Zhao Huiling was born in Shanghai, and spent the formative years of her life in West Africa. The experience changed her life, and still informs her work - and her world view - to this day. So it's useful for listeners to Mosaic of China to be reminded that culture clashes are not binary; they can happen no matter where you're from, and no matter with what new culture you're confronted.

More than just that, Huiling also represents the mindset of the worldly young Shanghainese professional. These are people who have enjoyed all the benefits of modern luxury that China's economic progress has given them, and are now asking themselves "What does it all mean"?