Shanghai, a dream never reached

     Perhaps for me, Shanghai is a deep-seated, unresolved complex, a longing born of love, like the pure and untainted yearning for a cherished affection. The longer time passes, the stronger this love grows.

    How can one love so deeply? How can one express such heartfelt appreciation? Besides the deep-seated, destined connection, is there anything else? Love has broken our vows, who has betrayed our past bond? My heart's letter remains unbound by verses of pure elegance, a solace for my poetic heart amidst the passing years. A gentle, faint smile holds the stories of time, and I have yet to participate.

    Shanghai, the real-life Pearl of the Orient, a dazzling city that never sleeps! So many years of history have not only made Shanghai prosperous but also a miracle of history. It is the place of my childhood dreams! Because of these inexplicable emotions, the desire to write has stirred within me. Naturally, it is all because of you!

    Every memory holds a promise, a connection from past lives, destined to bring a deep familiarity and intimacy from the heart, along with a distant love. When will this old promise be fulfilled? Before dreams become reality, a thousand longings remain, and the watchful gaze of love endures.

    The April morning breeze stirs the hair of time, and a heart surging with passion dances lightly through the years. Shanghai, a dream never reached! With its unique stubbornness, it has created this vivid, eternally youthful fairy tale! It is not only the pride of China but also a world-renowned place!

    Having heard of Shanghai's long-standing fame, I was inexplicably consumed by longing. Thousands of miles separated me from admiration and the enduring passion born of yearning. In the early 1980s, or perhaps even earlier, a small part of my childhood memories bears the imprint of Shanghai. It was because of my mother's Shanghai watch, with its large dial, not particularly exquisite or beautiful, but its silver-white strap became a profound fashion mark of that era, forever etched in my memory. As iconic symbols of Shanghai, Phoenix and Forever bicycles, though long past their heyday, still hold a place where their former glory is etched in the memories of generations, a testament to the city's history.

    Shanghai's most captivating aspect is like a shimmering mirror lake, a dreamlike landscape, both realistic and fantastical, seamlessly blending reality and idealism, yet abruptly separating them.

    Like wine poured on willow branches, its embellishments in the long river of time ultimately prove futile. Perhaps "peerless beauty" is a fitting description for Shanghai.

    In my heart, Shanghai is indeed a stunningly beautiful woman, her every gesture exuding natural charm. Seemingly distant from the mundane world, yet so close, its allure is captivating, making it impossible not to fall in love.

    To me, Shanghai is a gentle woman with strong opinions, not only beautiful but also possessing a remarkable intellectual charm, truly a lady of high society, unlike the naive and naive girls of the past. This is what I love about Shanghai, and perhaps the main reason why it has maintained its leading position throughout the course of history. An existence without a soul cannot last long. Shanghai, upholding this elegance and wisdom, remains forever young.

    My memories of Shanghai date back many years. At that time, my understanding of Shanghai, besides the bicycles from Forever and Phoenix, came from the weather forecasts after the evening news, where I gleaned glimpses of the city, such as a landmark or the scenery of the Huangpu River. It captivated me with its extremely refined and elegant style, making me willingly fall in love with it.

    What truly stirs my emotions about Shanghai isn't its reality, but rather the wildly popular television series of the time, "Shanghai Bund." I don't know if it was the starring roles of Zhao Yazhi and Chow Yun-fat that made me remember Shanghai, or if it was the stories portrayed by these two talented individuals that made Shanghai so captivating. Perhaps it's a combination of both? The song "The Waves Flow" has become a beautiful and unforgettable melody in my memory, and the tragic love story of Feng Chengcheng and Xu Wenqiang has become a clear and enduring image of love from my youth, etched in my mind.

    In fact, Shanghai truly has a life of its own, do you believe it? It is precisely because of its tenacious vitality that it remains forever young, forever standing at the forefront of the times, a remarkable trendsetter! Zhou Xuan, with her golden voice, is also an unforgettable classic of Shanghai and even all of China in the last century. The flourishing of the Peking Opera world at that time was made even more vibrant by Zhou Xuan's involvement. And now? The honor of Yu Qiuyu, a cultural master and a leading figure in Chinese literature, is inextricably linked to Shanghai.

    How can one not love Shanghai? Her gentle playfulness, her witty elegance, her blend of refinement and commonness, her unique and charming allure! Nature, with its masterful hand, has sculpted Shanghai, captivating countless hearts.

