From Futsal to Feng Shui: Embracing Culture on a Shanghai Journey

Reflections from the New Zealand University Men’s and Women’s Futsal Teams

As part of our trip to Shanghai, China for the 2024 World University Futsal Championships, we were grateful for the opportunity to explore Shanghai and embrace a number of additional cultural experiences. Competing in the FISU World University Futsal Championships was an incredible experience in itself, but the chance to immerse ourselves in the local culture made it even better. With the help of the Asia NZ Foundation, we took a day trip to the Shanghai Wildlife Park.

Whilst we have experienced a ‘zoo’ before, the entire group was buzzing to see pandas, which not a single one of us had seen before. Seeing pandas in three different exhibits was certainly one of the highlights of the trip! However, after exploring for a good portion of the day, we quickly realised it was more than just the pandas. The sprawling grounds were home to over 10,000 animals from across the globe, including snow leopards and Chinese alligators. We couldn’t believe just how many species were in this park, and we also learned a lot about the conservation efforts of the park through the interactive exhibits.

One memorable moment was when we watched a traditional Chinese dance performance near the panda enclosure. The music and graceful movements were mesmerizing, and it was fascinating to see how connected culture and nature were in this setting. Despite the language barrier, the friendly staff and volunteers around the park made us feel welcome, and we left with some awesome memories and a newfound appreciation for China's dedication to wildlife conservation.

We were also lucky enough to visit the Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park. This experience included the Guangfulin Underwater Cultural Exhibition Hall, Ancient Pottery Art Museum, Guandi Temple, Chenghuang Temple, and the Guangfulin Archaeological Site Exhibition Hall. Wow, what a treat this was. An experience rich in culture, history, and tradition, our team could have spent many more hours here than we were able to.

These experiences not only enriched our understanding of Chinese culture but also made us more globally aware and locally active. For instance, many of us were surprised to learn about the ancient Chinese practice of feng shui and its influence on architecture and landscape design, including the wildlife park.

Additionally, we learned about the significance of tea in Chinese culture, not just as a beverage but as a symbol of hospitality and tradition. This insight made us reflect on the importance of preserving and honoring our own cultural practices while being open to learning from others.

In terms of the competition itself, competing in the FISU World University Futsal Championships in Shanghai was a thrilling and rewarding experience for the New Zealand University Men's and Women's teams.

The New Zealand Universities women's team delivered a commendable performance, finishing fourth overall after a challenging bronze medal match against China PR, which ended in a 3-1 loss.

Meanwhile, the men's team secured ninth place, showcasing resilience and skill with notable victories against Mongolia, Oman, and Hong Kong.

“It was such an amazing experience in Shanghai. We were looked after and welcomed with open arms by the event organisers, staff and members of the public. Playing in front of crowds in big stadiums was not something a lot of our players had experienced, which created such a positive atmosphere and level of professionalism for our teams to grow as players and people. It was truly a pleasure, and we will jump at any opportunity to return for future tournaments and travel!” confirmed men’s Team Manager, Jake McRae.

Overall, our trip to Shanghai was a perfect blend of sports, culture, and personal growth. We returned home not just as better athletes but as individuals with a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of global cultures.

Thanks to Patrick Steele, Jake McRae and other members of the NZ Univerities Futsal teams for their contributions to this story. 

More information on the Asia New Zealand Student Sport Fund, which aims to provide students the opportunity to extend their experiences in Asia to include cultural activities, can be found at https://www.asianz.org.nz/sport/student-sports-funding.