Field Vlog: Immersive Experiences in China
This vlog captures my journey through China, exploring its rich culture, history, and everyday life through an anthropological lens. Join me as I uncover unique perspectives and untold stories.
Explore the highlights of my anthropological journey in China through this video playlist. Dive into the culture, landscapes, and daily life captured during my fieldwork.
Below are highlights from my journey, showcasing key moments and reflections from different stages of my fieldwork.
From Brazil to Shanghai: A Long Journey Begins
This video documents the initial leg of my journey to China, spanning over 21 hours of travel from Brazil to Zurich. Along the way, I navigated long layovers and reflected on the anticipation of beginning fieldwork in a culturally distinct and complex context. This video offers a glimpse into the logistical and personal challenges that mark the start of a research expedition.
The first stage of my journey to China began with a long-haul flight from Rio de Janeiro, connecting through Frankfurt and Zurich.
This video captures the logistical challenges of navigating airports, enduring extended layovers, and adapting to the liminal spaces that precede the immersion into fieldwork.
The experience set the tone for the reflective and observational mindset that would guide the rest of the trip.
Arriving in Shanghai: Navigating New Beginnings
In this video, I document the second stage of my journey, starting with the morning in Zurich Airport and culminating in my arrival in Shanghai. This transition marked the first direct encounters with Chinese culture, including an insightful conversation with a Chinese traveler and initial challenges adapting to the payment systems in the metro.
The video concludes with a sense of relief as I check into my hostel, marking the beginning of my stay in China.
This stage of the journey highlights the practical and cultural adjustments required upon entering Shanghai.
From navigating a foreign payment system to my first interactions with locals, the experience underscores the complexities of cross-cultural immersion.
The day was a blend of logistical problem-solving and initial cultural observations, setting the tone for a month-long exploration.
Exploring Local Life on China’s National Day
This video covers my first full day in Shanghai, a vibrant introduction to the city on China’s National Day. From exploring the local neighborhood and experiencing the dynamic shopping culture, to enjoying my first bowl of noodles in China, the day was rich with discovery. An impromptu visit to a billiards hall added an unexpected layer, as I observed National Day celebrations through games, giveaways, and conversations with locals.
This exploration marked my initial impressions of urban life in Shanghai, offering insights into local shopping habits, culinary traditions, and cultural festivities.
The experience of visiting a supermarket, dining on noodles, and engaging with locals during the billiards event was a grounding introduction to the city’s rhythms.
The day underscored the communal spirit of National Day and provided a snapshot of everyday life.
Strolling Through Jing'an: Markets, Parks, and Evening Festivities
This video highlights a day exploring Jing'an, one of Shanghai’s more upscale areas. From visiting a vibrant underground market and enjoying a bowl of noodle soup in a family-run restaurant, to walking around Jing'an Temple’s surroundings, this day offered a blend of tradition and modernity. Evening brought the lively energy of a craft fair, live music, and a serene visit to Jing'an Park.
A day spent around Jing'an revealed the multifaceted life of Shanghai. Morning errands at a bustling underground market set the stage, followed by a trip to Jing'an Temple and its high-end surroundings.
Though unable to enter the temple due to payment challenges, I soaked in the area’s energy through a craft fair, live music, and the peaceful charm of Jing'an Park. This experience painted a vivid picture of Shanghai’s dynamic urban life.
Exploring the Bund: Through Shanghai’s Urban Pulse
This video captures a day of exploration from the vibrant underground food galleries of Shanghai to the iconic Bund. Observing delivery workers, engaging in spontaneous conversations, and witnessing the harmonious rhythm of Shanghai’s collective spirit, this day highlighted the diversity and energy of the city.
The day began in a hidden underground food gallery bustling with delivery workers. Their camaraderie left a lasting impression during brief conversations over a meal. Later, I explored the Bund, passing diverse commercial spaces—from street vendors to luxury boutiques—showcasing Shanghai’s balanced commerce.
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The Bund’s collective energy and organization stood out, even amidst large crowds. Walking along the riverbank, surrounded by Shanghai's skyline, offered a vivid glimpse of urban harmony and cultural vibrancy.
