2013 was a hot year, both literally and figuratively, as record-breaking temperatures came to China in July and August and conflicts heated up across the world. Shanghai experienced its hottest summer in 140 years as temperatures topped 37°C for ten days straight. Throughout the year, economic signals and outlooks fluctuated across the globe. Corruption in Chinese politics came to the forefront of international news with the high profile trial and subsequent conviction of Bo Xilai in September. “Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons” and “Iron Man 3” topped the box office charts while a giant rubber duck made its home in Hong Kong and Beijing for two separate periods.

Internationally, the conflict in Syria reached violent new heights, protests in Egypt raged, Pope Benedict XVI resigned in February, and working conditions in Bangladesh were brought under scrutiny after the collapse of a large factory building in April. Signs of climate change continued with massive flooding in northern India, South America, and central Europe, among other places. The U.S. faced crisis when former CIA contractor Edward Snowden exposed a massive surveillance program being run by the U.S. government, and fled first to Hong Kong in May. Kenya experienced terrorism in September when gunmen overran a Nairobi mall.

On a more personal level, many people also experienced individual growth and changes in 2013. I sat down with three of them to talk about what has happened to them over the last year, and what their hopes are for the future.

I met with Shanghai’s Feng Zheng to find out what was big in her 2013—and a big year she has had!

When you think back on 2013, what do you think will be the thing that stands out most in your memory?

I entered a U.S. graduate program at Boston University in the spring to get a Master’s of Business Administration. This program allows us to study in both China and the U.S. Our summer was split between Shanghai and Beijing. I loved having that time with my international classmates and having the chance to share my country with them. My roommate was from Peru, and getting to know her was an especially good experience from this year.

What do you think was the biggest news story in 2013?
The U.S. government shutdown was really big news, especially since I was in the U.S. when it happened!

What TV shows did you enjoy most this year?
“Triumph in the Skies II” is great. The first series was so successful and I was happy when, after almost ten years, the second part of the series finally came.

Did you travel anywhere interesting in 2013?
I went to Chengdu in the summer. I was amazed by how many construction sites that city has. On just one street, there are ten construction sites. The speed with which this city is developing is unimaginable!

What are you most looking forward to in 2014?
A new start! The changing of the year is always a good chance to look forward and set new goals.

2014 is sure to bring more excitement, challenges, and surprises! We already know a few major events that will happen in 2014: Russia will host the Winter Olympics, Brazil hosts the World Cup, Google Glass will be introduced to the public, and the Shanghai Tower is scheduled to be completed. What else will bring a boom or a bust? Check this space next year for another look back.

2013年是火热的一年,无论从字面意义还是象征意义上讲都很贴切。7月和8月,中国各地 的温度纷纷破表,全球各地的冲突亦是节节升温。随着上海的气温连续十天突破37°C, 这座城市经历了140年来最热的夏天。纵观全年,全球范围内经济信号和前景展望屡屡波 动。中国政治腐败成为国际新闻关注的焦点,9月份更高调曝光了薄熙来的审判和其后的 定罪。《西遊·降魔篇》和《钢铁侠3》荣登票房排行榜。大黄鸭先后登陆香港和北京。

国际上,叙利亚冲突和暴力不断升级,埃及的抗议炸开了锅,教宗本笃十六世于2月辞 职,继4月大型工厂建筑倒塌后孟加拉国的工作条件受到严格审查。印度北部、南美和中 欧及其它地区发生大规模洪水灾害,气候变化迹象不断持续。美国中央情报局承包商前雇 员爱德华·斯诺登暴露美国政府运行的大规模监视程序,令美国面临危机,并于5月首度逃 至香港避难。9月份,肯尼亚经历了恐怖主义袭击,枪手占领内罗毕的一家商场。

在个人的层面上,很多人在2013年也经历了个人的成长和变化。这次有幸与几位嘉宾面对 面交谈,谈论过去一年里各自发生的事,以及他们对未来的期望。

Feng Zheng,来自上海

Q:回顾2013年,你的记忆中最深刻的事是什么?

A: 今年春天,我开始研读美国波士顿大学的研究生课程,目标是取得工商管理硕士学 位。这个课程支持在中美两地学习。我的夏天是在上海和北京两地度过的。我非常喜欢与