Shanghai's uniqueness is attractive

Related: Get the most out of Shanghai

Of course there have been frustrating moments when phone calls to potential sources weren't answered or returned. Worse still, information is seldom disseminated openly, fairly or clearly. Even with the Internet, it's often difficult and time consuming to locate in the mountain of data what exactly you need to support a point you want to make in a story. But it's all worth it because the stories are of significance to China, and in many cases, the global economy.

And there is another side of Shanghai that has always fascinated residents and astute visitors. I am not talking about hidden gems off the beaten track that are hard to find and reach, or the well-publicized tourist attractions and the many entertainment enclaves in rehabilitated old city blocks.

The real charm of Shanghai can be experienced by a simple Sunday afternoon stroll through the winding roads and alleys of the Jing'an or Luwan districts. You get a different feeling at different time of the year. But most people who live in Shanghai know that the best time to appreciate the city's charms is late autumn and early winter when the weather is not too chilly and the air is crisp.

This is the time when the leaves of the trees lining the streets have turned golden yellow, and the fallen leaves dance along the pavements in the gentle light of the afternoon sun.

In almost every street in these areas one can find at least one coffee shop with style and character: no Starbucks or Costa Coffee here. The available space in the old buildings is probably too small for an outlet of those giant coffeehouse chains. But they aren't missed by those who prefer individual character to standardized convenience, for that, you can go to Xintiandi or Tianzifang.

That's right. What I like about Shanghai is that more than any other city on the mainland it exudes a style and character of its own. It's unique and so are its people.