Ion Ștefanovici, CAPDR: “In the Heart of Old Shanghai – A Journey into the Universe of an Ancient Civilization”
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As part of the official delegation organized by the Romanian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the representatives of CAPDR – the Center for Regional Development Analysis and Planning – had the privilege of stepping into the sacred realm of history and Eastern refinement: Old Shanghai, the Yuyuan complex, and the City God Temple area.
This stage of the visit was not just a cultural stop, but an act of immersion into the spirit of a civilization that understands the future cannot be built without respect for the past. Under the soft glow of lanterns, among lacquered wooden pavilions and ponds crossed by serpentine bridges, we discovered a city over 500 years old, where the elegance of the Ming and Qing dynasties lives on through simple gestures—in the silence of tea being served or in the recipe of a wonton passed down from generation to generation.
The Lao Tong Chun Wonton restaurant, located right in the heart of this historic complex, is more than just a place to dine – it is a living page in the gastronomic chronicles of Shanghai. Here, traditional cuisine becomes a bridge between eras and identities, and the experience of taste takes on cultural and symbolic meanings.
Surrounded by the elegant buildings of the Yuyuan complex – imperial gardens, merchant houses, and temples dedicated to protective spirits – we felt a deep emotion: China not only preserves its roots, but transforms them into a strategic resource for development, cohesion, and national pride.
For the Moldova Region, currently in the process of redefining its development trajectory, this encounter with China’s living heritage inspires us to restore our own traditions to their rightful place in the economy, education, and community identity. Whether we are talking about traditional houses, old fairs, or folk artisans, we have a duty to transform our heritage into added value.
We thank the Romanian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce for organizing this exemplary delegation, which successfully combined economic engagements with the profound cultural lessons offered by this ancient country.
For us, the evening in Old Shanghai was a moment of strategic reflection, a window into a world where the past is not forgotten, but laid at the foundation of a solid and dignified future.
