What gives people a sense of belonging in a city? Is it efficient public services, vibrant neighborhoods, cultural diversity, or simply the kindness of strangers?

These questions were at the heart of a dialogue event held on May 28 at the Hongqiao One-Stop Service Center for Overseas Talent in Changning district. Residents, international students, and scholars gathered to share their experiences and discuss what makes Shanghai an attractive place to live, work and study.

Among the speakers was a student from Belarus, who reflected on her experience studying and living in Shanghai. She recalled being struck by the city's sense of order, safety, and convenience when she first arrived.

In her view, a city's character is shaped not only by its infrastructure, but also by everyday interactions between people. Clean streets, convenient public transportation, and the willingness of strangers to offer help have all contributed to her positive experience in Shanghai. She also highlighted Changning's "15-minute community life circle", which allows residents to access a wide range of daily services close to home.

The event also featured discussions by scholars on the evolution of Shanghai's urban culture and development.

Professor Liu Shilin from Shanghai Jiao Tong University explored the historical roots of Shanghai's unique urban identity and examined how the city's cultural heritage continues to shape its development today. He emphasized the importance of preserving and revitalizing Shanghai's distinctive culture while contributing new ideas to urban governance and city development.

Participants also discussed how cities can better serve people from different cultural backgrounds. One issue raised during the discussion was cultural accessibility — how public services and cultural resources can be made more inclusive for people from different backgrounds. Scholars noted that balancing universal access with more tailored services has become an important challenge for global cities such as Shanghai as they continue to attract international residents and talent.

Through personal stories and open dialogue, the event offered participants an opportunity to reflect on what makes a city not only functional, but also welcoming, inclusive, and enjoyable to live in.

Source: WeChat account of Changning district information office of "shchangning"