Having grown up in Shanghai, I cannot agree more with the popular wisdom that “Shanghai is the Center of the Universe.” Yes, that universe encompasses New York City, the other self-proclaimed “Center of the Universe.”

Good-humored bragging aside, Shanghai has earned its reputation as truly a city where “East meets West,” where you can find steaming pork bun stalls tucked next to the most high-end luxury storefronts. In Shanghai, the vibrant and diverse coexistence of people, art, business, and heritage from around the world has concocted a culture unique to a city widely known as the most cosmopolitan metropolis in China.

This summer, the “Shanghai of the West,” New York City, wanted a piece of Shanghai. At the height of midsummer glory, the iconic New York institution, Lincoln Center, hosted “Shanghai Day” to bring the energy of Shanghai to the heart of Manhattan in celebration of the fireworks sparked by the dynamism of “East meets West.”

The event was an immersive experience of contemporary Shanghai in multimedia art forms. The Shanghai Chinese Orchestra brought Stories of the Chinese Zodiac, a blending of traditional Chinese instruments with fantastical animation. For those craving a bit of action, a Shanghai youth dance troupe brought a kung fu hip hop showcase in collaboration with local New York performers. There was also a special concert from Arknight, a multimedia game-inspired sensorial experience that blends multiple musical genres. These were just a few of the performances visitors could experience while walking through the “Shanghai City Fair,” a demonstration of traditional Chinese artisanal crafts like calligraphy and seal carving.

If you’re craving a slice of home or eager to experience the wonders of Shanghai, here are a few more happenings in New York City to give you a taste. The real deal, of course, can only be found a 14-hour flight away.

Mahjong Nights

Have you ever aspired to retire into a Mahjong auntie one day? Mahjong is a mainstay pastime found in both alleyways and featured in Wong Kar-wai movies. As a child, I always wondered: how can these green and white tiles be so entertaining that adults stay up all night laughing and gossiping? After I learned the game myself and my fingers felt the satisfying clank of the tiles, I quickly understood the game’s magic.

There are many chances to learn and play Mahjong in New York City. Green Tile Social Club and PinkFrogCafe, in particular, host regular events for beginners and experts alike. They are great places to play the game and meet new people.

Dragon Fest

From lamb skewers to candied hawthorn, from traditional classics like pork dumplings to fusion creatives like wagyu jianbing, be ready to try a little of everything at Dragon Fest. Now in its third year, Dragon Fest is an annual outdoor Chinese food and culture festival. The festival is a great way to discover new Chinese food vendors—some have brick-and-mortar locations in the city, while others are rare gem pop-ups.

Don’t miss out on a couple more chances to experience this outdoor food extravaganza for yourself this year!

The Red Pavilion

Oh, the sleepless nights of Shanghai. When the sun goes down and the bars flip on their “open” signs, the nightlife of Shanghai is just as vibrant and diverse. The Red Pavilion in Brooklyn’s Bushwick channels that electric, sultry Shanghai nightlife by merging Art Deco elements with Chinese motifs and patterns.

After being transported to an Old Shanghai–style speakeasy, the Red Pavilion also offers performances that celebrate AAPI artistry and creativity, with impressive lineups of cabaret and live music. Better yet, the bar serves intricate and unexpected cocktails that blend uniquely Asian flavors.

Chinese Stand-Up Comedy

For audiences in China, watching stand-up comedians battle it out on two popular TV shows has become a summer staple. In recent years, live comedy has also risen in popularity across cities in China, likely driven by actors who found stardom on TV. For Chinese audiences in New York looking for a good laugh, CrazyLaugh Comedy is the first Chinese-language comedy club here, with shows almost every week.

There’s certainly no shortage of comedy clubs in NYC, but nothing quite hits like watching actors joke about the fun, the awkward, and the embarrassing parts of being Chinese abroad.

Cover image via Instagram/Green Tile Social Club.