School days once more

Roger Gong (front) relives his school days by taking part in the event organized by the lesson of memory. Photo provided to Shanghai Star

In a country that changes as rapidly as China, it's no wonder some people want to hold on to what is familar. Yu Ran chats to a woman who is recreating the classrooms of the 1980s for adults.

For most people born after 1980, nostalgia is a natural reaction to the rapid and drastic changes that are happeninag in their lives.

For Fifi Meng, organising activities that hark back to her school days is a way to connect with people of her generation.

Meng gathers old and new friends to play children's games, sing old songs and share funny experiences of their childhood.

The regular event takes place in a classroom at Shanghai Science Hall with three lessons designed for participants to play, draw, sing and learn like they once did in school.

"It is all about memory — our unique memory and friendships from the classroom. This is my way to make friends who have something common with me," says Meng, who spent about two months preparing the event with her friends.

The idea was born when her high school reunion was cancelled as too many people claimed they were too busy to attend.

She felt a bit sad at losing touch with her old friends, so she came up with the idea to use the collective memory of her generation to make new friends.