Shanghai, China. During a strange visa waiting period, I climbed 119 floors and 3,398 steps to look over Shanghai from 632 meters up.
丨Magic City Adventure丨
- Message from Shanghai -
The human world in the magic city
Preface
Last week, I was on ZOOM with my fellow student from Tongji. In the middle of the night, I had a dream that I was back to that special time in Shanghai. I was so drunk in the dream that I drank a lot, which made me feel a little dizzy the next day.
I can be regarded as someone who has left traces in the magical city. Shanghai is my lucky city. Although I have been away for a long time, there are some stories that I still miss.
01
Wandering on the beach
Because I have been unable to get a US visa, Teacher Chen recommended me to go to the Tongjizhuang teacher group for "exchanges". He said it was "exchanges", but in fact it was more about anxiety. The situation between China and the United States was tense, and I couldn't see the future clearly.
My first impression of Shanghai was not friendly. The taxi driver looked like a young man from Shanghai, and his sarcastic tone made me want to use force. The fat lady who rented the hotel next door occupied the washing machine and was arrogant and aggressive. After a big quarrel with her, we immediately disliked each other.
The only thing that gives me some comfort is that Tongji's canteen is indeed quite delicious.
After the National Day, autumn is here in Shanghai. Half a year has passed since the first visa interview. Friends who have had the same experience have also become anxious. I touched my belly, which was gradually getting fatter, and found that it no longer had any shape. He would make fun of himself no matter what, saying that he was fat and had no future, and he was just a fool.
So I would sigh occasionally, but I would immediately tell myself that good times and bad times will eventually come, and when you are fulfilled, there will be another side of the coin.
Learn something new and then take action. I was left behind in the playgrounds of Tongji and Fudan, and I became a regular at the Tongji gym, but I always felt that it was not good enough.
At this time, AR (addidas runner) appeared. I had heard of the addidas running group for a long time. I rode a bicycle to participate in it. After running for ten kilometers for the first time, I was blown away, even though it was already the slowest group.
I didn’t believe it. After all, I was a master at it. Gradually I found that I could keep up with AR’s 4:30 group and completed 10 kilometers, and I gradually lost some weight.
I have participated in the Shanghai Bund, West Bund, and Century Park, these running meccas in Shanghai with AR, and I express my appreciation for AR.
With the organization, I gradually integrated into the life of Tongji. Qimin took me everywhere, and Bin took me to Hongkou to see Shenhua. I did scientific research with my juniors, went to the library with Minjin, and was lucky enough to attend the open class of French bosses organized by Teacher Jin. Everything seemed to be getting better when I became busy.
I made an appointment for my second visa interview in Shanghai at the end of October, and withdrew my application from Beijing. The process was very smooth, and the white American uncle was very polite. It might be Halloween soon, and the atmosphere in the embassy was very relaxed.
02
Climb to the top of Shanghai Tower
The next thing seems to be more positive. One month after the interview, I am usually quite happy. I had a chance to go to Jing'an Temple with a veteran from Wuhan University to worship Buddha and ask for an issue. I went to the West Lake to meet my friends and met the big boss Shi Yigong. I left my most important wish for 2019 by the Chao Phraya River and in front of the Erawan Buddha. I also went to Ningbo to say goodbye to the girl. I became like a conch man.
I also signed up for the Shanghai Center Vertical Marathon. Climbing stairs can also be called a marathon. It’s very novel, so I want to experience it. Especially in Shanghai, the opportunity is rare, so don’t miss it.
Shanghai Tower, with 127 floors, the main building has 118 floors, 3398 steps, and a vertical height of 632m. This is the tallest skyscraper in Shanghai.
From 2008 to 2016, the Shanghai Center, with a total height of 632 meters, grew wildly on the bank of the Pujiang River. Day by day, it evolved from an eggbeater to a new landmark of the magical city today, becoming an everlasting tree of fire and silver flowers in the night sky of Shanghai. No matter day or night, there are always people stopping for it. This is also the highest vertical marathon in the world.
On the day I received my gift, I was fascinated by the night view of Shanghai, but when I started running the next day, I became nervous. Although I had experienced a lot of road running, it was my first time to cross the horse. Everyone started at different times. I was more worried about the stuffy air in the stairs, but after running, I realized that the exhaust and ventilation system of Shanghai Center is really good. Some floors even make people feel a little bit cool.
In fact, you don’t need to run to do the vertical horse, you just need to stride up the stairs. I always feel that you are more likely to get injured when you run. During the process, the runners in front will also give way to those who come behind, which is very harmonious. The supply and refuge floors on some floors also allow everyone to not worry too much and just participate in the race with peace of mind.
The volunteers on the 90th floor told us that we don’t have to worry too much about finishing the race. We have enough time and can come to this floor to take pictures. The scenery is good. This is a quite empty floor with a good view. It should be a different experience from the top-floor sightseeing center.
Unknowingly, I reached the top. Compared with road running and marathon running, it is indeed much easier to climb a horse. There are already many finishers in the tourist area. Through the glass window, I look at the Jin Mao Tower and the Oriental Pearl Tower standing at my feet. I think even the most reserved person will feel excited.
How high you stand is very important, but more importantly, curiosity, so today is another milestone.
After boarding the Shanghai Center, Shanghai is not in vain.
Next, there was a surprise. During the post-race lottery, I was lucky enough to win the American Heart Association’s first aid course, which was also a very interesting training course.
Before I knew it, winter in Shanghai came, and I found a new organization, YueRun Shanghai, and another group of great friends.
Postscript
In mid-December, the visa was issued, and my days in Shanghai were coming to an end.
Unknowingly, I found that I gradually fell in love with this school and this group of friends.
Before leaving, I took the veterans of the Tongji Group to have a Northeastern iron pot stew. Not to mention, the taste of Shanghai is really authentic.
Then I said goodbye to my friends from the hotel, Xiao Xia, Xiao Xiao Xia, and Shenyang girl. They are all very nice old guys.
Time in Shanghai is a special journey in a special period. I always feel that every experience has its own meaning, so recently I often remind myself to be full of energy when being pushed.
- The end -
Words | Arsenan
Photos | Arsenan
Design | Arsenan