Had 3 great days in Shanghai... feels like a great city. Very, very different to Beijing... feels a lot more western and the European influence on the buildings, architecture and layout is everywhere... guess the Opium wars weren't for nothing! Whereas Beijing feels very much like a communist country still, Shanghai has a more relaxed feel to it... I'm not sure Beijing is cut-out to host an Olympics, but Shanghai feels like it could cope.

The first day was rainy, but we ventured out under cover of umbrella to see the Bund by night. Even in the rain it was gorgeous... like a little part of london or paris illuminated by the riverside. Thursday was much better. A bit chilly, but there was some sun and the mist had lifted slightly which gave us some great views of the city from the Jinmao Observatory. There are some pretty impressive buildings in Shanghai, none more so than the Jinmao Tower. The 4th highest in the world, though soon to be 5th when the World Financial Tower next door to it is finished! The views from the 88th floor observatory were fabulous. Huge 50 - 60 storey buildings are miles below you... incredible!

We walked a lot Thursday and also saw the Yuyuan Gardens, which were gorgeous. An area of traditional old-style chinese buildings, bazaars, gardens, which was really lovely.

Last night we went out early to Xintiandi - a restored area full of restos and bars - to celebrate getting our bonuses. Sadly, after only having some dough balls and coffee at Pizza Pizza Express at about 4pm with a plan to have dinner later, the buy one get one free Happy Hour at Kabb Bar took it's toll and while we made it to Simply Thai restaurant, we never got as far as ordering due to the excess beer we'd consumed, so it was back to the hotel with a pizza!

Have really enjoyed Shanghai - would definately come back. Off to Suzhou for a couple of days now, then Hangzhou before flying down to Xiamen, then Hong Kong! It'll soon be christmas!!!