Shanghai

Arriving at Shanghai airport we decided to take the fast train called the Maglev closer into central Shanghai to save an hour in travel time and not to mention a taxi ride that has you fearing for your life as traffic lights and lanes don't mean anything in Shanghai! The train covers the 30 kms in a little under 8 minutes and can reach speeds of 430 kph. The only time you realise you are going so fast is when the train going in the opposite direction speed pasts your window and causes you to jump out of your seat!

Maglev train

We reached the maximum speed

   

Our hotel was overlooking the Bund which is a large promenade along the Haungpu River. The Bund is very popular with Chinese families who stroll along the Bund and at night many large riverboats conduct dinner cruises.

The Bund has many historical buildings and it is such contrast to the other side of the river which has modern and cutting edge skyscrapers.

As per our normal trips away we walked and walked discovering many side streets that showed Shanghai's past. The main shopping area -Nanjing Road is full of touts trying to get you to buy a copy watch or bag and another scam that is prevalent is young couples asking you to take a picture of them and then asking you where you are from etc. After striking up the conversation the couple then invite you to a tea ceremony that is only held on that day for which you get charged a hefty amount for the tea. We were asked quite a few times and happily took their photos but that was it.

Nanjing Rd 

Historic buildings along the Bund

The Bund 

Historic Buildings along the Bund

The Bund at night

The Bund at night

Army marching along the Bund

Nanjing Rd Shopping District

Kite flyers on the Bund 

Side street of Nanjing Rd

Financial district light show