International Students Decode Urban Transformation in 'Chill in My Jing'an'

"Chill in My Jing'an," an initiative highlighting the urban transformation of Jing'an District through the perspectives of overseas youth, took place over the weekend, offering a vibrant blend of history, culture and creativity.

Through cross-cultural storytelling, the event showcased how one of Shanghai's most vibrant districts preserves its historic charm while also embracing contemporary vitality.

Six Shanghai Theatre Academy students from Malaysia, Russia, Greece, Ghana and Kazakhstan participated in walking tours, workshops and creative challenges to "decode" the city.

They walked a distance of 3.5 kilometers with Qian Xiaoyan, a senior citywalk expert and author of "Lonely Planet Shanghai," to explore the area's transformation from shikumen (stone-gate) alleyways to the bustling atmosphere of Nanjing Road W.

They compared century-old photographs with contemporary streetscapes, tasted reimagined local delicacies, and engaged in hands-on sessions that integrated tradition with modern influences.

To perform morning calisthenics at Fudeli Park, participants wore retro blue school tracksuits, symbols of 1980s and 1990s Chinese student life.

On Shimen No. 1 Road, home to China's largest Starbucks Roastery and the Louis Vuitton "The Louis," and in Zhangyuan Garden, a former pleasure garden now a cultural landmark, they observed how heritage buildings have become an integral part of Shanghai's modern identity.

A culinary workshop turned mantou (steamed buns) into "Chinese burgers," using Shanghai's famous Wang Jia Sha, Kaisiling and Lifeng ingredients. They rediscovered mianjin (wheat gluten), fermented tofu and sugar-roasted chestnuts.

"I never thought I could combine so many local products to create something new," said Karina Novosselova from Kazakhstan. "Maybe tomorrow I'll buy mantou again and try my own version at home."

Diana Puzikova from Greece was intrigued by mianjin. "There was an ingredient I'd never seen before – it looked like mushrooms but turned out to be made of flour. It was delicious."

From Ghana, Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey added, "I put chocolate in my Chinese burger – it really worked!"

The route stopped at the Shanghai Printing Typeface Museum, where participants explored the evolution of Chinese characters and crafted collages spelling out Jing'an (静安). By the end of the journey, they described the district as "gorgeous," "diverse," "cozy" and "progressive."

For many, the walk changed how they saw the city.

"Nanjing Road W. is the road not to be missed," said Anastasiia Melikhova from Russia. "It has the Louis Vuitton ship and the biggest Starbucks – perfect for selfies."

Puzikova said she especially enjoyed the morning exercises, calling them "a real energy booster" and praising the "beautiful retro uniforms."

Comparing old photographs with those taken during the walk, she said it was striking to see "how much Shanghai has developed – not just in terms of infrastructure, but in the atmosphere of a true metropolis."

"Shanghai is improving and developing year by year," she added. "It just gives me a really big inspiration. That's why I also want to have the same development as a person to be able to live in such a city."

Organized by the Jing'an District Culture and Tourism Development Promotion Center and operated by Shanghai Daily, the initiative reflects Jing'an's ambition to engage young international voices in shaping its global image – one walk, one story at a time.