Exploring the Charm of Yuyuan Bazaar: Culture, Commerce, and Connections
Discover the vibrant maze of commerce and tradition at Yuyuan Bazaar. From underground galleries to serene gardens, this video captures the bustling energy and cultural depth of Shanghai’s historic marketplace.
This day began with a metro ride to Yuyuan Bazaar, one of Shanghai’s most iconic spots. Before arriving, I wandered nearby streets and labyrinth-like galleries of small shops offering everything from clothing to intricate decorations.
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At the bazaar, a 300-year-old architectural marvel, I crossed tranquil bridges, admired a serene lake, and explored gardens amid bustling shops. A brief chat with a local elder added a personal touch.
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The day ended with the melodic notes of a vendor's flute, reflecting the blend of commerce and culture in this vibrant city.
Discovering Tianzifang: Shanghai’s Artistic Charm
This video captures my visit to Tianzifang, a lively hub of art and culture nestled in Shanghai’s former French Concession. With a friend from the hostel, I navigated the bustling city streets to explore this vibrant district.
One memorable stop was a shop where a skilled artisan crafted personalized seals, transforming Western names into beautiful Chinese characters—a perfect fusion of tradition and creativity.
This visit unveiled the artistic soul of Tianzifang, filled with surprises at every corner.
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Hidden Treasures: Exploring Tianzifang's Antique Porcelain Shop
In this continuation of my Tianzifang visit, the highlight was an enchanting antique porcelain shop. Managed by an elegant woman, dressed in traditional attire, the shop radiated history and charm.
From the intricate porcelain pieces to the ancient furniture adorning the space, every corner told a story.
Her warm welcome and permission to film made the experience even more memorable. Beyond this shop, I explored other fascinating stores, each adding to the unique cultural diversity of Tianzifang.
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Discovering Tianzifang’s Hidden Treasures: Artistic Elegance and Unique Tastes
In this final part of my exploration through Tianzifang, I visited a porcelain shop that stood out with its modern aesthetic. Decorated in striking hues of green and dark wood, the shop created an elegant yet welcoming ambiance, enhanced by its unique lighting design.
The porcelain pieces were not only exquisite but also creatively displayed, reflecting a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary style. Inside the shop, my friend and I were treated to a tasting of local liqueurs, adding a sensory highlight to an already memorable visit.
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As we continued to explore the area, Tianzifang revealed itself as a vibrant hub of art, culture, and culinary surprises, each corner offering new layers of creativity and inspiration.
Traveling to Changzhou: A Day on China's Railway
The first part of my journey to Changzhou begins at Shanghai West Railway Station, where I document the efficient boarding process. The video transitions to scenic views from the train, capturing the connection between urban organization and rural landscapes.
Observing the flow at Shanghai West Railway Station, this video provides a lens into China's evolving infrastructure, where efficiency and scale are balanced seamlessly.
The train journey offers a contrasting perspective, moving from urban density to rural expanses. This interplay reveals not only technological progress, but also how mobility reshapes social and spatial.
Arriving in Changzhou: A Warm Welcome
This video captures my arrival in Changzhou, showcasing the journey from the railway station to the hotel. A memorable moment unfolds as a local stranger offers unexpected kindness, guiding me directly to my destination.
The hospitality I experienced upon arriving in Changzhou reflects a cultural emphasis on community and care for guests, even among strangers.
The interaction highlights how collective values and social responsibility permeate daily life in China. Observing the station's architecture and efficient transit systems further reveals the city’s blend of practicality and human connection.
Exploring Changzhou’s Cultural Hub: Night Walks, Local Meals, and Vibrant Spaces
This video captures my time in Changzhou, beginning with a peaceful night walk through the cultural plaza near the city’s administrative center. The unique curved architecture and inviting atmosphere made the public space feel both open and secure, with people enjoying the area freely.
The next day, I ventured to a simple local restaurant for lunch, where an amusing moment unfolded: a group of elderly cyclists, intrigued by my presence as a foreigner, decided to order the same dish I was having. This lighthearted encounter offered a glimpse into local hospitality and curiosity.
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Returning to the cultural plaza in the afternoon, I experienced live music performances in a space designed for comfort and engagement. With fountains, greenery, and shops seamlessly integrated into the area, the plaza became a vibrant example of how public spaces can foster community and leisure.