Adventure in the Magic City
- Message from Shanghai -
Humanity in the Magic City
Preface
Last week, I had a Zoom call with my junior from Tongji University. That night, I actually dreamed of returning to those special days in Shanghai. In the dream, I was heavily pressured to drink, and ended up drinking quite a lot, leaving me feeling a bit dizzy the next day.
As someone who left footprints in the Magic City, I still consider Shanghai to be my lucky city. Although I left a long time ago, I still miss those stories.
01
Drifting in Shanghai
Shanghai Tower, Shanghai
Because my U.S. visa had been stuck for so long, Professor Chen recommended that I go to Professor Zhuang's research group at Tongji University as a 'visiting scholar.' Although it was called an exchange, in reality, I felt more than anything a deep sense of unease. With tensions rising between China and the U.S., the future felt highly uncertain.
My first impression of Shanghai was not friendly at all. The taxi driver had that typical arrogant, condescending attitude toward outsiders, using a sarcastic tone that made me want to resort to physical violence in a heartbeat. Then, the heavy-set lady living next door in the hostel would hog the washing machine with an aggressively hostile attitude; after a big shouting match, we just couldn't stand the sight of each other.
The only thing that gave me some comfort was that the canteens at Tongji University were actually quite delicious.
After National Day, autumn arrived in Shanghai. Six months had already slipped by since my first visa interview, and other students in the same boat were growing increasingly anxious. Feeling my expanding belly, I realized I had completely let my physical shape go. I would often joke about myself: fat and with no future, a total useless salted fish.
So I would sigh occasionally, but immediately tell myself: ups and downs are all part of life, just stay busy, and the other side of the coin will eventually show.
Learn new things, then get moving. The running tracks at Tongji and Fudan Universities started seeing my silhouette, and I became a regular at the Tongji gym. Yet, it still didn't feel intense enough.
That was when AR (Adidas Runners) came into the picture. Having heard about this Adidas running club for a while, I rode my bicycle over to join them out of curiosity. The first time, trying to keep up for ten kilometers completely broke me—even though I was in the slowest pacer group.
I refused to accept defeat; after all, I used to be a decent runner myself. Gradually, I found myself able to keep up with AR's 4:30/km group for a full 10K, and I slowly shed some weight.
The Bund, the West Bund, Century Park—I ran through all of these iconic Shanghai running spots with AR. Sending all my love to AR.
With a solid community, I slowly integrated into life at Tongji. Qimin took me out to explore and eat, Bin dragged me to Hongkou Stadium to watch the Shenhua football match, I did research with my juniors, spent long hours in the library with Minjin, and even had the privilege of attending a public lecture by a prominent French professor organized by Professor Jin. As my schedule filled up, everything seemed to be looking up.
In late October, I booked my second visa interview in Shanghai, withdrawing my previous application in Beijing. The process was incredibly smooth. The U.S. consular officer was very polite, and with Halloween just around the corner, the atmosphere inside the consulate felt quite relaxed.
02
02
Reaching the top of Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower, Shanghai
I also signed up for the Shanghai Tower Vertical Marathon. The idea that climbing stairs could be called a 'marathon' sounded incredibly novel, so I wanted to experience it. Since such an opportunity is rare, especially in Shanghai, I naturally couldn't pass it up.
Shanghai Tower: 127 floors, with 119 floors in the main building structure, 3,398 steps, and a vertical height of 632 meters. This is the tallest skyscraper in Shanghai.
Shanghai Tower (on the right) @Arsenan
On packet pickup day, I was completely captivated by Shanghai's night scenery. But when the next morning's start came around, I actually grew quite nervous. Although I was a veteran of road marathons, this was my absolute first time doing a vertical marathon. Everyone started in staggered time slots. I was mostly worried about the stuffy, hot air inside the stairwell. However, once I started climbing, I realized the exhaust and ventilation systems of Shanghai Tower were top-notch; on some floors, you could even feel a cool breeze.
In a vertical marathon, you don't actually need to run; just taking large strides to climb is enough. I felt that trying to run might make me more prone to injury. Along the way, faster climbers were politely let through by those in front—it was very harmonious. With aid stations and evacuation refuge floors scattered throughout, there was no need for excessive worry; you could just focus on enjoying the race.
The volunteers on the 90-something floor told us not to worry too much about finishing, as there was plenty of time, and suggested we take photos on that floor since the view was great. It was a very spacious floor with excellent visibility, offering a quite different perspective compared to the main observation deck at the very top.
Before I knew it, I had reached the summit. Compared to a standard road marathon, the vertical marathon felt much easier. The observation deck was already filled with finishers. Looking through the glass windows and seeing the Jin Mao Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower standing beneath my feet, I think even the most reserved person would feel a surge of excitement.
How high you stand is indeed important, but what matters even more is your curiosity. So today is another milestone.
Having stood at the top of Shanghai Tower, my time in Shanghai has truly been worthwhile.
There was an extra surprise afterward. During the post-race lucky draw, I was fortunate enough to win an American Heart Association first-aid certification course, which turned out to be a very engaging and useful training session.
Before I realized it, winter arrived in Shanghai. I found another running group, Joy Run Shanghai, and met another wonderful crowd of friends.
Postscript
In mid-December, my visa was finally approved. My days in Shanghai were drawing to a close.
Without realizing it, I had grown very fond of this university and this group of friends.
Before leaving, I took my friends from the Tongji lab out for a northeastern Chinese iron pot stew. I have to say, the flavor here in Shanghai was surprisingly authentic.
Then I said goodbye to my friends at the hostel: Xia, Little Xia, and the girl from Shenyang. They were all incredibly nice people.
My time in Shanghai was a special journey during a very unique period of my life. I believe that every experience has its purpose, so lately I often remind myself: even when being pushed hard, keep your energy high.
- The end -
Words | Arsenan
Photos | Arsenan
Design | Arsenan