Choose Your Own Adventure

I grew up in the late ’90s and early 2000s, so of course I read a lot of Choose Your Own Adventure books as a child. Some of these books were scary, some were funny, and others weren’t particularly well written—but no matter what, Choose Your Own Adventure books allowed me to decide what happened next. I got to shape the way the story unfolded, and I could choose what I got out of each book.

Working for English 1(formerly EF English First) in Shanghai, China, is a lot like a Choose Your Own Adventure book because English 1 gives you the chance to shape your experience of China however you wish. In many ways, Shanghai sits at the forefront of China’s development and is comparable to any other major global metropolis. Here, I turn the pages of China's story by visiting expansive modern art galleries and stylish fusion restaurants, or by ascending sleek skyscrapers and shopping in luxury malls.

Yet the modernity of Shanghai is just one chapter in the broader history of China—and one chapter in my personal Choose Your Own Adventure journey. One of the best things about Shanghai’s modernity is that it's a global hub, positioned at a key point in China's vast high-speed rail network. It’s through this network that the rest of China unfolds before you, like the turning pages of a beloved childhood book.

Shanghai itself is always buzzing with things to do and fresh adventures that never seem to end. The city is home to a large and diverse international community, but just one short train ride away, you’ll find a completely different world. I’ve visited cities in China where people stared, pointed, and stopped to watch—simply because they had never seen a foreigner in their town before.

But let’s focus on Suzhou—known as the `Venice of the East'—and Hangzhou, the `Garden City'. Both are just a 30-minute train ride from Shanghai, and each offers a rich look into China’s ancient past. Travelling to these cities was, and still is, incredibly easy and affordable—and it will be just as accessible when you begin your adventure with English 1. The urban landscape of Shanghai melts away during the short train journey, replaced by the smaller, greener cities of Suzhou and Hangzhou. These two cultural gems make up chapters two and three of my China adventure, while my Shanghai chapter continues to unfold.

In Suzhou, I spent the day exploring beautifully preserved ancient canals, where boats full of tourists glided through the city like echoes of imperial China. Eventually, I returned home to Shanghai, climbed into my own bed, and looked through the photos of Suzhou’s charm and elegance. Just like turning a page, I had left Shanghai, seen the `Venice of the East', and returned home for some much-needed rest after walking over 10,000 steps that day.

Hangzhou may lack canals, but it offers serene imperial-style gardens and former summer residences of long-dead emperors. It also features a stunningly preserved lake, now a major tourist attraction, where I once again clocked over 10,000 steps exploring its scenic surroundings.

Other English 1 blogs do a wonderful job of praising the beauty and wonder of Suzhou and Hangzhou, so I’ll leave that to them. What I want to highlight is that Shanghai provides a unique opportunity: to be at the heart of China’s future, while also within reach of its ancient roots. I don’t compare it to a Choose Your Own Adventure book lightly—those books were a huge part of my childhood, after all. Working for English 1 in Shanghai gives you the chance to explore, experience, and shape your own story—all you have to do is start writing your personal Choose Your Own Adventure.