Shanghai in Autumn: Hairy crab and sweet scented osmanthus

“Shanghai in Autumn,” the second chapter of the series “Shanghai, Through the Seasons,” is now online.

Marshall Strabala, chief architect of the Shanghai Tower, features in the short film.

“The autumn of Shanghai, it’s the greatest time of the year to take pictures of the buildings; it’s a softer light than the spring, lights up the whole of the city by the setting sun,” Strabala said.

In the short film, he shares his autumn memories of Shanghai, the picture of golden plane trees and their fallen leaves, the taste of hairy crab and xiaolongbao (steamed dumplings), and his expression of the connection between home, people, the city and a sense of belonging.

Golden plane trees and their fallen leaves, features of the autumn in Shanghai. 

The plane trees in the short film are found inside Fuxing Park. In late November they reach peak fall foliage season, making a magical, golden scene.

Fuxing Park is famous for the big lawn in the center where a Tai Chi class for foreigners is held. Strabala took part in the class during the shoot.

The taste of autumn

In most Shanghainese people's hearts, autumn elicits the flavors of hairy crab and sweet-scented osmanthus.

“One of the first dishes I had when I came to Shanghai was hongshaorou (pork braised in soy sauce ), and I still think that’s one of my favorites. I love xiaolongbao (steamed dumplings), hairy crab. The food in Shanghai is unbelievable.” 

Shanghai Tower is the connection between Strabala and Shanghai, an icon that will remain for generations to come.

Designed as the greenest skyscraper in the world, the double skin is like a thermos bottle that keeps the warm air in in the winter and the hot air out in the summer.

“I think the home is not the small apartment we have. Home is the whole city, (it's) the neighborhood, the restaurants, the people in Shanghai. We, all together with a loving heart, try to make the city better and better."