We arrived in Shanghai feeling tired and grumpy after our first overnight train. We had an hour to come round at the hotel before being fed and shown round the city. At this point, we were both still adjusting to the Chinese culture which is very different to the west. For example, spitting in the street is fairly common among the older population, as is blowing your nose into your hand and wiping it on the nearest object (the wall, someone else's car - wish I was joking or exaggerating), no queuing - just pushing and constant crowds and noise. I think Hong Kong led us into a false sense of security as it was very western. Also, the "No Spitting" signs all over Hong Kong suddenly made perfect sense.

After really good food - expertly chosen by Brett - we headed to the Bund. The Bund runs alongside the river. It is lined with imposing colonial buildings and provides great views of the sky-scrapers that make up the Pudong area of Shanghai. That evening we took multiple photos of the skyline lit up after dark before heading to the Captain's Bar which provides amazing views, western food and backpacker prices. A result all round.

The next day, after sampling some pretty tasty street food, we took the subway to the French Quarter. It was fairly small, pretty and offered a range of familiar brands (Pizza Express, Starbucks, etc). We did succumb - English tea, scones and no guilt.

At this point, we jumped back on the subway to the Yuanyuan Gardens and Bizarre. A friendly local with a good grasp of English led us to the Yuanyuan Gardens. They were stunning - lots of rockeries, padogas, ornate detail and even a curved wall designed to look like a dragon's body. We took loads of photos before heading into the Bizarre. We bought a few bits but found the markets in Beijing offered more opportunity to barter and were cheaper. That night we headed to an acrobat show. The performers were all amazing. There were contortionists, tumblers, balancing acts and even motorbikes circling inside the "ball of death". We had a great night watching death defying fetes and daring do.

The next day we had a fairly quiet one before boarding another overnight train (joy) - this time to Xi-an, the home of the Terracotta Warriors.