Between mid-May and mid-June, I embarked on a crazy sojourn, primarily staying in Shanghai while trying to understand why the city is so highly regarded by students returning from abroad. Indeed, Shanghai is a city of vast opportunities and high living standards. The fusion of Eastern and Western cultures gives the city an exotic charm.
Additionally, I visited Zhoushan in Zhejiang to explore Putuo Mountain and traveled to Suzhou to see its gardens and streets, embracing Buddhist traditions and glimpsing the charm of the Qing and Ming Dynasties.
Shanghai is an amazing city, attracting many educated individuals seeking opportunities and wealth. The city exudes a modern vibe, and people maintain a polite distance from one another. You can find almost anything you want in Shanghai; it’s simply a matter of money. While money indeed rules everything nowadays, the variety of choices Shanghai offers is truly vast.
Putuo Mountain and the gardens and streets of Suzhou did not leave a strong impression on me. I prefer modern cities and have a fundamental inclination towards nihilism. I don’t subscribe to most Buddhist concepts, but I do appreciate some ideas related to void and nihilism. Many people pray in front of rock or plastic Buddha sculptures, which surprised me, especially seeing many young people aged 20-40. However, Buddha said that all beings are equal, so it’s perplexing why people feel the need to pray to cheap sculptures. Moreover, everything on the island is exorbitantly priced, about three times the cost in Shanghai, which I find ridiculous.
Suzhou, however, was enjoyable. It’s clear that people there strive to preserve traditional culture while creating business opportunities, such as with Hanfu and Suzhou embroidery. I visited the Humble Administrator’s Garden, but it was crowded with girls in Hanfu and men with cameras taking their photos. The noise and crowd were quite annoying, especially given the garden’s small size and the need to carefully observe its design. On the other hand, the Suzhou Museum was incredible and highly recommended. It features many historical cultural items and uses good technology to enhance the visitor experience. The museum also collaborates with other museums worldwide, offering insights into hidden histories from around the globe. Lastly, the Suzhou Industrial Park was impressive. I loved the city and its vibe, reminiscent of Singapore, with a very cozy and modern feel.