Wandering in the Room是我在2022年上海防疫期间画的一系列插画，那时候刚辞去不喜欢的工作，在准备给自己放个长假的时候，封城来得猝不及防，我和朋友无处可去，只能待在家里。在此期间读完了插画师天然的《生活蒙太奇》，天然通过画笔，把生活中一件件看似微不足道的小事，绘制成有趣的画面，最后形成一册插画，这让我发现原来平凡的生活也可以这么好玩，我想，再百无聊赖的隔离生活，也会有它的独特之处，所以就开始拿起画笔画画了。这个系列从4月画到6月，我的视角也从房间逐渐扩展到小院和社区街道，现在看来，这也是一次难得的人生长假了。
“Wandering in the Room” is a series of illustrations I created during the pandemic lockdown in Shanghai in 2022. At that time, I had just quit a job I didn’t enjoy and was preparing to take a long break. However, the sudden city lockdown caught me off guard, leaving my friends and me with nowhere to go but to stay at home. During this period, I had the opportunity to read the graphic novel “Montage of Life” by Illustrator Tianran. Tianran used her brush to depict seemingly insignificant little things in life and turned them into interesting visuals, ultimately creating a compilation of illustrations. It made me realize that even in the ordinary aspects of life, there can be so much fun.
Despite the boredom and monotony of isolation life, I believed that there were unique aspects to be discovered. So, I picked up my paintbrush and started drawing. This series spanned from April to June, and as time went on, my perspective expanded from my room to include the small courtyard and the streets of the community. Looking back, it felt like a rare and precious sabbatical in my life.
窗 Window
阳台有两扇长宽各一米六的玻璃大窗，它们把外面的景色划为两半，一半充斥着桂花树和棕榈树，另一半则是一字排开的居民楼。自从封控开始后，阳台成为家里主要的社交场所之一。每天下午我拉开纱窗，窗框从轨道上划过的声音就是下午茶开始的信号，我和朋友端着杯子聚在窗边，打开歌单开始边听歌边欣赏小区里的风景。
The balcony features two large glass windows, each measuring one meter and sixty centimetres in width and height. These windows divide the outside scenery into two halves: one side is filled with osmanthus and palm trees, while the other side showcases a row of residential buildings. Since the start of the lockdown, the balcony has become one of the main social gathering spots in the house.
Every afternoon, I slide open the curtains and the sound of the window frames gliding along the tracks signals the beginning of our afternoon tea. My friends and I gather by the window, holding our cups, and open our playlists to enjoy music while admiring the view of the neighbourhood.
In the autumn of 2021, the large windows on the balcony were adorned with blossoming buds on the osmanthus tree. It was already October, and the fragrance of osmanthus filled the air.
In the spring of 2021, there was an old Western-style house on Shanyin Road in Hongkou District. I heard from a friend that the loquats on Shanyin Road are now ripe.
封控刚开始时我们在阳台上举办了一场音乐节
At the beginning of the lockdown, we held a music festival on our balcony.
屋外正对面有一扇小窗，应该是厨房，每到夜晚就会亮起暖黄的灯光，光线透过棕榈叶，就像走马灯上的花影一样。
Right across from my house, there is a small window, probably the kitchen. Every night, warm yellow lights illuminate it, and the light filters through the palm leaves, creating a magical play of shadows, resembling a carousel of flowers.
左上方的窗里偶尔会冒出一只橘白猫
Occasionally, a ginger and white cat pops up in the window in the upper left corner.
斜对面的窗，到了下午，老爷爷老奶奶会一起探头望向窗外
Across the diagonal window, in the afternoon, an elderly couple peeks out together, gazing at the view outside.
对面楼顶上的窗应该是过道，放着一棵茂盛的盆栽，但是最近已经被移走
On the window of the opposite rooftop, which appears to be a corridor, there used to be a lush potted plant, but it has recently been removed.
和朋友聚在阳台聊天，偶尔会看到蝴蝶飞过
While chatting with the friend on the balcony, we occasionally catch sight of butterflies fluttering by.
晾衣杆儿 Clothes hangers
隔离在家的每一天，楼外的晾衣杆我能看到最多的景象，一根根不锈钢管闪着金光，直冲天际，上面悬挂着不同样式的衣物，它们在阳光下飘扬着，在建筑外立面上构成一面由不同颜色的布料交织而成的巨大旗帜，向户外漫步的动物们发出信号，“看，人类社会还没有消失，我们的生活还在继续。”
Every day in quarantine, the sight that I see most often from my window is the clothesline. The stainless steel pipes glisten in the sunlight as they reach towards the sky. Various styles of clothing are hung from them, swaying gently in the breeze. Together, they create a massive flag on the facade of the building, woven from fabrics of different colors. It sends a signal to the creatures roaming outdoors, saying, “Look, human society has not disappeared, our lives are still going on.”
