Happy New Year Shanghai!

It’s been over a year since we dropped anchor in Shanghai - longer than any tourist stay, for sure. Yet, somehow, it doesn’t feel like enough time. “Enough for what?” you might ask. Well, “To truly get to know this city the way it deserves to be known,” would be my answer.

These days, I feel quite at home in Shanghai. Every time I return from traveling abroad, I slip back into the rhythm of the city like I never left. What once sparked curiosity or raised an eyebrow now feels comfortably familiar.

The streets overflown with people moving in every direction? Normal. The delivery guys on quiet electrical scooters weaving through traffic like it’s a video game? Expected. The dazzling skyscrapers lit up with commercials so sophisticated they belong to a sci-fi movie? Pure Shanghai.

Nowadays I smile when I see the cool, selfie-ready younger crowd, stylish and tech-savvy, or the older generation who navigate the city in their own no-nonsense way. Red lights? Optional. Jaywalking? Sure. Hospital pajamas? Why not.

Throw in the ever-present luxury brands, the endless variety of restaurants and cafes, and the online shopping magic that can deliver practically anything to your doorstep within 48 hours, and you’ve got a city that’s as dynamic as it is addictive.

It’s chaotic, quirky, and utterly Shanghai.

However, even the familiar scenes in Shanghai always seem to offer something new. The more I read about its history, the more I learn the language and customs, the clearer the lens becomes through which I view life in Shanghai and China in general. It’s this growing understanding that helps me better relate to the rhythm of the city and its people. But, somehow, the more I experience, the more there is to discover. I’m starting to believe that no amount of time will ever be enough to truly know this city. And maybe that’s part of its charm: it’s a puzzle I’ll never finish, but one I’ll never tire of solving.

As we step into 2025, I thought it would be the perfect time to piece together a few snapshots from the past year, a mosaic of moments, impressions, and events that shaped my life. I hope you’ll enjoy this little glimpse into my world!

The streets.

Whenever I can, I prefer walking to my destination—the streets, especially the smaller ones, are so full of character and life.

I’m endlessly fascinated by the rows of clothing hung out to dry, whether outside low-rise apartments or high-rise buildings. It’s a necessity in Shanghai’s humid climate and a deeply ingrained habit, as dryers are not that affordable. I’ll admit, I get a bit of secret joy trying to guess a family’s lifestyle based on the clothes they’ve put on display.

And then there are the delivery guys, either zipping past on their scooters or catching a rare moment of rest. They are powering a lifestyle of convenience that, I believe, is here to stay.

There are caffes setting up impromptu terraces on the sidewalks, or, late at night when traffic slows down, a food stand sets shop near a big intersection. Small shop owners live and eat at their shop.

Then there is this old lady selling tiny white flowers (no clue what they are), complete with WeChat and AliPay. I even stumbled upon a barber and a seamstress, that seemed quite established on the sidewalk. There are also the historical buildings, nicely preserved, and quieter narrow streets.

In no particular order, here they are.

Art galleries, museums.

There are many cultural events in Shanghai, so many, in fact, that trying to attend them all could easily be a full-time job! Personally, I’ve been gravitating toward museums and art galleries. From stunning photography exhibitions to showcases of traditional Chinese attire (like the “horse face” skirt, which is making a trendy comeback among the younger generation) and artistic calligraphy.

While searching for a bookstore, I unexpectedly stumbled upon the last residence of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China. To my surprise, the house held a permanent exhibition featuring many original artifacts from his life. It was a deeply moving experience.

Food.

Here come the vegetable stands—fresh, colourful, and wonderfully affordable. Then there are the small eateries packed with locals, that I haven’t quite mustered the courage to "just try it out" on my own.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are the sleek fusion restaurants, offering elegance and impeccable service. One standout experience was the Chinese New Year SEA celebration lunch at Shanghai Tang. The food was exquisite, but the real treat was a live Peking opera performance. Grateful for having a taste of that too, though I must confess, while visually stunning and rich in tradition, I couldn’t take in too much of it. A shame, I know, considering the years of rigorous training these performers undergo.

The highlight of the year? A Tang Dynasty-themed dinner and performance, complete with full period attire. It felt like stepping straight into history, sumptuous and elegant, simply unforgettable!

Night time.

The city appears to slow down a bit at night, but that's just on the surface; more colourful than during day time, all imperfections hidden by the dark, the city has a different vibe, a different charm.

Summer.

The summer was hot, really hot - 33 degrees Celsius at 7 AM, for weeks in a row.

And this is how we spent our second Canada Day abroad.

Dancing

I was lucky to find "Camino Flamenco", a flamenco studio within walking distance from our home. I got to practice, attend workshops with Spanish instructors and even had the chance to perform (yay to my international debut !)

Christmas.

I’m often asked if Christmas is celebrated in Shanghai, and the answer is a yes, very much so. While it may not hold the same significance for most people here, it’s definitely a time for joy, festive cheer, and a healthy dose of commercial extravagance. What’s truly heartwarming is that everyone we get in contact with makes an effort to honour our traditions and make us feel at home.