Our first couple hours in Shanghai were rough, but it feels good to back in mainland China. After our comfortable overnight train from HK, we pulled into (dry) Shanghai. After clearing immigration and customs, we took the metro to the hostel we’d decided upon. But after (sweatily) walking a few blocks from the station, we learned that the guesthouse had closed down. With no other budget options in the area, we walked back to the station and headed to hostel listed in our guidebook. After more walking with our packs we arrived at the hostel, only to find that they were full. Luckily, there was another hotel just around the corner. It was windowless and had black wallpaper, but it would do.
Nanjing Rd
After checking in and showering, we immediately headed out to explore. We soon found ourselves on a wide pedestrianized commercial street, Nanjing Road. It was super crowded with Chinese tourists, but it was an interesting place to walk and take in the city. Skyscrapers and high end hotels were visible in every direction. Joylani commented that most of the buildings looked futuristic, if not a bit like spaceships. I must admit that walking around Shanghai does make you wonder if you’re a Jetson. Trams shuttled lazy tourists up and down Nanjing Rd. Besides the crazy architecture and crowds, one of the first things I noticed was the pollution. The sky here is continually grey and there’s a visible haze even when looking at buildings not to far away. But it wasn’t suffocating, like I’d heard, so I didn’t mind it too much. Walking the city, I realized that its at least as developed as most cities at home and probably cleaner (pollution excluded). Its very developed and very cosmopolitan. Domestic and international brands all have superstores throughout the city, while the city’s young immerse themselves in the thriving economy working in its growing economy and fueling its consumer aspirations. It contrasts quite a bit with fast-paced HK. Although the financial center of mainland China, it’s a much more relaxed and pleasant place than HK. Part of it’s the city layout with its typical (and appealing) Chinese focus on space, while part of it may be mentality too. Despite our difficult entry into Shanghai, it’s a pleasant enough place.
sunny day in Shanghai…fyi, its smoggy not overcast and the umbrellas are to provide relief from the heat….pretty gross, huh?