Matthew Jellick

Travel restrictions have forced me to restructure and reroute my destinations, whereas before, I would fly to nearby countries for long weekend holidays. A review of my timelines confirms that prior to the virus, for Qingming Festival I visited Cambodia in 2018 and South Korea in 2019. But now, of course, such itineraries are impossible. Forced to look inward, over the last year, I have made Shanghai my destination of choice, visiting on numerous occasions, and each time, relishing my experiences in what I view as China’s most international city.

My first trip to Shanghai was back in 2018 for an education conference, leaving little room to explore as much as I would have liked. Returning though more than once this past summer, each time I have made deeper inroads into the city, learning about its history, culture, cuisine, architecture and even craft beer scene.

One of my favorite activities, and something I have done twice now (morning and evening session), are guided bicycle tours of the city that had been organized by Culture Shock Tours. These four-hour trips through parts which otherwise are off the beaten path shed light on the vibrant history which still shapes the city to this day, providing insight not found in the pages of “Lonely Planet.”

Wherever I travel, either internationally or domestically, I always try to check out the local craft beer scene as well, and the Pearl of the Orient is no exception. Sampling a few during different visits, it was Shanghai Love Brewing Company which took my heart with their quality and attention to detail, delivering excellent beers and a welcoming community.

Likewise, the food of Shanghai is outstanding in its own right, with special attention given to xiaolongbao, that delicious soup-filled bun I was introduced to through Anthony Bourdain, and with which I satiate my appetite each and every time I return.

More than anything though, it is the vibration that Shanghai emits, which continues to draw me back.

On most nights, or early mornings, I find solace walking the streets listening to the Shanghai Restoration Project through my earphones, with their contemporary electronic music acting as a soundtrack to their namesake city.

Shanghai is unique, it is different, and it doesn’t pretend to be something it is not, continuing to show respect to its past while also giving a nod to the future, cognizant of growth, but conscious of the present.