hen talking about China’s biggest metropolis Shanghai, people naturally think of the Bund and the Oriental Pearl Tower. I wasn’t an exception. On my first day trip in Shanghai, just like many other tourists would do, I toured along the Nanjing Road and went to the Bund for the eyes’ feast of a bustling and splendid night.

After my trip with my family, I started my college life at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) in Songjiang, a suburban district in Shanghai. Until now, I have spent one year and a half in Songjiang. My life has been brimmed with colorful and unforgettable experiences.

With its distinctive architecture, SISU is one of the most beautiful universities in China from my perspective. Wandering the campus under the sunlight especially refreshes and invigorates people.

Our neighboring university, East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL), is another beautiful university in Songjiang District. It is also known around the Songjiang campus town for having taken good care of stray cats on campus, so much that the cats themselves have almost become the mascots of ECUPL.

As the origin of Shanghai as a city, Songjiang District boasts abundant cultural and natural parks. The famous Guang Fu Lin Cultural Relics site and Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden are just two of the many sites of attractions that demonstrate the cultural and natural foundations on which Shanghai was developed. The idyllic lifestyle offered in Songjiang and urban atmosphere of downtown Shanghai just 30 kilometers away highlights Shanghai’s charm in joining the traditional and the modern.

During weekends, I usually take the metro downtown with my friends to shop around some interesting districts. I often walk around these neighborhoods and observe this city by taking pictures with my phone. During such moments, I am always impressed and warmed by the street charms of Shanghai.

In this international city, people organize celebrating activities for western festivals spontaneously. The celebration of festivals isn’t just something for Westerners, but for the Chinese as well. I celebrated last Christmas with my friends in a market downtown and encountered people of all cultures sharing a happy time in the same space. I have also been to the Shanghai Disneyland, one of the six Disneylands in the world. It was wonderful to see my childhood cartoon characters come to life in China.

Life in Shanghai is colorful and gorgeous, and you can find whatever interests you here. In this multi-cultural and inclusive city, one can always find a place suitable for the eyes’ and heart’s delight.