A Last Day in Shanghai, A New Beginning

Anna and Lina cook vegetarian Chinese dishes together at Yin Studio in Shanghai.

Some guest stories stay with us long after the class ends.

Yesterday, we welcomed Anna and her daughter Lina from Sweden for a Vegetarian Chinese Cooking Class.

For Anna, it was her last full day in Shanghai before flying home to Sweden. Like many travelers, she had spent her time exploring the city, but shortly before leaving, she made a spontaneous decision: to spend part of her final day learning how to cook Chinese food.

Sometimes the best travel memories come from the plans we never expected to make.

Lina's story was different.

Two and a half years ago, she came to Shanghai as an exchange student. During her time here, she fell in love with the city, its culture, and the everyday experiences that make Shanghai unique. When an opportunity arose to return to Shanghai for work, she didn't hesitate. She chose to come back.

As we cooked together, it was easy to see how much China still meant to her. From discussing ingredients and local food culture to sharing memories of her previous time in Shanghai, her enthusiasm was infectious.

Throughout the class, Anna and Lina worked side by side, learning traditional vegetarian Chinese dishes together. Every dish that came out of the kitchen was met with smiles, excitement, and plenty of compliments. The meal wasn't just delicious—it became a shared memory between mother and daughter.

Cutting firm tofu by Lina at Yin Studio in Shanghai

What made this experience special wasn't only the food.

It was the timing.

One was preparing to leave Shanghai.

The other was preparing to begin a new chapter here.

For a few hours, they stood in the same kitchen, sharing the same experience, creating the same memories.

Travel often brings people to famous landmarks and beautiful sights, but sometimes the moments we remember most happen around a dining table, a cutting board, or a conversation shared over a home-cooked meal.

As we said goodbye, Anna was getting ready for her journey back to Sweden, while Lina was looking ahead to a year of living and working in Shanghai.

And somehow, that felt like the perfect ending—and the perfect beginning.

Anna left Shanghai with one last memory. Lina began her new Shanghai life with another.

Thank you, Anna and Lina, for sharing this special day with us. We wish Anna a safe journey home and Lina an unforgettable year in Shanghai.

Joyful cooking time with Anna an Lina at Yin Studio in Shanghai

We hope our paths cross again someday. ❤️