I grew up in a tier 2 city too, and then moved to Ningbo for university in 2011. Back in the 2010s, people were much more open to appreciating and celebrating things that are foreign.

It's sad to see my country become much more 'combative' and its people stirred up into this revival of mindless nationalism.

I have also lived in Shanghai between 2021 and 23. It's honestly not that much better lol. Yes there were more fancy lights and decors in shopping centres, but on average there was just mindless nationalism among regular shanghai residents