The Encounter on Anfu Road

“Shanghai is the melting pot of different cultures.” 

The vibrancy of Shanghai’s city center during the weekends in spring is never unusual. Cafés, bistros, and shops are filled with a lively mix of locals and expats, all drinking coffee, browsing boutiques, and enjoying every bit of the warmth spinning in the spring air.  The streets hum with conversation, laughter, and the occasional clink of glasses from the packed outdoor patios. The sunlight illuminated the afternoon, creating extra pleasure for people.

I met Matilde and Nami in front of a café on Anfu Road. After introducing myself, they welcomed me with their greatest kindness and support.

Nami (on the right) and Matilde (on the left).

Originally from Italy and France, they are exchange students studying at the University of Nottingham Ningbo, spending the weekend travelling around Shanghai.

Their decisions to enroll in an exchange program to China seem unconventional but align with their majors and interests. Matilde is currently pursuing her Master’s in International Business and Development, while Nami is an undergraduate majoring in Business and Management. Both of them agreed that China is well respected in the current world trading markets.

“China is a huge business partner with Europe; therefore, I don’t want to lose any chances to get to know more about this country.”                                                                                        --Matilde

They have only been in China for about a month. When asked about their overall impressions of Ningbo, they recalled that it is a city well suited for college students and noted that they have another three months to discover more about it. Then, when we discussed Shanghai, their eyes seemed to sparkle with extreme bliss.

They were completely amazed by this modern megacity. It is a busy city, yet its fast-paced metropolitan lifestyle attracted them greatly. The fast delivery, the QR code payments—everything seemed more technological and convenient compared to their homelands. Matilde pointed out that back in Italy, services were less accessible. I told her that I had been to Italy once and enjoyed the slower pace of life very much.

“Italy is good, but China, comparatively, is more developed.”                                                  ---Matilde

The streets in the city center were bustling with people on this Sunday, as locals and foreigners gathered around different cafés and shops. Shanghai serves as a melting pot of East and West, a place that absorbs Western culture while spreading Chinese culture to the world. This became one of the core reasons these two girls found delight in Shanghai.

“China is in a dominant role in the world business sector. If I have the opportunity, I definitely would come to China for work after graduation. ”                                                                  --Nami

Our conversation slowly drew to an end. It became clear that their experiences in China were more than just an academic experience— it was an exploration of the world. With three more months ahead in China, Matilde and Nami are eager to see more of what the country has to offer. As we parted our ways on Anfu Road, the city around us scuttled with life—just as it always does, welcoming those who come seeking something new.