Shanghai, Neon Skyscrapers and Historic Alleys
We boarded our 4:00 PM flight from Gimpo Airport and headed to Shanghai. By the time we completed immigration, reached our hotel, and unpacked, the dark of night had already set in. The moment we stepped into the room, before even fully opening the curtains, the brilliant night view outside the window instantly grabbed our attention. In the distance, the Oriental Pearl Tower rose majestically, shifting between shades of red and blue like a vibrant wardrobe, while the lights from the surrounding skyscrapers filled the night sky. It was a stunning first impression, sending a thrill of excitement through our travel-weary bodies.
Tossing our bags aside, we headed straight out into the streets for a late dinner. We made our way to Henjiu Yiqian, a lamb skewer restaurant famous for its notoriously long wait times. Hearing rumors that three hours was the standard wait, I braced myself, but we got lucky and were guided to our table in about two hours. Little did I know then that this two-hour wait would merely be the first step into a series of endless queuing traps throughout our journey. Actually, I don't eat lamb. Instead, I ordered a table full of diverse skewers like pork, chicken, and corn.
Spinning over the hot charcoal, the skewers cooked to a golden brown as the excess oil dripped away. Having gone hours without food since our in-flight meal, and then waiting outside for another two hours, anything placed on that grill would have tasted heavenly. I picked up a plump, perfectly grilled shrimp skewer, happily snapped a verification photo, and took a big bite. The savory, salty flavor melted over my tongue, instantly dissolving all the exhaustion of our long wait.
Misty Morning and Playful Character Alleys
Waking up early the next morning and looking outside, the asphalt below was damp from quiet overnight rain. A calm mist hung low over the city, gently hiding the tip of the Oriental Pearl Tower which had been shining so brightly just the night before. Leaving behind this quiet, atmospheric morning scene—a stark contrast to the flashy night view—my sister and I set off to explore the streets.
My sister wanted to go look at Sanrio characters, but as a massive Shin-chan fan, my eyes were instantly drawn to the green Chocobi boxes lining the shelves. Seeing the stacks of Chocobi made me feel like I was back in my childhood, and I kept picking them up with a grin. Next, my sister pulled my hand to head over to Pop Mart to see the Teletubbies. While I didn't care much for Teletubbies, the unique, mysterious-looking figures dressed in spacesuits displayed inside round capsules caught my attention, so I quietly captured them with my camera.
Leaving the cute toy stores behind, we made our way to The Roof (Hengji Xuhui Tian di). When I visited Shanghai alone last June, I spent a long time taking photos here, captivated by the striking red structure cutting through the central courtyard and the lush greenery. Returning after a few months, The Roof was already showing off an early Christmas spirit with white unicorn installations and holiday trees. Seeing a familiar space welcome us in its new seasonal outfit made it feel even more special.
The white winged unicorns and holiday ornaments installed amid the red terracotta walls formed a striking contrast with the classic architecture. The courtyard exuded a cozy winter mood quite different from the lush green of June, keeping us there for a while just walking around and admiring the architectural details.
Red Brick of Xintiandi and the Streets Where the Breeze Lingers
Our next stop was the Site of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, a must-visit spot for any Korean visiting Shanghai. Even without a deep knowledge of history, the exhibits and explanations were arranged clearly for easy understanding. Photography is strictly prohibited inside, so I focused on taking it all in with my eyes and heart. Seeing the narrow, steep stairs and the cramped, humble room where independence activists stayed brought a sudden lump to my throat. Stepping back outside, I gazed at the clean signboard mounted on the red brick wall for a long time, quietly collecting my thoughts.
With a reflective heart, we walked slowly toward the Xintiandi cafe street. Feeling thirsty, I ordered a cold iced Americano at a cafe called 13DE MARZO. To my surprise, a fluffy little teddy bear was peeking out from the rim of the cup lid. This unexpected touch of cuteness instantly brought a smile to my face.
Walking into Xintiandi with my bear-topped coffee, the street scene felt incredibly romantic. Black-and-white striped umbrellas were spread out across outdoor terraces, and under the warm amber lights, people were relaxing, chatting, and enjoying their food. It felt like sitting at an outdoor cafe on the outskirts of Europe (even though I have never actually been to Europe). Brick alleys designed in the traditional Shikumen style connected the spaces, catching my eye with every step.
Every single building had its own character, making it impossible not to stop and take photos. I positioned myself in front of the steps of a classic stone building and asked my sister to take a full-body photo. Looking at the screen afterward, I grumbled, "Why did you make me look so short?" My sister shot back instantly without a moment's hesitation, "What are you talking about? You are actually shorter in real life." I burst out laughing at the absurdity, and that playful bickering made our moment in front of the beautiful Shanghai column an even happier memory.
