Plum flower exhibition

The Songjiang Museum has unveiled an exhibition themed around plum blossoms. The title, “ᯠ኱ ẵ㣡ੁ᱕ᔰ,” perfectly reflects the essence of this exhibition, as plum blossoms signal the arrival of spring. The flower-themed exhibit at the museum welcomes visitors on a sensory journey, where delicate petals and vibrant hues form a vivid portrait of renewal and hope. The exhibition is on display at 233 Zhongshan Road E. until March 10.

Celebrating 3 generations

The exhibition “Water, Ink and Stone” at the Cheng Shifa Art Museum beckons art enthusiasts. It celebrates the artistic legacy of three generations, from Wu Changshuo’s magnificent strokes to the talents of Wang Geyi and Cheng Shifa. Their works are a stunning fusion of traditions and innovations, with a seamless blend of watermarks, ink essence, metal touches and stone-like textures. The exhibition is on display at 458 Zhongshan Road M. until February 25.

Mystery of Shanhaijing

The Guangfulin International Cultural Exchange Center is hosting the Mystery of Shanhaijing (Classic of Mountains and Seas) exhibition. Shanhaijing is an ancient text made up of mythological and geographical lore. This extraordinary showcase, hailed as a visual feast, features a 9.9-meter-long and 1.9meter-high “Mountain and Seas Map,” 10,000 sculptures of 447 mountains, over 7,900 tribal figures and over 1,900 divine beasts, herbs and divine trees described in the classic. The exhibition is ongoing at 3088 Guangfulin Road. traversed China’s well-known rivers and mountains.

“Xu is a superb example of a Chinese literati,” Wang said. “He lived his entire life exploring the rivers and mountains. My main goal in creating these pieces is to share the natural and patriotic feelings of people and I hope that people will have a greater appreciation for the mountains and rivers.”

It is important to note that this display makes complete use of the park’s spatial benefits. It presents a “wall-less art museum” for the public by establishing art-life situations and fusing exhibition, interaction, food, play and leisure in public spaces, including lawns, gardens and riverwalks.

Date: through August 1, 2024

Address: 885 Wangjiashe Rd ⦻ᇦঽ䐟885ᔴ

lead to confusion during operation,” Xu said.

To mitigate any potential issues, tram drivers employ a dual-confirmation approach. In addition to visually confirming signals, they also use hand gestures as an additional layer of assurance, which serves as a double check, reinforcing their attention and ensuring flawless operation of the tram.

“It requires a keen eye and constant focus to manage the signals,” Xu said. “It’s all about being vigilant and ensuring every journey is safe.”

A single journey on the tram typically lasts about an hour and a half. During this time, attending to personal needs such as using the restroom can be particularly challenging. As a result, even if Xu carries water with him, he often refrains from drinking too much to avoid the need for bathroom breaks.

“My passengers’ safety is always in my mind. It’s a responsibility I take very seriously,” Xu said.

The driver’s connection to the city deepens as he observes its continuous development. He has noticed that the landscapes along his tram route are silently transforming every day. To him, the city feels like a living entity, continuously growing and evolving.

“Witnessing these changes daily makes me realize how vibrant and alive our city is, and every day, I grow along with it,” he said, feeling like being a part of the city’s own story, which is constantly unfolding.

A day of a Songjiang tram driver starts early, with those on the morning shift waking up at 3am to prepare for the first tram departure at 4am. Similarly, those working the late shift don’t finish until midnight, often returning home to find their families already asleep.

Most of their holidays, including significant times like the Spring Festival when families traditionally gather, are spent on duty.

“Working odd hours, especially during festivals like the Lunar New Year, means I miss out on family time. It’s tough, but the support of my family and the gratitude of my passengers make it worthwhile,” he said.

Xu finds solace in the small gestures of appreciation from his passengers. “A simple ‘thank you’ or a nod of recognition goes a long way. It’s these moments that remind me of the impact of my work,” he said with a sense of pride.

In Xu’s eyes, his role as a tram driver is akin to being a caretaker of the community. “I see myself as more than a driver; I’m a part of these people’s lives. Whether it’s getting them to work on time or bringing them home safely, it’s a role I cherish,” he said.

The dedication of Xu and his colleagues doesn’t go unnoticed. They are the unsung heroes of the city, ensuring that life in Songjiang runs seamlessly. They might not be in the spotlight, but in their own way, they’re helping to keep the city moving. “That’s something I’m incredibly proud of,” Xu said.