马泰在中国

Shanghai - a Retrospective

The Shanghai skyline, seen from a ferry across the Huangpu River

I spent just 5 days in Shanghai.
I started out not being won over,
by the end I loved it.

Shanghai is somewhat in transition right now, with roads ripped up to install a whole load more metro lines, and everything being redone ready for Expo 2010

I think what first detracted me was the massive construction work under way,
this left much of the city dusty, unattractive, and difficult to navigate.

Colonial buildings alongside the Bund

But quickly I realised that Shanghai isn't about the Bund and its grand, colonial heritages,

Huaihai Lu, not quite Nanjing Lu, but nevertheless home to very expensive designer stores

it isn't even about Nanjing Lu and its homage to western consumer culture.

The French Concession is beautiful, tree-lined and full of interesting, individual shops, including some french ones

To me its all about the French Concession,

Tai Kung Lu, a series of twisting alleyways,reconstructed for tourists, and now home to countless hip bars, restaurants, and overpriced art stores

Tai Kung Lu,

xiao long bao - legendary dumplings, originally made nearby, but now Shanghai is seen as their home

legendary dumplings in the Old Town,

The Pearl TV tower, seen from Yu Yuan Gardens

the criss-cross of old and new

people living

and just living in the fast paced city that is Shanghai.