Photos taken by Aurora Brendtke (University of Michigan), Student Correspondent for CET Shanghai, Summer 2024
Class in a Cake Shop!
Have you ever had your language class while eating cake or croissants? Well, this was my first too! Our three person Chinese class was instructed to bring a plus-one to our day out. A hot Shanghai morning, the sun already beaming down as we set out to walk to our destination. Arriving at the café, we sat at a quaint checkered table and talked about the big and the small about life in Shanghai. We ordered Luckin Coffee (a popular chain here) as well!
Chinese Karaoke…KTV
When I first heard the phrase KTV I was slightly confused—I looked at my Chinese friends with a raised eyebrow. Is it not called karaoke…everywhere? Maybe that was a bit narrow-minded of me, but given Japan and the US use the same phrase, I assumed China was the same. Unsurprisingly, the song selection is way more advanced than karaoke places in Michigan. You can choose songs right from your phone, just scan the QR code like everything else.
Big World, Little Pond
A little reflective oasis with Koi fish and stacked stones, a corner of the world I was unlikely to see, but came across my path. Nothing in particular stands out about it, but that it is an ecosystem within itself, a tranquil, insulated space for about six fish. When you find your spirit, your path, and your peace in life, protect it and keep the ones you love inside your circle.
The Wishing Wall
Well, this wishing wall is actually a tree, where its leaves are forever autumn red. These are not exactly religious, but they are a sort of prayer. These xuyuan pai, or wishing plates, are meant to bring about the wisher’s intention for themselves or loved ones. Maybe you want to pass your exam, to marry someone special, or to make more money at your job. All of these desires can be written and left to do their magic.
WuXi Old Town Museum
On a trip to WuXi city that neighbors Shanghai, a couple friends and I had the chance to visit their local history museum. Of the exhibits, there was a model town of WuXi in a previous dynasty. I don’t know a lot about ancient Chinese architecture, but I noted how standardized and advanced each city was, complete with gates, watchtowers, city walls, and a town square.
Great Golden Buddha
Resonance of bells, the smell of frankincense, and an overwhelming sense of calm. As soon as I stepped in, I felt strangely choked up as if I would shed a tear. The temple was clearly a place of love and worship. A beautifully adorned golden Buddha lie in the center of the temple. In front of it, a row of prayer mats. I kneeled and payed respects for the culture, and for the genuine peace I felt upon entering.
Your Average Book Store…in China
Book stores don’t have anime characters beckoning you in quite like Asia does. Not only book stores, but I have also seen some NaiCha Dian (milk tea shops) use this tactic to attract customers as well. Japanese and Chinese manga is extremely popular here, as you may expect. Inside lay a beautiful book store with many different genres, a fancy coffee shop, and a stationery section full of colorful pens and notebooks.
Interview with an Artist & Entrepreneur
While I am studying in Shanghai, I also am interning for two collaborating groups, TIEX and SheRewires. Our project? Internvision. We are six female international students working together to create interview episodes talking to established women in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). My interview was with the artist and innovating tech sustainability founder YeMeng Li.
On Top of The World!
I can’t say that I’ve been on top of a shopping mall before this picture was taken. Getting to the 8th floor was a task in itself, but worth the subway ride and confusing elevator trip. From this view, Shanghai seemed so tangible. I looked over the city and retraced the places I have been. The sun beamed through the clouds to present the Magic City.
Ganbei, or Cheers!
We’ve arrived at the next checkpoint, our CET farewell dinner. A huge assortment of European foods (for everyone, but especially our Chinese roommates) to try. Though it’s a bit early, I really don’t mind this being our nice last mandated meet up. From here on out, our weekends are open for personal travel, relaxing, or whatever else we want to do. I haven’t seen enough of Shanghai, but two months wasn’t enough to begin with! Still, my adventure is to be continued…