In the spring of 2021, while commuting to work, I passed by an area designated for hanging laundry. For pedestrians, it was simply a sidewalk, but for the residents across the street, it was their balcony.
和朋友中午在虹口散步时看到一栋挂满衣服的居民楼
Shortly after the Spring Festival in 2021, while taking a stroll in Hongkou with my friends at noon, we came across a residential building adorned with hanging clothes.
上海的春天来了，满眼都是小区里的风景，晾衣杆上的衣服也变得色彩斑澜，有一天我看到有一户人家的晾衣杆上挂满了小小的裙子，远远望去，就像一条长长的红粉锦带盘绕在衣架上。
During the springtime in Shanghai, the scenery of the neighborhood was in full bloom. The clothes hanging on the clotheslines became vibrant and colorful. One day, I noticed a house with a clothesline filled with tiny skirts. From a distance, it looked like a long ribbon of red and pink, gracefully winding around the hangers.
某天在阳台上放风，突然发现一轮满月，快速翻出备忘录许愿。
One day, while enjoying the breeze on the balcony, I suddenly noticed a full moon in the sky. Excitedly, I quickly grabbed my notepad and made a wish.
4月入春后迎来回南天，每天都在下雨，晾衣杆上的衣物消失，人们打着伞在楼下排队做核酸。
After the arrival of April and the beginning of spring, the rainy season arrived in full force. It seemed like it was raining every day. The clothes hanging on the laundry poles disappeared, and people could be seen queuing up with umbrellas downstairs to get their Covid-tests done.
小区里种着很多枇杷树，到了5月，枇杷纷纷成熟，黄澄澄地悬挂在枝头，枇杷摘下后易坏，想起去年夏天朋友的妈妈寄来了几箱枇杷过来，她把我们召集到她家狂吃枇杷，当季的果子皮薄汁甜，囫囵吞下能解渴，一会儿桌上就堆起了一座果核小山。
There are many loquat trees planted in the community, and by May, the loquats are ripe and hanging golden on the branches. Loquats are delicate and easily perishable once picked. I remember last summer when a friend’s mother sent us several boxes of loquats. She gathered us at her home and we indulged in eating loquats. The seasonal fruit had thin skin and sweet juice. Swallowing them whole was refreshing, and in no time, the table was piled with a mountain of loquat seeds.
又是在阳台放风的一个下午，发现天上一团团云好像羊群。
On another afternoon of airing out on the balcony, I noticed clusters of clouds in the sky resembling a flock of sheep.
邻里 Neighbor
关于千禧年后邻里关系变迁的现象，在2006年春晚小品《邻居》中也能体现，演员林永健戴着小卷儿假发，穿着毛衫短裙，翘起兰花指比划出圆圈的形状，用一口天津腔向兄弟黄大锤介绍素未蒙面的邻居们：“认识，门镜里见过。”的确，随着市场经济的发展和个人边界感意识的增强，很多原本需要邻里帮助的事情都可以通过商业运作来解决，这也减少了邻里交往的必要性，要是生活一直正常下去，邻里关系可能也会日渐消弭。不过没想到的是，到了2022年，新冠疫情给邻里关系带来一种新的机会，从小区大门关上那一刻开始，潜伏已久的邻里关系就在闭环中开始活动了
The phenomenon of changing neighborly relationships after the turn of the millennium can also be reflected in the 2006 Spring Festival Gala sketch “Neighbors,” where actor Lin Yongjian, wearing a curly wig and a sweater skirt, raised his pinky finger in a circle and, in a Tianjin accent, introduced the unknown neighbors to his brother, Huang Dachui: “We’ve met through the door mirror.” Indeed, with the development of a market economy and an increased sense of personal boundaries, many things that used to require neighborly help can now be solved through commercial operations, reducing the necessity of neighborly interactions. If life had continued normally, neighborly relationships might have gradually faded away. However, in 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a new opportunity for neighborly relationships. From the moment the gates of the residential area closed, the long-dormant neighborly relationships began to unfold within the enclosed space.
小区里有一个团长，他仿佛可以把整个小卖铺都搬进家里，平时需要什么只需要跟他在微信里喊一声，基本上什么东西都能搞到。最近才得知原来他就是小区旁边门店里边修手机边卖煎饼果子的老板，真是一个深藏不露的商业奇才。
In the residential area, there is a group leader who seems to be able to bring the entire convenience store into his home. Whenever you need something, you just need to shout out to him on WeChat, and he can pretty much get you anything. Recently, I discovered that he is actually the owner of the shop next to the residential area, where he repairs phones while selling Jianbing Guozi (pancake wraps with various fillings). He truly is a hidden business genius.
