During my preteen years, I lived and studied in Shanghai for 7 years. I spent most of my time in the vibrant city of Shanghai and gained a deep appreciation for the diversity and richness of Chinese culture.
School Life
My primary school was located at 黄浦区, which was also conveniently located near my home. I used to walk through the Nanjing Road Walkway (南京路步行街) and it will take around 20 minutes to reach school. I recall seeing people doing Tai Chi and dancing 广场舞 in the morning.
It was a public school that I attended, part of the state-run education system - 九年义务教育, which translates to nine-year compulsory education. Having moved to Shanghai around the time I started kindergarten, I didn't have any prior exposure to other education systems, which made it relatively easy for me to adapt to the local education system and teaching styles. With that being said since I had been studying everything in Chinese for 7 years in Shanghai, it was challenging when I returned to my home country to attend secondary school when I had to adapt to an English-based education system.
Although the curriculum was demanding and the teachers were strict, I was fortunate to have caring and dedicated teachers who assisted me in overcoming the difficulties. The teacher-student relationship was close, as the teachers barely changed throughout the years and the teachers possessed a thorough understanding of each student's strengths and limitations.
We were required to read extensively and memorize poetry (背诗). Looking back, it was largely a matter of rote learning or 死记硬背, which can be translated as "memorize until death." At some point, I questioned whether one could learn effectively through this method, and I realised that I much prefer the practical application of knowledge. Instead of attending additional classes or tuition with my friends, I preferred to explore the city and engage in various after-school clubs, such as 模型班 (model-making club). The most memorable was the Computing club where I discovered about using programming to solve mathematical equations and learning to create mini-programs using Scratch.
Considering my experiences, I reckon that I would not have performed as well if I had stayed in Shanghai and attended the gao kao (高考), as opposed to pursuing polytechnic education in Singapore.
My proficiency in the Chinese language was well-established, and even in Secondary 3, Chinese remained my dominant language. I would first formulate my thoughts in Chinese before translating them into English. However, since then, my Chinese is in disuse, and it takes longer to recall specific phrases. Despite this, I am confident that I can regain my fluency quickly, the foundation has been set firmly.
Aside from regular lessons, the most unforgettable experiences were the semestral activities and excursions, known as 郊游. I always looked forward to these trips as it was an opportunity to explore the surrounding areas of the city with my peers and friends at the end of each semester.
Changes Overtime
Over the years that I lived in Shanghai, the city underwent significant transformations. The skyline continued to evolve, with new buildings and infrastructure being constructed. When I initially moved to Shanghai with my family, there were only three metro lines. However, by the time I left, the number had increased to 12, and it has now reached 18.
One noteworthy occurrence was the 2010 World Expo, which drew people from all corners of the globe to Shanghai. I have faint memories of people around me attempting to improve their English skills and emphasizing cleanliness.
Language-wise, I could speak Mandarin (普通话) like the locals without the Singapore accent, and I was able to comprehend Shanghainese (上海话) and converse in it to some extent.
Overview of Shanghai, Cultural and Social Life
Shanghai is a bustling coastal city located in eastern China, as a major financial and commercial hub, it attracts people from all over the world.
In my free time, I enjoyed exploring the city with my family. I enjoyed visiting the bund - Wai Tan (外滩) and the Yu Garden - (豫园), we would visit it during festive seasons, such as the Chinese New Year celebrations and the Mid-Autumn Festival and it was often overcrowded. We would also visit places such as the 人民广场, 世纪公园, or simply wander around the bustling streets, most often, the Nanjing Road Walkway (南京路步行街). During holidays, we travelled to neighbouring provinces, such as the Jiang Su Province and the Zhe Jiang Province. I remember going to places like Su Zhou, Wu Xi, and Hang Zhou, and visiting the towns.
I also enjoyed playing sports, especially basketball and badminton with my classmates and table tennis with the neighbours. I also attended recreational activities such as calligraphy, arts, choir, wu shu, and some other classes for my short-lived passion for musical instruments.
I missed the four seasons, and I had fond memories of staying over at my friend's place and running through the alleys (弄堂) on a cold winter night.
Conclusion
Attending a local school in Shanghai from 2007 to 2013 was an unforgettable experience. The daily life of living in a foreign country at a young age and constant exposure to novel experiences through travelling shaped my identity and worldview. While it was challenging at times, I am grateful for the opportunities it provided me to grow and learn. Looking back, I realize that my time in Shanghai taught me to be adaptable, resilient, and curious.
On a final note, I think of China as a global leader in many areas that my generation should not overlook. It is a major economic power and I look forward to returning to China to gain knowledge about its market and business opportunities.