"China is a country of layers of history beneath high-rises."
This image shows how old and new mix together in China a traditional temple surrounded by tall modern buildings, with a peaceful lake and bridge in between. It really represents the country's history and rapid growth exist side by side.
On this trip, one thing that really stood out to me was how often China’s history and modern life show up in the same place. I chose this theme because I kept noticing how traditional architecture, historical sites, and cultural practices still exist right next to skyscrapers, tech stores, and busy highways.
This portfolio looks at some of the places we visited and how they show the connection — and sometimes tension — between China’s past and present. From ancient temples and old neighborhoods to big cities full of new buildings, these spots tell a story about how the country has changed, and what has stayed the same.
Different people notice different things — for example, locals might pass by these historic places every day without thinking much about them, while visitors like me are seeing them for the first time. But whether you’ve lived there your whole life or are just visiting, these sites give a unique view of China’s history and future.
Past and Present in Shanghai
While exploring Shanghai, I saw how the city balances its historical roots with its fast-paced development. Reading Dark Alley by Wang Anyi gave me a new perspective on the older alleyway neighborhoods — the kind of places where people shared space, stories, and everyday life. Today, much of that world is fading as Shanghai grows into a global city. These images show that contrast — from the tight, lived-in alleys of the past to the bright, modern skyline and busy urban spaces of the present.
Life In the City
Old alleyways like this one show what Shanghai once looked like — small, connected communities, now slowly being replaced by rapid development.
At night, the skyline looks like a completely different city. The bright lights and tall buildings show how far Shanghai has come — but also how much it has changed.
In the newer parts of Shanghai, it’s hard to imagine the slower, more community-focused life that Dark Alley describes. The pace, style, and space are completely different.
More Than a Meal - Experiencing China Through Its Food
One of the most memorable parts of visiting China was the food — not just what we ate, but how meals were part of everyday culture. From busy street food stalls to family-style restaurants, food in China is about more than just taste — it’s about connection, tradition, and even regional identity.
What surprised me most was how different regions had totally different flavors — from spicy Sichuan-style hotpot to the sweet and savory street snacks in Xi’an or Shanghai. Eating in China often meant sharing dishes with others, which made every meal feel like a group experience, even with strangers.
Whether it was ordering with just a photo, or watching noodles being pulled by hand, these food moments showed me how culture lives in the everyday — not just in temples or museums, but in bowls of dumplings, BBQ skewers, and breakfast on the street.
In the picture to the left the food being served is called Peking duck it's a super popular dish from Beijing. It’s all about the crispy skin and juicy meat, and you usually eat it by wrapping it in a thin pancake with sauce and veggies. It’s one of those must-try foods that’s fun to eat and really delicious.
Street Vendor
In this picture, we weren’t in China but in Taiwan instead, and you can see me here with the rest of the group trying some very sweet grapes from a street vendor. It was one of those small moments that stuck with me — the fruit was super fresh, cut right there on the spot, and it just felt like a normal part of everyday life. It wasn’t fancy, but that’s what made it cool. It showed how food can be simple, local, and still really meaningful. Moments like this made me feel more connected to the places we visited.
Further down the street, I ended up trying fried chicken and fries — totally different vibe, but just as good. It was interesting to see how international foods like that were blended into the local street food scene. It didn’t feel like fast food from home — it had its own flavor, its own twist. That mix of traditional snacks like fresh fruit with more global, familiar foods made me think about how cultures influence each other.
Style, Shopping, and Street Life in China
One of the things that stood out to me during the trip was how different and impressive the shopping scene was. The malls we visited were massive, way bigger than most I’ve seen back home. They weren’t just places to shop they were destinations. Some had multiple floors packed with luxury brands, high-end boutiques, and stores I’d never even heard of before.
But one of the most fun parts of the trip was going to the bargaining-style shopping areas. These markets were completely different from the fancy malls loud, packed, and full of energy. You could haggle over prices, look through tons of booths, and honestly find some really good deals. I ended up getting AirPods Max, a bunch of anime figures, and even some carved jade animals all for way less than I’d ever expect to pay back home.
It was a totally different kind of shopping experience more hands-on, more interactive, and way more chaotic. It also made me realize how shopping in China isn’t just about buying stuff it’s part of the culture, whether you’re walking through a luxury store or making deals at a booth in a crowded market.
Blending in (or not): Exploring Nature and Local Reactions
One of the most interesting parts of the trip was how much attention our group got especially when we were out in public spaces like parks or walking through more local areas. Heads were constantly turning, and people were definitely curious. Kids would run up to shake our hands or ask for pictures, and even adults joined in. Most of them were really friendly and welcoming, and even though we didn’t speak the same language, a lot of them still tried to talk with us. It made those small, spontaneous moments feel special like a quiet kind of cultural exchange.
That said, not every interaction felt comfortable. Some older people gave us judgmental looks, and there were moments where personal boundaries got crossed. At one point, an older woman suddenly reached for my hair without asking, which really threw me off. I got tense and had to gently redirect her. It wasn’t aggressive it seemed more like curiosity but the way it happened definitely caught me off guard. In another moment, a group of older men actually grabbed Ruth’s hair, which was even more intense and uncomfortable. We tried to stay calm and move away, but it was a reminder that curiosity can sometimes come across in ways that aren’t okay.
These moments both positive and awkward stuck with me. They showed how cultural differences, personal space, and curiosity all play out in real time. It wasn’t always easy, but it taught me a lot about how to respond, stay grounded, and see things from multiple perspectives. And all of this happened while we were just exploring parks and quieter parts of the city places that turned out to be full of real, human interaction.
This picture on the side is one of the many pictures that were taken with locals even though we didn't fully understand the other we were able to take pictures.
Personal Reflection
Looking back on this trip, what stood out most to me wasn’t just the big landmarks or historical facts — it was the everyday moments that showed me the real mix of old and new in China. Whether it was exploring narrow alleyways in Shanghai, bargaining in a busy market, or just eating fruit from a street vendor, I got to see how culture is lived day to day. The reactions from locals — from friendly conversations to more surprising interactions — made me think more deeply about how we’re perceived and how we connect across cultures.
I didn’t mention it earlier, but one of my favorite parts was interacting with lots of stray cats around the cities. They were surprisingly friendly and seemed really used to people, which was amazing for me as a big cat person. Getting those moments with the cats added a special, personal touch to the whole experience.
Overall, this trip made me more aware, more open, and more curious — and I’ll carry that with me long after the journey ended.
Credits:
Created with images by Govan - "Night view of CBD skyline in Beijing, China" • SeanPavonePhoto - "Guiyang, China at Jiaxiu Pavilion" • visoot - "Modern shopping center. Generative AI."