A successful train trip this morning from Suzhou to Shanghai- no falls, and escalators that worked…YEAH!!! First impressions…Shanghai is HUGE……Full of skyscrapers, many of which I can't see the top of due to the fog/mist/pollution - I’m not sure which!! With a population around 18-19m you can imagine the traffic, its like constant "peak hour". My guide here is Tony – born and bred Shanghainese – and very proud of his city. Today was sightseeing day but as much as I loved the sights it was SO bloody cold…. Just one degree…my feet, hands, nose and ears are all numb!!

First stop was the Jade Buddha Temple, so named for the two jade Buddha statues imported from Burma – one a sitting Buddha and the other a reclining Buddha representing Buddha’s death. With the New Year not far away there were many people worshipping and giving gifts to Buddha. The front temple is the Chamber of Four Heavenly Kings who represent “favourable circumstance”. Was allowed to take photos here unlike the temple in Hangzhou except for the Jade Buddha which can be damaged by the flash….don’t ask how I got my pictures!!.

Spent a lot of time in the old city which has retained much of its character and old fashioned values – this area was much to my liking. My hotel is located near this area which initially looks like dirty slums (oh great thought I) but really it’s like a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city proper so long as I don’t look too closely down the street. Tony took me down many of the original alleyways where people are still conducting business from their front door and there was not another Westerner in sight.

Then it was off to see the famous, classical Yu Yuan Garden. Yu means pleasing or satisfying in Chinese and the garden was built by an officer of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) for his parents to enjoy a tranquil and happy time. Wandering around the five acres you come across rockeries, ponds, pavilions and halls each with unique characteristics as you can see from my photos. Amazingly as you wander around you cannot hear the traffic from outside so it is truly peaceful and tranquil just as the designer intended.

I loved the stately old buildings along the Bund and got to see the famous Peace Hotel and Astor Hotel and then walked along the promenade to view the Pudong district across the river. It was bitterly cold with the wind coming in off the water so a few quick photos was enough for me. You can take an elevator to the top of the tallest tower in Pudong to view the city but I don’t think I’ll be heading over there as all I will see is mist/fog at this time of year – anyway I’m not that fond of heights and especially after Tony told me they have a glass floor so you can take photos of the road below…no thank you….. Back at night with friends and I managed to get a great night shot despite the cold!!!

No visit to Shanghai would be complete without a visit to Nanjing Road - reputed as being the No. 1 Commercial Street in China and is a shopaholic’s heaven!!!. Some of its shops at the Eastern end date back to the early 19th century but the Western end is truly westernised with all the big brand names. To be honest, once you hit the western end you could be anywhere in the world – it has lost its Chinese character and the traditional shops have given way to huge shopping malls and several international named hotels. Didn’t impress me- I like the haggling and bargaining that is truly Asia. Did get a few bargains but not much as the excess baggage is an issue until I hit Beijing/ Hong Kong when I fly with good old Qantas!!!! Not sure I could live here- it is all so impersonal, people pushing and shoving, the smell of exhaust fumes constantly and the icy wind. I think I’ll be glad to say farewell tomorrow as I head for Yichang. Two days here is plenty for me.

Shanghai – been there- done that…thanks!!!