做核酸的医务工作者在很长一段时间里也是每天都可以见到的人，时间久了，也都知道了我住在几楼几号，一户一共几口人。
The healthcare workers conducting COVID tests became familiar faces that I would see every day for a long period of time. Over time, they also learned which floor and apartment number I lived on and how many people were in my household.
Monica是我们这座楼的志愿者，浦西封控后，她和她的家人们自发帮全楼道消毒，拿着消毒液每天跑上跑下两遍。除此之外，她们一家人给予我们很多帮助，送给我们香料大蒜泡面淀粉还有鲜榨果汁，有时候一起团购东西还会帮我们顺手带回来。Monica一家喜欢喂养楼下的小野猫们，她家邮箱里放满了猫粮。街道之前发了一只全鸡当作物资，我和朋友不会处理全鸡，一筹莫展之际，莫爸帮我们把鸡分好，血放得干干净净。真的是善良温暖的一家人
Monica sounds like an amazing volunteer in our building. After the lockdown in Shanghai, she and her family took it upon themselves to disinfect the entire hallway, tirelessly running up and down with disinfectant every day. Not only that, but they also provided us with much-needed assistance by giving us spices, garlic, instant noodles, starch, and fresh fruit juice. Sometimes, they would even help us with group purchases and bring things back for us. Monica and her family have a fondness for feeding the stray cats in the neighborhood, and their mailbox is filled with cat food. When the street distributed a whole chicken as part of the supplies, my friend and I were unsure of how to handle it. However, Monica’s father helped us divide the chicken and cleaned it thoroughly. They are truly kind and warm-hearted individuals.
两个假装在看风景的人，其实是在偷偷听
On a Monday afternoon, two individuals pretending to admire the scenery were actually eavesdropping.
“Repeat that word once more and tell me its pronunciation.”
对小区里的猫们也逐渐如数家珍，我们开始给它们起名字借以指代，比如“老白”，“小小白”之类直白的称呼
We gradually grew fond of the cats in the neighborhood and started giving them names for reference, such as “Old White” or “Little White,” using straightforward nicknames.
绿地 Greenland
关于自然环境对人群的影响， 我想起谢菲尔德大学景观系曾经做过一项关于公共绿地的研究，他们通过整理数据发现，只要社区周边的公共绿地面积越大，周边居民的抑郁症发病率就越低。在我所在的生活圈里，距离最近的绿地就是宋庆龄陵园，里面除了有宋氏一族的墓地外，还有名人墓园，京剧大师周信芳，三毛之父张乐平等各位文化名流也长眠于此。从建筑景观学角度来说，宋庆龄陵园有很多值得花时间研究的点，比如整个场地轴线，场馆和墓碑设计以及植物选择等，所以我在封控前也进来参观过几次。陵园里绿植种类丰富，氛围静谧，时常能看到附近的居民携家带口地在陵园里散步聊天。
其实从严格意义上来说，陵园并不是公共绿地，虽然它可以免费进出，但是周围被高高的围墙遮挡起来，常年有警卫在大门口驻守，自从封控开始后，门口就被布上封条，谢绝入内了。直至上周街道发了出门卡，我骑车路过陵园时发现里面的植物愈发郁郁葱葱，门口那棵巨大的玉兰树开满了碗口大的花，在枝叶的掩护下若隐若现，仿佛一块块沉璧。
About the impact of natural environment on communities, I recall a research conducted by the Department of Landscape at the University of Sheffield. They found that the larger the area of public green spaces in the vicinity of a community, the lower the incidence of depression among residents. In my living area, the nearest green space is the Soong Ching Ling Mausoleum. Apart from being the final resting place of the Soong family, it also houses the tombs of cultural figures such as the Beijing opera master Zhou Xinfang and Zhang Leping, the father of Sanmao. From the perspective of architectural landscape studies, the Soong Ching Ling Mausoleum offers many aspects worth exploring, such as the overall site axis, the design of buildings and tombstones, and the selection of plants. Therefore, before the lockdown, I visited the mausoleum several times to study these aspects. The mausoleum is rich in diverse plant species and exudes a tranquil atmosphere. It is not uncommon to see local residents taking walks and chatting with their families inside the mausoleum.
Strictly speaking, the mausoleum is not a public green space. Although it is accessible for free, it is surrounded by high walls, and there are guards stationed at the entrance year-round. Since the beginning of the lockdown, the entrance has been sealed off with a closure notice. However, just last week, the local authorities issued door access cards, and when I rode my bike past the mausoleum, I noticed that the vegetation inside had become even more lush. The enormous magnolia tree near the entrance was in full bloom with bowl-sized flowers, partially hidden by the foliage, resembling precious gems.