    Words alone cannot fully capture its beauty. Shanghai's scenery is renowned: the stunning Huangpu River, the unique charm of Yu Garden, the majestic Jin Mao Tower, the enchanting Lujiazui and Zhujiajiao, the fragrant "Lovers' Wall" on the Bund, the historical significance of the Confucius Temple and Confucian Temple, the enduring legacy of Longhua Temple, the silent testament of Zhou Enlai's Former Residence, the former residences of Sun Yat-sen, Soong Ching-ling, and Lu Xun, the famous Jing'an Temple, the historically significant City God Temple, the contemplative Chenxiang Pavilion… how can one possibly describe all these countless sights? Indeed, love has its reasons; it's an unintentional attraction and investment! Shanghai, with its myriad charms, has successfully crafted a most captivating and perfect image. It is said that Shanghai is one of the four cities in the world with two airports—isn't this a source of pride for Shanghai and for China? Pudong and Hongqiao airports are both renowned international airports, not only contributing to Shanghai's prosperity but also promoting comprehensive exchanges with the world.

    Naturally, a deep-rooted appreciation and love for Shanghai leads one to follow its footsteps closely throughout their travels, even a fleeting glimpse leaving an indelible mark, a dream etched in their heart. Surprised? It's understandable. Shanghai itself is a moving and complex place where the past and present intertwine. Shanghai's development and world-renowned status rely on its own history, as well as the tireless efforts and contributions of its people and those who have long resided there. A blend of East and West, a reference to the past and present, neither conservative nor overly arrogant, its balanced style has captivated countless hearts!

    Speaking of Shanghai, one thing that cannot be ignored is its tea culture. It's interesting to think that tea, originally from our own land, later flourished in foreign lands like Japan, where tea art, tea culture, and the tea ceremony are highly regarded, while its original Chinese roots gradually lost their flavor. Fortunately, Shanghai didn't suffer the same fate; it not only innovates but also preserves tradition. Incredible, isn't it? Yet, this is indeed the case today. Shanghai's tea culture still possesses a profound historical flavor, and it strives to carry it forward while reflecting on its past. The old Shanghai teahouses, the intricacies of tea drinking, and even the significance of teaware can all be found in Shanghai. A Shanghai friend sent me Zhenmei green tea from Tianmu Lake, praising it as a delicacy. Tasting it, I was delighted, not only appreciating the aroma but also feeling the deep affection of my friend.

    Speaking of Shanghai, one cannot help but mention the literary genius who has been and continues to be admired by many Chinese people: Eileen Chang. Only in a place as beautiful and auspicious as Shanghai could such a brilliant and capable woman have been nurtured. Her talk of red and white roses, her mention of the flea in her magnificent robes… she is gone, passing away in melancholy. Those words about love and beauty, and the underlying sense of decay, still possess a unique beauty, unparalleled in their literary renown. Shanghai, too, remembers this legendary, wandering, and talented woman! Zhang Ailing and Shanghai, thus, complemented each other—is this not a historical coincidence?

    Some say Shanghai men are refined and meticulous, while Shanghai women are skilled in dressing, charming, and alluring. I dare not make a definitive judgment until I have more opportunities to meet Shanghai people. However, it is precisely these many complex elements that created Shanghai, enriched Shanghai, and made Shanghai shine.

    Shanghai was once an incomparable, alluring old city in my heart, a place of dazzling lights, a peculiar place that could make one lose their soul, and a prosperous city that led the way in the times. Especially Shanghai at night! Since I've never been there, why do I say this? Because a song goes like this: Night Shanghai, night Shanghai, you are a city that never sleeps! Lights are on, hearts are stirring, songs and dances are in full swing! Wine doesn't intoxicate, people intoxicate themselves...

    The soft, murmuring melody carries the quiet journey of the heart, from yesterday to today, and will continue to move towards tomorrow without hesitation. In a daze, I realized that what attracts people to Shanghai is precisely its half-hidden, half-revealed dynamism and grace! Like the graceful gestures of a southern woman, swaying with charm, captivating with every glance. It steals one's heart without warning.

    Unbreakable feelings, unresolved love, Shanghai chuckles, as if whispering: When will you come? Waiting for you!

    Endless love rises in my heart, not wanting to desecrate this sacred gaze. A heart filled with longing, tinged with hesitation to approach, afraid to shatter the beautiful dream within, afraid that approaching would destroy the beauty. Would it? If distance allows beauty to endure, I will carry the lifelong regret of never approaching my Shanghai dream. Words fail me to express my feelings. A gentle warmth settles in my heart. I do not seek forgiveness for the destined distance in life, but to calm my mind, I softly murmur to myself: Shanghai, a dream never reached!