages. They say everything is bigger in Texas, but when it comes to Disneylands, Shanghai Disneyland Park houses the largest Disney castles of all Disneylands. For dining options, there are eight lands with themed restaurants where you can find a mix of Asian and Western cuisines. At Disneytown, you will find the marketplace, the Lakeshore, and Spice Alley. You can go on a shopping spree, have a waterfront view, and enjoy the local street life. Of all my experiences in Shanghai, I missed going to Shanghai Disneyland Park because of a lack of finances. I detailed how to prioritize your travel adventure when you are on a tight budget, but it is one thing I will keep on my bucket list for the next time I visit Shanghai.
My Adventure Takeaway
Life in Shanghai is pretty standard; I say this as someone who expected a great contrast between my regular life and what I would experience. Shanghai is another mega city, like Boston, NYC, or Montreal, which I traveled to before visiting Shanghai. Although the cultural shock of being in a new environment was evident, I could adapt quickly because I am used to being in a city. However, Shanghai has its distinctions from all the cities I traveled to. Unlike some of these cities, I was surprised at how cheap life is in such a mega city. I define cheap from an American standpoint. Besides the free museum entries we had, compared to the things we had to pay for, such as food and transportation, they felt like nothing to us because they were cheap. The metro ticket for a distance less than 6 kilometers, equal to 3.7 miles, was 3 CNY, which is $0.40. Food was also very cheap, and when I spoke Chinese when ordering food, a local paid for my food for me because they were impressed. Hence, it is good to learn the local language when traveling. A trip to Shanghai is a must if you are looking for a place to have the most incredible adventure but on a budget.
When it comes to food, Shanghai is home to plenty of restaurants. Like in any big city, you will find different cuisines, and Shanghai is not any different. Shanghai cuisine is slightly sweet, which is hard for someone who loves spicy food! However, I learned to leave my comfort zone and experience the diversity of Chinese cuisine. My experience in China was mindblowing! It allowed me to immerse myself in a language and culture I always thought was foreign to me. The reception I received from Chinese people as a Black woman speaking Chinese empowered me to learn more about other cultures. Their response showed me the impact of integrating oneself into another person’s culture instead of them always having to incorporate it into yours.
Today, I owe my self-confidence to my experience in Shanghai. Getting out of my comfort zone to travel to China, a country whose culture varies from mine, made me comfortable trying new things. Experiencing Shanghai cuisine opened me to sweet spices, something I never thought my spicy food African-loving self would ever say! I always knew that I wanted to travel. When researching universities, I examined their study abroad programs as a criterion for attending the school. My experience in Shanghai and the lessons it taught excited me to go to other countries and experience different cultures. I am forever grateful for this experience. I left a young girl; I returned as a young woman ready to explore the world.
谢谢上海！ 认识你很高兴
As always, thank you for reading my travel adventure. Share, like, and comment.
Until next time, have travel!
Xoxo,
Cy
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