17th September 2009 - 21st September 2009:

We got the overnight sleeper train from Xi'an to Shanghai and compared to our first journey it was pure luxury. We had a lovely bed each with fresh linen, power points to charge our various gadgets and the lights went out so we could have a good nights sleep.

We have really taken on the travelling vibe and chose to get to our hostel via public transport rather than taxi - although that might have something to do with the fact the taxi drivers can't understand a word we are saying and just seem to shout!!

When we arrived at the hostel, we promptly handed in our dirty clothes (desperately needed as Liza was wearing bikini bottoms and Sean was wearing even less!!). On that basis, we decided to spend the day chilling out in the hostel. That evening we went to the bar for some £1 beers (expensive in China) and to play some pool. We were quickly invited to a game with two Germans……. let the battle commence. We are pleased to report that England (and Ireland - albeit not potting a single ball) WON!

We spent the rest of the night getting to know the people staying in the hostel and then a group of us ended up going to a club in the French Concession. We paid CHY60 (£6) each into the club and then had an open bar…… love it!

To help international relations Sean followed the lead of Chris the Bulgarian and was drinking Vodka and Whisky on the Rocks (mainly as the bar staff couldn't understand when they asked for mixers of coke or orange) and also because he wanted to "get his monies worth"!! It was by far our most random night in China - a Bulgarian man trying to get Sean drunk and Chinese woman asking Liza to dance for them on the main podium (an invitation she unsurprisingly accepted) - all for the grand sum of £6!!!

The following day turned into another chillaxing day, more to the fact that we were hungover. However we did manage to drag ourselves out of bed to take a wonder along Nanjing Street (Shanghai's main shopping street) where we stumbled across a six story children's store, where Liza thought she had found the bargain of the century and could buy her nephew Jaden loads of nice winter coats for CHY3 (30p) each.

Unfortunately her excitement was short lived as the big 3 above the rack was actually the child's age rather than the price - the shopping basket, which by now was rammed full with coats, was quickly emptied and we left sad and empty handed - sorry Sheryl!

During Saturday we took the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel which had an impressive light show (see pictures & video) as you were going through to the other side. Unfortunately the Bund was mainly under construction in anticipation of the World Expo that is coming to Shanghai in 2010 so we weren't able to walk along the riverfront which was slightly disappointing.

Saturday evening was when we officially stepped into the 'flashpacker' bracket and indulged ourselves just a little. Firstly we went to Cloud 9 (The World's Highest Bar) which is located on the 87th Floor of Jinmao Tower for cocktails. Okay the cocktails were £10 each - so basically our daily budget spent in the space of 20 minutes - but the view was amazing. For information Jinmao Tower's is one of the buildings which the famous Frenchmen nicknamed 'Spiderman' once attempted to climb and now to deter people they actually have a sign at the bottom of the building simply saying 'No Climbing'.

We then finished off the night by going for burger & chips in Blue Frog which has 100% imported meat, something which wouldn't normally excite us but on this occasion….. well just check out the photos and see the smile and sheer happiness on Liza's face before she is about to tuck in!!

On Sunday we visited Yuyuan Gardens. To get into the gardens we had to pass a Bazaar which was basically a Sunday Market but far more impressive. The buildings were very traditional and there were hundreds of people haggling for everything from Jade Stones - Chopsticks - Lanterns - Bags etc etc. However when we got into the gardens, it was like entering a whole other world; it was so peaceful and tranquil and nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

We spent the rest of our time in Shanghai hanging out in the hostel sharing experiences with lots of different people including Fergus, a 72 year old American who is currently cycling around China - quite an amazing man!

We have decided to leave Shanghai a day early and head to Hangzhou to visit the West Lake for a couple of nights before the madness of Hong Kong.