In May 2020, there was a flowerbed at the entrance of the SU of the University of Sheffield.
In May 2020, the grassland in Western Park was filled with blooming daffodils.
封控后买花已经变成一件奢侈的事，所以就只能在小区里探索更多的可能性。
After the lockdown, buying flowers has become a luxury, so we can only explore more possibilities within the neighbourhood.
“The Rich Are Not Who We Think They Are, And Happiness Is Not What We Think It Is, Either”
-The New York Times
2022. 5.18
People get a big happiness boost from being with a romantic partner or friends but not from other people, like colleagues, children, or acquaintances. Weather plays only a small role in happiness, except that people get a hearty mood boost on extraordinary days, such as those above 75 degrees and sunny. People are consistently happier when they are out in nature, particularly near a body of water, particularly when the scenery is beautiful.”
但是很快我们又裁了一支水杉回家做成了“水横枝”。旁边小猫是一位朋友养的银渐层，封控前它还是小奶猫的状态，据说现在已经朝着猪咪的方向发展。
But soon after, we also cut a branch of water fir and brought it home to make a “water crossbar.” Next to it, there is a silver gradient cat owned by a friend. Before the lockdown, it was still a kitten, and now it is said to be growing into a chubby cat.
到现在已经发展成出门散步一定要摘花
It has now become a habit to pick flowers while taking a walk out
隔壁小区的金银花和爬山虎漫过围栏，散发的香气让人很难不去注意它们，朋友想摘一枝回家未遂。
The honeysuckle and ivy from the neighbouring community crept over the fence, emanating a fragrance that was hard to ignore. Friend attempted to pluck a branch to take home but was unsuccessful.
城里城外 Around the City
解封后的生活迅速恢复成常态，一时间街上又充满了行人和车辆，熙熙攘攘，车马喧嚣。只是街头新添的处核酸检测点在提醒着过去两个多月的居家生活不是幻象。
突然之间，从前习以为常的生活被铺上一层探险主义的色彩之前习以为常的生活被铺上一层探险主义的色彩，每个在城市里游走的人头顶都被安装了一块72小时倒计时的时钟，“咔嗒咔嗒，您的时间余额已不足，请速去附近的核酸检测点充值。”屏幕里那张闪烁的二维码就像是旷野之息里初始台地颁发的考验通过证，有了它，玩家才能踏上征途，攀出戈壁，穿过丛林，寻找神兽和英杰的踪迹。
After the lockdown was lifted, life quickly returned to normal. The streets were once again filled with pedestrians and vehicles, bustling with activity and noise. However, the newly added nucleic acid testing points on the streets served as a reminder that the past two months of staying at home were not an illusion.
Suddenly, the once-familiar life took on an adventurous hue. Every person wandering in the city now had a countdown clock installed above their heads, ticking away for 72 hours. “Tick-tock, your remaining time is running out. Please hurry to the nearby nucleic acid testing point for a recharge.” The blinking QR code on the screen resembled the proof of passing a trial in “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.” With it, players could embark on their journey, scaling cliffs, traversing jungles, and searching for the traces of mythical creatures and heroes.
March 2021, Lu Xun Park, Hongkou District
Old Town, March 2021, taken from the rooftop above the architectural office where I was interning at the time
城市街头已经被猫猫占领
The city streets have been taken over by cats.
5月底的时候，街道发了出门卡，和朋友扫了共享单车一路骑到环贸，体验到了久违的夏夜晚风
In late May, the street issued access cards, and friend and I grabbed shared bikes to ride all the way to the Huanmao area, enjoying the long-lost summer night breeze.
感觉度过了一段非常了不起的时光，再次出门就已经是夏天了，家里打来电话说要寄樱桃，但是考虑到物流的不稳定，我还是不要了。记忆里好像吃完樱桃后天气就会开始变得炎热，“流光容易把人抛。红了樱桃。绿了芭蕉。”这句话对今年居住在上海的人们来说尤其感同深受，春天在窗外流走，但是好在还有下一个春天，只是有些遗憾和记忆永远留在了今年春天里，人们或许会谈论或者不再谈论。希望在接下来的夏天，生活会不错。
I feel like I’ve had an extraordinary time. When I ventured out again, it was already summer. My family called to say they wanted to send cherries, but considering the unreliable logistics, I decided to decline. It seems like in my memory, after eating cherries, the weather starts to become hot. “Time easily separates us. Cherries turn red. Plantains turn green.” This phrase resonates particularly with those living in Shanghai this year. Spring slipped away outside the window, but fortunately, there will be another spring. It’s just that some regrets and memories will forever remain in this year’s spring, whether people discuss them or not. I hope that the coming summer will be good.
长期的封控已经让人对时间失去概念
The prolonged lockdown has made people lose their sense of time.
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