"Shanghai is even more beautiful after 10 years!" exclaimed Alex, an overseas employee of China Eastern Airlines, as he stood by Suzhou Creek, a tributary of the Huangpu River where the charm of history meets the vibrancy of modern life.

On March 3, 38 overseas employees from China Eastern Airlines arrived in Shanghai for a training program. Before the sessions began, they embarked on a one-day city walk, with their first stop at Suzhou Creek. Many members had previously visited Shanghai on business.

Alex, from Spain, last visited Shanghai in 2016. "Almost a decade has passed, and Shanghai has changed so much. The skyline has transformed, with even more skyscrapers," he explained.

During this visit, he and his colleagues from various countries bonded over travel and training sessions, forming friendships and cherishing their time in China. Margarita from Italy, noticed great changes since her last trip nearly two decades ago. "Back then, the streets were filled with bicycles. Now, there are far fewer cyclists, probably because the metro system has made transportation more convenient," she said.

Margarita has a deep appreciation for Chinese culture and proudly shared her Chinese name, Qinyan. "When I first joined China Eastern Airlines, I wanted a meaningful Chinese name. My manager chose 'Qinyan' for me, which means 'diligent swallow' — a nod to both my job and the airline’s logo."

Throughout the tour, Margarita frequently paused to take selfies with her colleagues, captivated by the contrast between Shanghai and her hometown of Rome. "Shanghai is so modern compared to Rome, and it has always been a beautiful city in my eyes, both then and now."

For Claudio from Chile, this was his first opportunity to truly explore Shanghai outside of work. As he listened to the guide’s explanations, he gained a better understanding of the cultural and historical significance of Suzhou Creek’s landmarks. "Shanghai has both modern skyscrapers and historically rich buildings. I love both styles," he said.

Source: Hongkou district government