Farewell to Youth: A Post-00s Northeastern Boy’s Final Chapter of Shanghai Graduation Trip
Meta Description: A heartfelt Shanghai graduation trip diary from a post-00s Northeastern boy. Explore the Bund, Disneyland, and City God Temple in this SEO-optimized travel guide for young graduates planning their farewell trip.
When the End of a Journey Becomes the Start of a Life
July 2025. The summer breeze along the Bund in Shanghai carried the sticky, humid air straight into my face. I stood by the Huangpu River, watching the skyscrapers of Lujiazui on the opposite bank light up one by one in the twilight—and in that moment, I knew: my student days were truly over.
I’m Le Ge, a post-00s kid from Northeast China, a fresh graduate of Dalian University of Finance and Economics. From stepping into kindergarten in 2008 to walking out of university in 2025, seventeen years of schooling came to a close, punctuated by the shutter clicks of countless trips. And this time, with four girls I’d grown up with since childhood, we used a graduation trip to Shanghai to hold a final farewell ceremony for our youth.
This travel diary is the final entry of "Le Ge's Travel Diary"—a story of friendship, transformation, and the bittersweet beauty of saying goodbye.
Why Shanghai? — One City, Five Expectations
Shanghai—the city we’d debated over and over again—held different dreams for five young people about to go their separate ways. Some were heading to graduate school, others were about to enter the workforce. This trip was the last piece of shared memory we’d set aside for one another.
We chose Shanghai not just for its international glamour, but because this city held our collective childhood fantasies: the castle of Disneyland, the neon glow of Nanjing Road, the bustling烟火气 (bustling, smoky energy) of City God Temple. More importantly, we all wanted to see with our own eyes the “Magic City” that had appeared so often in textbooks and films—to find out what its magic really was.
SEO Tip: If you're planning your own Shanghai graduation trip, consider booking flights and accommodation early, especially during peak summer months. [Link: Best time to visit Shanghai for graduation trips]
The Bund: A Century of Change Meets Youth
Our first stop was Shanghai’s most iconic landmark—the Bund.
Standing on the 1.5-kilometer-long embankment between Yan’an East Road and Suzhou Creek, we faced the ceaseless flow of the Huangpu River. Behind us stood the old financial and trading houses of Shanghai’s foreign concessions. In 1844, this area was designated as the British Concession, becoming the real-life stage of the “十里洋场” (the “Ten-mile Foreign Settlement”). In 1943, the Bund ended its century-long leasehold history, and in 1945 it officially received its current name, “Zhongshan East First Road.”
The five of us strolled along the Bund, from the Waibaidu Bridge all the way to Jinling East Road. The setting sun gilded the “Exposition of World Architecture” in gold, while across the river, Lujiazui presented a completely modern skyline. This collision of time and space made us all fall silent for a moment—it struck me that the transformation of a city and the passing of our youth are so alike: both are about constantly saying goodbye to the past and welcoming something new.
SEO Tip: For the best sunset photos on the Bund, arrive around 5:30 PM in summer. The golden hour light creates stunning contrasts between colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers. [Link: Best photo spots on the Bund]
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: A Golden Ribbon of Urban Memory
From the Bund, we walked west into Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. This commercial thoroughfare, stretching 1,528 meters in length and 18 to 28 meters in width, has been Shanghai’s most vibrant shopping paradise since its opening in 1999.
What impressed me most was the “golden ribbon” running through the entire street—a 4.2-meter-wide belt lined with benches, kiosks, billboards, sculptures, and 34 uniquely shaped flower beds. We five found a bench on this golden ribbon, sat down, and watched the endless stream of people while chatting about the funniest moments from our four years of college. In that instant, I realized that maybe we’d rarely have afternoons like this again—no work pressure, no life chores, just pure companionship and laughter.
SEO Tip: Nanjing Road is busiest between 3 PM and 9 PM. Visit early morning for a quieter experience, or late evening for neon-lit photos. [Link: Shanghai shopping guide for budget travelers]
City God Temple and Jing’an Temple: Finding Peace Amid the Hustle
As a travel enthusiast, I’ve visited international metropolises like Shanghai, New York, Paris, and Beijing. But every time I come to Shanghai, I always make time for two places: the City God Temple (城隍庙) and Jing’an Temple (静安寺).
City God Temple: Old Shanghai’s Soul
The City God Temple, located at No. 249 Fangbang Middle Road in Huangpu District, was first built during the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty (1403–1424). It enshrines Qin Yubo, the deified City God of Shanghai. Adjacent to the Yu Garden, it covers about 3,000 square meters and, together with the Old City God Temple snacks, Lotus Pond, Mid-Lake Pavilion, and the Nine-Bend Bridge, forms the unique “Old City God’s Temple” tourism and culture district.
Here, we ate Nanxiang xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumplings), bought a few small souvenirs, and soaked in the earthy, lively atmosphere of old Shanghai. The aroma of shengjianbao (pan-fried buns) and tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) filled the air—a sensory time capsule of authentic local life.
Jing’an Temple: A Thousand Years of Witness
Jing’an Temple offered a different kind of awe. Its history can be traced back to the third year of the Chiwu era of the Three Kingdoms’ Eastern Wu (247 AD), when it was originally called the Hudu Chongyuan Temple. It was renamed Jing’an Temple in 1008 during the Song Dynasty. In 1216, during the Southern Song, it was moved to its current location—predating the founding of Shanghai itself.
The temple now covers a total floor area of 22,000 square meters, arranged in a front-temple, rear-pagoda layout. It houses paintings by the Eight Great Masters of the Ming and Qing, as well as a long handscroll of the “Pipa Xing” (Song of the Pipa) in the running script by the Ming calligrapher Wen Zhengming. The Jing’an District itself takes its name from the temple.
