In the central area of Shanghai along the tree-lined Yongjia Road of Xuhui district sits the gelato shop Amuni Gelato, providing Italian-style ice cream. Behind the counter is Alessandro Conti, known to his social media followers as Alex, who has carved out a piece of Italy in this Chinese metropolis.

The Sicilian has called Shanghai home for eight years, part of his 12-year journey in China that began with majoring in Mandarin at university. After exploring various cities, he settled in Shanghai, drawn by its international character and opportunities.

"Shanghai is my home," Conti says. "Home isn't just where you were born. It's where you find happiness, have people you care about, enjoy good food, and where you wake up every morning feeling excited about the day ahead. Shanghai gives me all of that."