Project makes expats feel right at home

Foreign residents share videos that encapsulate their experiences during gala, He Qi, Wu Wanzhen and Lin Shujuan report.

From an executive's birdwatching diary at Chongming Island to a teacher's documentation of her serene life in Shanghai's parks, expats in Shanghai shared videos that traverse a spectrum of their experiences in the city — from exploring local markets to sharing anecdotes about the city's vibrant coffee culture, from discussing the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures to recounting their entrepreneurial journeys.

These are just some of the popular works collected during the "Shanghai, My City" short video project that began in February. Over six months, the project attracted more than 200 submissions from the city's expats, with 42 being short-listed. The event sought to inspire international participants to encapsulate their Shanghai experiences through short videos, offering a glimpse into their daily lives and fostering a deeper appreciation for the metropolis' rich cultural tapestry.

The "My City" project illuminated Shanghai Museum East on Sunday during a gala for Shanghai, with nearly 350 international participants and their families celebrating the creative spirit that encapsulates Shanghai's essence.

Kong Fu'an, director general of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government and executive vice-president of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Yang Jun, deputy director general of the Cyberspace Administration of Shanghai Municipality, attended the gala.

The short video entries articulate why global citizens are drawn to Shanghai, showcasing the city's appeal and highlighting urban safety, multiculturalism, abundant opportunities, friendly residents, and convenient living.