Hai Pai culture, a defining feature of Shanghai’s identity, reflects the spirit of “The Sea Embraces All Rivers.” Rooted in the classical elegance of Jiangnan traditions—especially the ancient Wu and Yue cultures—it has flourished by embracing foreign influences, particularly from the West, and integrating them into the vibrant life of a modern metropolis. At its heart, Hai Pai culture represents the harmonious fusion of Chinese and Western elements, celebrated for its openness, inclusiveness, and spirit of innovation.
On June 16th, as part of the project “A Sample of Cultural Confidence for International Publicity” initiated by the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, international students from Shanghai Maritime University embarked on a journey to experience Hai Pai culture firsthand.
Their first stop was the Hai Pai Culture Museum in Baoshan District, where they were guided through the rich history and development of the culture. They marveled at an exquisite collection of cheongsams showcasing styles from the past century, gaining insights into the aesthetics and evolution of Shanghai fashion.
Following the museum visit, Professor Chen Dong—former Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the Shanghai Municipal CPC Committee and Director of the Center for Hai Pai Culture Studies at Shanghai University—delivered an engaging lecture titled “Exploring the Inheritance of Hai Pai Culture Through the Lens of the Shanghai Dialect’s Charm.” Interpretation was provided by Teacher Wang Junying from the International Education College of Shanghai Maritime University.
Professor Chen captivated the audience with vivid storytelling, supported by images, videos, and real-life examples. She introduced the students to the distinctive traits of Hai Pai culture in areas such as clothing, cuisine, housing, and transportation, while also tracing Shanghai’s transformation into a global city. Students were especially delighted to learn and practice local colloquialisms, even counting in the Shanghai dialect—often breaking into cheerful laughter during the interactive session.
The students expressed that the experience was immensely enriching, giving them a profound appreciation of Shanghai’s cultural heritage and a deeper understanding of the ongoing significance of Hai Pai culture in shaping the city’s unique character.
