Breathe Shanghai

Author: Jiuye Culture Compiler
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: The brilliance of walking is composed of interaction. The two parties of this composition are a sensitive heart and a destination easily perceivable. In today's destination cities in China, which city can fully stimulate the sensory nerves of the walker and be fully perceived by them? The answer is probably only one: Shanghai. Shanghai is a miracle in China in recent years. This miracle is currently being retold and reconstructed in various places by various people in various ways. It is the favorite of fashion writers, the pride of cultural scholars, and the dream of the common people. But for a walker, what is it? This is precisely what we are concerned about and attempt to answer. Although we dare not compare ourselves to the wise, we are willing to be unashamed of our limitations. The "we" refers to those who grew up in this city or came to this city to live. They are no longer young, but definitely not old. Their feelings for this city are neither fiery nor completely calm like water. They are willing to share this feeling with those who walk in the city, so they have reconstructed their Shanghai in the text—a Shanghai in transition—without the excessive tenderness of fashion writers, without the profound constructions of cultural scholars, and also without the superficiality of fast culture. Elegant yet unpretentious, noble yet not arrogant, warm yet not cloying—this is the impression and expectation of "us"—in fact, it is us—of the text and the Shanghai within it. From the beginning, we understood that the above efforts are not for the majority, but we are not tired of it. We would rather it be criticized for its extremism than pursued for its sentimentality. Because true walkers are always unique, and because Shanghai has been perceived as "1930s" to the point of being beyond saving in too many people's minds. If you want to know the superficial appearance of Shanghai, then this book is definitely not for you, because it attempts to subvert the superficial appearance of Shanghai. If you are like us and want to understand a city with a unique personality, then we believe that at least when you are leisurely drinking afternoon tea somewhere in this city, you will pick up this book. And thereafter, when you repeatedly "enter" this city, your backpack will definitely have it with you. I don't know if this is a kind of "elegant rogue" attitude. Here, "elegant rogue" may be more of a landmark of individuality. Now, let's return to the original topic—24 hours, can you understand Shanghai in 24 hours? It might not be easy, but at least we will show you the ever-changing 24 hours of Shanghai. Although 24 hours is too short for walking through Shanghai, you will definitely be able to finish this book and gain our impressions of Shanghai in 24 hours. By the way, building this impression has cost us far more than one 24 hours. If you have always combined walking with reading, then we are very happy to share this book with those who walk in Shanghai.