Shanghai: Juxtaposition

Look left and see classy Victorian architecture. Look right and see the most absurdly modern skyline in the world. Dodge a tricycle carrying hundreds of boxes three times the size of the bike itself and jump into a Mercedes Benz taxi. Watch elderly woman slowly perform Tai Chi in a peaceful park while navigating through crowds of people rushing to get to work in the world's second tallest building. Shanghai exemplifies the extremity of the term "juxtaposition", which makes the experience in the city incredibly unique.


The longer I stay here, the more polarized the city becomes. The exposure to traditional Chinese culture while experiencing the pinnacle of modern development in the world is seriously awesome, for lack of a better word. Most cities in the world obviously have disparity, it is simply something that comes naturally in a major population center. Even in my hometown of Los Angeles, you see the richest of the rich driving their Bentley's through South Central (shoutout USC). But there is something about the nature of China that makes the contrast much more stark. There's a powerfully inherit culture coupled with an extreme level of advancement in terms of architecture and Utopian urban development which create one of the widest spectrum of experiences you can have in any city around the world.


A lot of what I am sharing with you about this experience Shanghai is centered around its juxtaposition, and how that dictates your perception of the city and country's stance in the world. The young future versus the old past, the street food versus Michelin-starred-food, the old ladies dancing in public squares versus the young Instagrammers doing yoga on top of the Ritz-Carlton, speaking with the man in the shack in front of the temple behind the second tallest building in the world. These reasons are what make me beyond excited to be in Shanghai during this month, and I can't wait to share this city of contrasts with you.

Milad Rohani