One day in Shanghai
Shanghai is crazy, futuristic, classy, crass, opulent, overrated, underrated, it’s everything and its opposite.
Some love it, some hate it.
We loved it.
We loved the buzz, the young vibes, the feeling of a “city that never sleeps”, the adrenalin we felt walking up and down Nanjing street and the awe at the illuminated skyline.
Originally a fishing village and market town, Shanghai grew in importance in the 19th century due to both domestic and foreign trade and its favorable port location. Today it is host to nearly 25 million people!
You can reach Shanghai easily through its two airports from most worldwide countries, by boat from some neighbouring countries or by cruise.
Some say Shanghai is not China, but I feel that it’s very incorrect.
Shanghai is an essential part of China: its history was very different from the rest of the country, having been occupied by foreign forces many times.
Not to forget that the Chinese Communist Party was actually born in the French Concession in the city.
It is just consequential that it would develop differently. And it has its own distinctive charm.
It is very touristic with both domestic and international travellers and English is spoken in tourist areas.
A marvel at the skyline at the Bund is a must. Even better at sunset and evening.
It is awe inspiring.
I have seen many stunning skylines, but Shanghai left me speechless. It feels like a different planet.
Downtown Shanghai is bisected by the Huangpu River, a man-made tributary of the Yangtze.
Walk up to East Nanjing street, the main shopping area, and its neon signs.
Stop at one of the many restaurants, Western and Chinese, and bars on its side streets.
If you are into Mangas, you’ll be delighted to find a 7- storey manga centre in the middle of East Nanjing street.
You will find youngsters in their cosplay hanging out at the front and inside, where cartoon characters and the like will overwhelm you. My son loved it. I loved it too and learnt a lot.
If you’re still hungry for more Shanghai skyline, take the evening cruise along the Huangpu river. It is very inexpensive and the views are amazing!
We booked here:- https://www.klook.com/en-GB/activity/3973-hangpu-river-cruise-shanghai/
We also visited the famous Yu garden with its manicured park; it perfectly blends decorative halls, elaborate pavilions, glittering ponds, zigzag bridges, and exquisite rockeries.
Yu Garden was built in 1559, during the Ming Dynasty, by Pan Yunduan as a gift for his father, the minister Pan En.
The garden thrived for centuries, but neglect and damage inflicted by the Japanese during the occupation marred its beauty. Authorities opened it to the public in 1961 and declared it a national monument in 1982.
The area around Yu garden is lovely. It is all built in traditional Chinese style and it contains shops, restaurants and food stalls.
Take some time to make it to Tianzifang, an arts and crafts district, developed from a traditional area in the French Concession section of Shanghai. It is now home to original souvenir shops, bars and restaurants.
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