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

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.

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

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