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Cyril Ip

I arrived in Shanghai with lingering memories of what it looked like in 2010, when I was one of the 73 million visitors who walked the banks of the Huangpu River during the World Expo.
As an 11-year-old from Hong Kong, this was my first glimpse of what I later recognised as China’s “soft power”, and I was agog.
For much of my childhood, I had equated that visceral feeling with going abroad – particularly to Europe, including the United Kingdom where I spent seven years studying.
I was privileged enough to have travelled to the likes of Paris, London and Lucerne as a child, and taken in these historic capitals in all their glory – but these trips were not sufficiently balanced with culture-focused trips in China.

My recent three-month stint in Shanghai, followed by short visits to Hangzhou, Nanjing, Suzhou and Guangzhou, underlined the zest and authenticity that permeate mainland China, despite the social and economic headwinds it faces.
When I landed in Shanghai in August, the daytime temperature was up to 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). Still, evening breezes accompanied my almost daily bike rides. Metro stations are not as close together as those in Hong Kong, so cycling, as well as being a superb way to see and get to know a city, is often a more practical option. Unlike Hong Kong, Shanghai boasts dedicated cycle lanes on most roads.
While cycling is a wholesome, healthy way to get your fingers off your phone, you do need to have China’s super apps such as Alipay and WeChat in order to hop on and off a shared bike. China’s digital integration has sparked much debate, but I question whether my technology-obsessed generation would truly escape its deep entanglement with the cyber world even in the absence of such a comprehensive system.
Foreigners in China have mixed reactions to this digital ecosystem. Some find it overly complex and frustrating, while others find it incredibly convenient. Flaws exist, but as evidenced by the recent enthusiasm of Americans on RedNote, human curiosity often overcomes initial barriers.
Speaking of barriers, I now face the minor inconvenience of readjusting to Hong Kong, where cash remains king for many, including taxi drivers.

Almost everyone in Hong Kong, from legislators and government officials to business owners, has pointed to the desperate struggle to keep residents in the city at weekends.
They have seen them pour into neighbouring Shenzhen for its obvious perks – better malls, cheaper food and arguably superior service. While I cherish my home city, its stagnation will not be alleviated merely by urging people to stay.
If you find yourself drawn to the superficial allure of cities like Shenzhen, remember that China offers so much more. If all we do there is to seek better service and cheaper goods, we risk not understanding the vibrant and dynamic culture that exists beyond these surface attractions.
The ancient city of Nanjing boasts a rich history as the capital of several Chinese dynasties, who left behind a wealth of historical sites such as the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and the city walls.
Criss-crossed by canals, Suzhou is known for its exquisite classical gardens, often described as masterpieces of Chinese landscape architecture. Home to West Lake, a Unesco World Heritage site, Hangzhou is where technology meets temples, pagodas and tradition.

As a curious traveller who, at times, grappled with adapting to a similar yet distinct culture, I was consistently met with kindness and camaraderie. I hope Hongkongers will cultivate open-mindedness when encountering visitors. Beyond the pragmatic needs of our economy, we all share a fundamental human desire for experience and improvement in our lives; such a common aspiration should serve as a powerful bond.
While “integration” has become a buzzword, true integration extends beyond economic cooperation. It demands a deeper understanding of each other’s lived experiences and perspectives, cultivated through increased cultural exchange and the fostering of genuine people-to-people connections.
My extended stay in another city is a valuable reminder that the world extends far beyond our familiar surroundings, and there is always more to learn, more to discover.
Beyond Shenzhen’s cheap thrills, a wealth of wonders awaits those willing to explore China.


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China travel

Beneath modern China’s superficial allure is a rich culture waiting to be explored

Shanghai’s ever-popular waterfront promenade, the Bund, is a symbol of its dynamic history. Cyril Ip (above) was reminded of the zest and authenticity of mainland China during a recent stint in the city. Photo: Cyril Ip

Cyril Ip, then 11 years old, waiting in line to enter the China pavilion at the Shanghai Expo in August 2010. The structure has since been converted into the China Art Museum. Photo: Cyril Ip

The Museum of Art Pudong, a beacon of contemporary art, stands on the eastern bank of the Huangpu River, near the Oriental Pearl Tower. Photo: Cyril Ip

A futuristic Buddhist-themed museum in the Porcelain Tower Heritage Park in Nanjing. Photo: Cyril Ip

