Arrival in Shanghai

Checked in to Zhongya Hotel close to Shanghai rail station. Shanghai is hopping!

Koi!

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We took a first class (soft sleeper) train car to Shanghai, which we thought was well worth the extra 50% charge, ($50 USD for hard sleeper, $75 for soft sleeper). With soft sleeper, we only had to share with 2 other people (rather than 4 others). We had bigger, nicer beds, a door that closed, private room controls for audio volume, temperature and lights,slippers, better bathrooms with western toilets, room service. What a treat!

Our first few days in Shanghai were hampered by the nasty colds we had caught, and the persistent rains. After a few days of trying to take in some sights in the rain, and browsing the expensive stores, we met up with Grant's old boss John, and spent a couple of nights with his family. We spent a couple of days taking in all the touristy things to do (walking along the Bund, taking the cable car through the "sight seeing tunnel", visiting the Yuan Yuan garden, etc., and were very relieved to get to spend a few hours relaxing with the Cummins family.

Maglev baby!

Since we had such a great overnight train experience coming to Shanghai, we thought we'd try to do the same to Hong Kong, which was approximately the same distance (at least as the crow flies). But it turned out to be a 26 hour train ride!!! So, for an extra $100, we chose to fly.

Nanjing Road at Night

Outside Yu Yuan Gardens

Shanghai at night

Shanghai at night - 2

Shanghai Skyline

The Cummins

The Pedestrian Tunnel

Traffic scene

Western Influence