Standing before the Grand Hall of Jing’an Temple, I suddenly felt that this temple had witnessed Shanghai’s entire transformation from a small fishing village into an international metropolis. We five were nothing more than passersby in this city. But it’s precisely these brief stops that form the most vivid memories of our youth.
SEO Tip: Both temples are free to enter, but expect crowds on weekends. Visit on weekdays for a more contemplative experience. [Link: Shanghai temple etiquette guide]
Disneyland and Legoland: The Boundary Between Fairy Tale and Reality
The next day, we visited the Shanghai Disney Resort—mainland China’s first Disney resort and the sixth in the world. Located in Chuansha Town, Pudong New Area, it covers 3.9 square kilometers at its initial opening.
Stepping into Disney, we felt like children again. Five people in their early twenties screamed on “Soaring Over the Horizon,” laughed on “TRON Lightcycle Power Run,” and took group photos in front of the castle. In that moment, we weren’t graduates about to enter society—we were five kids who never wanted to grow up.
The Shanghai Legoland Resort, on the other hand, offered a different experience. Located in Fengjing Town, Jinshan District, this 318,000-square-meter park is the eleventh Legoland in the world and the first in China. Looking at the miniature cities built from Lego bricks, I suddenly realized that our lives are just like those bricks—every piece is essential, but what we ultimately build depends entirely on our own choices.
SEO Tip: Book Disney tickets at least 2 weeks in advance during summer. Legoland is less crowded—ideal for a more relaxed day. [Link: Shanghai Disney vs. Legoland comparison]
Shanghai Stadium: The Final Revelry of Youth
The last stop of our trip was Shanghai Stadium, also known as the “80,000-Seat Stadium.” Built in 1997, it was the main venue for the 8th National Games of China, served as a football venue for the 2008 Olympics, and is the home stadium of Shanghai Shenhua Football Club.
We didn’t catch a match, but there happened to be a concert going on. The five of us bought tickets, stood in the stands, and swayed to the music. In that moment—the lights, the music, the cheers all blending together—I suddenly felt that this was the perfect ending to youth: not a quiet goodbye, but a wild, passionate celebration.
SEO Tip: Check Shanghai Stadium’s event calendar before your trip. Concerts and football matches offer a unique local experience. [Link: Shanghai events calendar 2025]
Farewell to Youth: The Last Page of the Travel Diary
This travel diary is the final entry of “Le Ge’s Travel Diary.” From kindergarten in 2008 to university graduation in 2025, seventeen years. I’ve used words and photos to record every trip I’ve taken with my parents, family, and friends. These diaries have witnessed my childhood, witnessed our friendship, and witnessed so many beautiful stories.
But I know that in the future, our time together will grow scarce. Some are going to Beijing for graduate school, some are returning to their hometowns for work, and I, too, am about to step into the workforce. This graduation trip was our final ceremony for youth.
Thank you to the four girls I’ve grown up with—thank you for completing this chapter with me.
SEO Tip: If you’re planning a graduation trip, consider creating a shared digital photo album or travel diary. It’s a keepsake you’ll treasure for decades. [Link: How to plan a budget graduation trip to Shanghai]
FAQ: Shanghai Graduation Trip Planning
1. What’s the best time of year for a Shanghai graduation trip?
Answer: Late June to early July is ideal—after university graduation ceremonies and before the peak summer heat. The weather is warm but not oppressive, and crowds are moderate. Avoid Chinese National Holiday (October 1-7) and Spring Festival (January/February) for lower prices.
2. How many days do I need to see Shanghai’s top attractions?
Answer: A 4-5 day itinerary is perfect for a graduation trip. Day 1: Bund and Nanjing Road. Day 2: City God Temple and Jing’an Temple. Day 3: Disneyland. Day 4: Legoland or other attractions. Day 5: Shanghai Stadium or a concert. This balances iconic sites with relaxation.
3. Is Shanghai expensive for a post-graduation budget?
Answer: It can be, but budget-friendly options exist. Stay in hostels or budget hotels near metro stations. Eat at local food stalls (xiaolongbao for ¥15-30). Use Shanghai’s excellent metro system (¥3-10 per ride). Many attractions like the Bund and temples are free or low-cost.
4. What should I pack for a Shanghai graduation trip in summer?
Answer: Light, breathable clothing (cotton/linen), comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen (SPF 50+), a reusable water bottle, an umbrella (for rain or sun), and a portable fan. The humidity can be intense—stay hydrated.
5. Can I visit both Disneyland and Legoland in one trip?
Answer: Yes, but plan separate days. Disney requires a full day (8 AM to 10 PM). Legoland is smaller (3-4 hours). They’re located in different districts—Pudong vs. Jinshan—so allow travel time (1-2 hours by metro/car). Consider a rest day in between.
Your Turn: Start Your Own Farewell to Youth
This graduation trip to Shanghai was more than a vacation—it was a rite of passage. Whether you’re a post-00s graduate like me, a parent planning a trip for your child, or a travel lover seeking inspiration, I hope this story reminds you: the best journeys are the ones we take with the people who matter most.
Ready to plan your own Shanghai graduation trip? Start by booking your flights and accommodation early, download offline maps, and create a shared group chat for your travel crew. The memories you make will last a lifetime—long after the diploma is framed and the mortarboard is packed away.
Share your own graduation trip story in the comments below. What city did you choose? Who did you travel with? Let’s keep the spirit of farewell and friendship alive.
This article is part of the “Le Ge’s Travel Diary” series. For more travel inspiration, check out [Link: Top 10 graduation trip destinations in China] and [Link: Budget travel tips for post-00s graduates].
