Josh Bobley hosted the event in Shanghai during the weekend.

Having lived in Shanghai for the past five years, Josh Bobley is quite familiar with Chinese culture and society. He can also speak fluent Putonghua. Bobley told the Global Times his deep interest in China was first aroused during his first trip to China in 1981 when he was 13 years old.

"The changes I have seen in China since my first trip are incredible," Bobley said, noting that China's progress has been "mind-boggling" during the past few decades.

Bobley worked as an independent English teacher to students ranging in age from five to 50 and also provided translation and consulting services to some of Shanghai's top museums and governmental organizations. He has also acted as a translation consultant for a pictorial book about Chinese reputed architects Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin. 

'Surprised, enjoyment and culture'

Bobley was amazed by a light show along the Huangpu River over the weekend, which had triggered a warm discussion among netizens since its debut at the end of June. "Awestruck beyond words," Bobley told the Global Times after watching the light show. 

The show featured laser lights and music on buildings on both sides of the river, changing colors and displaying significant moments of the country's revolutionary history.

In addition to Bobley, there were over 200 expats who also enjoyed the brilliant light show on the river over the weekend in an event held under the guidance of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries for the centennial of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The event was organized by the Jinfeng International Community Development Association, the Expatriate Center and Yuexing Culture Tourism Group.

Former British Olympic sprinter Marlon Devonish

Former British Olympic sprinter Marlon Devonish was also among the guests enjoying the excellent light show. He used three words to describe the feeling after seeing the show, "surprised, enjoyment and culture."

Devonish told the Global Times that he has been staying in Shanghai for four years, but he has quite a long history with China. Since around 2006, he has been to Shanghai to participate in competitions when he used to be a professional athlete. He also went to the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and now lives in the city to teach at the British International School.

"I've seen a significant change in my environment in the past four years," Devonish said. He added that some changes have made things a lot easier for people like the use of electronic money. And the culture is "fantastic."