Igbokwe Adachukwu Lucys is an international student from Nigeria at Shanghai International Studies University. Her experience in the city has given her a unique perspective on local life and Shanghai's culture.

Two years ago, Igbokwe came to Shanghai to study Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages at SISU. Since then, Hongkou district has become the center of her daily life.

She often visits Lu Xun Park, which she describes as her "recharging station". Whenever the weather is pleasant, she enjoys taking a stroll in the park, where she often sees seniors exercising or engaging in traditional activities such as shuttlecock kicking and dragon dancing.

Igbokwe loves learning new things and finds that people there are very friendly and patient. One day, she noticed a group of residents gathered in a circle, kicking a shuttlecock. They invited her to join and showed her how to play. When she finally managed to kick the shuttlecock and pass it to someone else, she felt a great sense of satisfaction and joy.

Hongkou Football Stadium is another place she frequents, where she often plays soccer and exercises with her friends. The stadium regularly hosts large events, and she has been impressed by the orderly management of crowds and traffic. She recalled passing by after a concert, when audiences exited in an organized manner, traffic police directed the flow on nearby streets, and volunteers offered assistance. The event caused little disruption to daily life, and she was able to return to the stadium to play soccer as usual the next day.

This sense of convenience, she noted, extends to many aspects of everyday life. Hongkou Plaza near her university is her go-to spot for dining and shopping, while the Shuxiang Quyang reception hall serves as her quiet retreat. With dedicated study spaces and an adjoining coffee shop, she enjoys sitting by the window, reading a book while sipping coffee.

Hongkou's diverse community activities have allowed Igbokwe to immerse in a vibrant cultural atmosphere. She has participated in cultural experiences such as tai chi, Chinese tea ceremonies, and learning ancient Chinese characters. Additionally, she has been invited to share Nigerian customs with children in the community.

Recently, the Quyang Road Sub-district invited Igbokwe to serve as a cultural ambassador. She said she values the opportunity to share Shanghai's local culture and urban charm with others and hopes to facilitate international cultural exchange through direct, personal engagement.

[Video/WeChat account of Shanghai Hongkou district media center]

Source: Official WeChat account of Shanghai Hongkou district media center (ID: "shhongkou")