Next we were off to the new and modern city of Shanghai. We got a kick out of this seat in the waiting area of the airport in Xi'an...the Chinese version of a handicapped area. Our flight was 2 hours and right on time. For the first time we noticed a dark, dirty haze of pollution as we flew over the city coming in.
They took us right downtown where we had a nice Chinese lunch in the French sector (there are also British and American sectors of Shanghai). Right away you could see that things are newer and different from any other places we have visited. The city is 23 million people and only 169 years old, established by the British after they won the Opium War. China was first opened to the outside world at that time.
After lunch we could walk along the beautiful waterfront and stroll along the Bund. Shanghai is the financial center of China ~ Beijing is the political center of China. The main street here is Zhongshan Road and there are big beautiful old buildings up and down the Road.
Lots of couples and families were enjoying a pretty day by the water...many darling little children.
Have you heard of split pants for potty training? It is hard to describe but there is a hole left in the seam of the one year old's pants. The children do not wear a diaper during potty training. They squat, the hole separates and they pee. Our guide told us most babies are trained between 12 and 18 months with this system. Since most mothers work, they only breast feed for 2-3 months and then use American formula.
The downtown area is split by the Huangpu River, with the older section on one side and the new (within the last 10 years) ultra modern section on the other side ~ where just a few years ago there were farms. It is quite stunning! We saw yet another young couple taking their pre-wedding pictures...she had on a fufu shocking pink dress and was quite pretty in it.
The Russian Consulate...
That evening we were on our own for supper. They took us to a hip, trendy, very upscale area where there are are bars and restaurants galore...you would have guessed we were in Italy or maybe France...no sign of Chinese culture anywhere. Very pretty brick buildings all in the same design for blocks and blocks of small shops and classy stores.
Most of our group opted for German or American food for a change.
From there we went back downtown by the wharf and caught a large tour boat for a circle tour around the downtown area with about 5-6 other large boats and what seemed like 10,000 people. Shanghai is known for its elaborate lights on the buildings...it was just beautiful. The air was clear, it was a nice warm evening, and the lights were as stunning as promised. We found a spot by the rail on the top floor of the boat and just stayed put for the hour and a half ride. Really worth it!
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