The coolest place in Shanghai? Check out Anfu Road, city’s laid-back fashion central

Anfu Road boasts independent stores, cafés and tea-houses, wine bars and more. Photo: Xiaohongshu

Anfu Road in Shanghai is at the centre of the former French Concession. Known as the headquarters of Chinese fashion lovers, it has everything a visitor could ask for. Photo: Xiaohongshu

The former French Concession has become the headquarters of Shanghai’s hipsters and creatives. Photo: Xiaohongshu

Coffee Tree is an indoor-outdoor restaurant in Shanghai. Photo: Cyril Ip

The century-old parasol trees in Shanghai are meticulously cared for by local authorities. Photo: Xiaohongshu

The flagship store of Chinese fragrance brand To Summer is housed in a century-old Spanish-style colonial villa on Hunan Road. Photo: Cyril Ip

Wukang Mansion, which opened in 1924, was designed by Hungarian-Slovak architect László Hudec. Photo: Xiaohongshu

What to see and do in Hangzhou, China, from beautiful ancient sites to a jazz bar

Hangzhou’s budget-friendly attractions are numerous, from West Lake (pictured) that poets have immortalised to an intimate jazz bar. Photo: Shutterstock

West Lake has been a Unesco World Heritage site since 2011. Photo: Getty Images

The West Lake’s Leifeng Pagoda is among the most popular attractions in Hangzhou. Photo: Xiaohongshu/@DenJay

5 must-visit Nanjing landmarks, from a breathtaking palace to an emperor’s resting place

Niushoushan’s domed Usnisa Palace in Nanjing, China, houses a sacred Buddhist relic. Photo: Instagram @fabionodariphoto

The nine-metre reclining Buddha on the ground floor of the Usnisa Palace, in Nanjing, eastern China, one of the must-see landmarks for visitors to the city. Photo: Cyril Ip

Niushoushan Cultural Tourism Zone was built on the site of a Tang dynasty Buddhist temple that was destroyed during the Taiping Rebellion in the 1850s. Photo: Instagram/@fabionodariphoto

The Great Usnisa Hall features a 1.8-metre tall stupa. Photo: Instagram/@fabionodariphoto

The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders remembers the 300,000 lives lost during Japan’s six-week massacre in 1937. Photo: Xiaohongshu/@mimming2020

The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of past emperors. Photo: Xiaohongshu/ @120716137

The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the final resting place of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty, and his wife, Empress Ma. Photo: Xiaohongshu/@108358147

Fuzimiao is a serene oasis dedicated to the philosopher Confucius. Photo: Xiaohongshu/@865946553

Xinjiekou’s shops range from high-end department stores and international brands to local boutiques and street vendors. Photo: Xiaohongshu/@804285309

Shenzhen travel guide: how to get a visa on arrival, which apps to download and cashless payment in the Chinese city

To get to places in Shenzhen like Dongmen Pedestrian Street (above), Hong Kong residents without the right visa can apply for one on arrival. That’s not all you need to know - we break down the essentials for your trip from Hong Kong. Photo: Shutterstock

WeChat is useful for electronic payments and for its mini-programs – apps within the app. Photo: Shutterstock

The simplest option within Hong Kong to reach Shenzhen is to take the MTR East Rail Line to Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau stations. Photo: Erika Na

Shenzhen taxis can be ordered via Didi Chuxing, the Chinese equivalent of Uber. Photo: Shutterstock

Alipay accepts foreign-issued credit cards and can be used to make e-payments in Shenzhen. Photo: Shutterstock

Baidu Maps is more accurate than Google Maps in Shenzhen. Photo: Shutterstock

Lifestyle

Travel & Leisure

Chinese culture

For this Hongkonger, the lesson of a stint in mainland China is that integration is not just economic but cultural and requires an open mind


For this Hongkonger, the lesson of a stint in mainland China is that integration is not just economic but cultural and requires an open mind.


Asia travel

Shanghai

Hangzhou

Gen Z

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Opinion

Beneath modern China’s superficial allure is a rich culture waiting to be explored

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}For this Hongkonger, the lesson of a stint in mainland China is that integration is not just economic but cultural and requires an open mind

For this Hongkonger, the lesson of a stint in mainland China is that integration is not just economic but cultural and requires an open mind