China: a harmonious blend between traditions and modernity

China has been one of my go to destinations for work in the last 10 years. Though the cultural gap and the language barrier seemed intimidating at first, I have always felt and been welcomed. These obvious differences have been the very reasons I have build my strongest relationships nowhere else than in China. Whether in my workplace or my social life, any basic activity is an opportunity for exchanging about habits and customs. To such an extent that I have found myself surprised not knowing the reason for my own way of doing things or realizing that I have been doing them all the way wrong.

And what better place to blend in than local restaurants. As a French national, I share the same fanaticism for food with all my Chinese friends. With the widest range of iconic signature dishes, China offers one of the richest and most diverse culinary culture the world has to offer. I have never felt short in terms of amazingness given the infinity of dishes I keep discovering, each more delicious than the last. Dining out together is an experience in itself as sharing the same pot of food is by far the most popular and enjoyable way of making friends in China. I have been struck by the curiosity and the eager to exchange about our cultural specificities. Locals will always find it exciting to engage in endless time conversations about the cultural differences and experiences.

Discovering the vibrant and growing Chinese megacities is also quite a unique experience. Shanghai as many other Chinese cities has found the way to transform themselves by embracing anything new from ideas to technologies so to become the best city where to live in. I'm fascinated by the harmonious blend between past and present, between the temples on one hand and the magnificent skyscrapers on the other. And that is the very reason I have chosen to live in Shanghai. Although so modern and alternative, Shanghai gives me a sense of calm and relaxation.

One of Shanghai's most iconic place where I enjoy take a stroll is the walking path along Huangpu River. Huangpu River offers a unique scenery that only few cities can pride themselves on. Crossing the Huangpu River bend between Lujiazui and Wai Tan makes me travel time back and forth. The distance proximity is at the image of China where traditions and modernism coexist in a close relationship. More than a waterfront flanked by historical buildings, Wai Tan is the main focal point of the city that gives Shanghai its unique identity to the eye of the world. Wai Tan is a visible record of Shanghai modern history. I often take a stroll on the walking path along Huangpu River to relive the highlights of the past and take a leap into the future.

When the busy streets of Shanghai get overwhelming, the outskirts of the city provides many opportunities for escape. China offers the most convenient and efficient high-speed rail system that I will take for a weekend gateway to the several close-by water towns. Within less than an hour rail ride, water towns such as Suzhou or Zhujiajiao offer a unique scenery, famous for its humpback bridges and white-washed houses that overlook the canals. Time is like suspended, flowing at the rhythms of the tour boats strolling the quiet canals. These water towns offer idyllic views and landscapes of traditional China. Inhabitants live their lives imperturbably as we hold our breath, astonished by the beauty of the unique landscape of ancient bridges and black tiles.

Promethee Spathis is a Professor of Computer Science at NYU Shanghai. He fell in love with China in 2014 when he first took his appointment. Ever since Promethee Spathis has been a photography enthusiast with a passion for exploring the streets of Shanghai and its outskirts. He shoots and edits all his pictures with an iPhone.

The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of China Daily and China Daily website.