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About Shanghai Summer
Shanghai Summer follows Baichuan in 2003 as he confronts strange memories triggered by an invitation from his former girlfriend, Qiuyu. Over twelve summer days, players explore the intertwined lives of four friends, each wrestling with personal regrets while seeking meaning in ordinary city scenes.
01 / THE GUIDE
Narrative Flow
The story unfolds across twelve days, each described as a lucid dream, culminating in a twelfth‑night finale where the shattered dream is "fixed". The narrative emphasizes the anomalous passage of time and the characters' acceptance of regret.
Baichuan's perspective drives the plot, with his ex‑girlfriend Qiuyu's unexpected invitation serving as the catalyst for the events that follow.
- Observe how each day mirrors a dream to notice thematic shifts.
- Compare Baichuan's memories with the present scenes for deeper insight.
02 / THE GUIDE
Key Characters
Four protagonists are highlighted: freelancer artist Fengyi, troubled high‑school student Xiaobo, university student Jingxian burdened by family issues, and Baichuan himself. Their lives are described as messy yet full of acceptance.
Each character contributes a distinct emotional perspective, shaping the player's journey through their personal regrets and aspirations.
- Note each character's background to anticipate their narrative role.
- Reflect on how their individual struggles echo the game's themes.

03 / THE GUIDE
Topics and Clues System
Gameplay centers on gathering 'Topics' and 'Clues' from everyday life, allowing players to delve into friends' hearts and minds. This system encourages comfort, inspiration, and personal strength building.
Progression is marked by the accumulation of these elements, leading to the final act of repairing the shattered dream.
- Pay attention to subtle details in scenes for hidden clues.
- Link topics together to form a clearer picture of each character.
04 / THE GUIDE
Primary Locations
The game features several mundane city scenes: Classrooms, a Bookstore "What‑If", and a Neighbourhood Café. These settings serve as backdrops for the characters' interactions and clue discovery.
The ordinary nature of these places underscores the theme that new possibilities arise within everyday life.
- Explore each location thoroughly to uncover all possible clues.
- Compare the atmosphere of each setting to the characters present there.
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Technical Details
Shanghai Summer is a single‑player adventure available on Windows via Steam, supporting full controller input including DualShock and DualSense devices. Family Sharing is also listed as a feature.
Steam Achievements are included, providing optional milestones for players to track.
- Test the supported controller options to find your preferred setup.
- Check the Achievements list for optional challenges.





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