We’re doing pretty well in Shanghai so far. It’s a big city but easy to get around and I am extremely impressed with the cleanliness and efficiency of the Metro system. It has fast become my favourite means of travel.
This may also be due to the fact that I am learning (quickly) about the hierarchy of Shanghai road traffic. Buses are number one. Followed by vehicles (who can turn right on red without yielding to ANYONE). I have had to say a few prayers in taxis so far, which on the upside are extremely easy to catch and affordable. But today we were in one in traffic and the driver literally pulled in his side mirror because all the other cars were so close. Nervous Nancy is Not Comfortable. Anyway, next on the hierarchy are scooters, the higher cc the engine, the better. They can drive in the main roadway, in the designated scooter/ bike lanes and on the sidewalks if they please. Finally there are bikes.
Pedestrians do not register on this hierarchy. Pedestrians always have the WRONG of way in Shanghai. Lol my Daddy did not send me here to get knocked down by a scooter. So pray for me.
It’s an extremely fascinating city so far and quite unlike anywhere I’ve ever been. Please enjoy the pics!
In Chinese culture the number 4 is very inauspicious because it sounds so similar to the word for “death”. A lot of buildings have no 4th floor and our hotel has no 14th or 24th either.
Old Shanghai architecture near the Yu Yuan Gardens. Shanghai is a city that showcases a variety of different architectural styles from very traditional to very modern.
Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu river into two sides, Pudong and Puxi. This is the Pudong skyline which houses all the huge skyscrapers as well as Shanghai’s Financial District.
This is the view of Puxi from the 88th floor of the Jin Mao tower on the Pudong side of Shanghai. You can see the Oriental Pearl Tower in the foreground and the rest of Shanghai beyond.
A wishing tree in the Jin Mao tower.
Shanghai street vendor
Shanghai Street Meat
Nanjing Lu (Road) a street devoted to shopping. There is a whole section of it that is closed to road traffic and only open to pedestrians.
Another section of Nanjing Lu at night.
Google maps is the 3rd traveler on this trip with me and Daddy. Because of him (yes him) we have been able to locate a lot of charming little restaurants. We found one yesterday in a little pedestrian mall complex with lots of various types of bars and yummy restaurants. I hope I can find it back later.