Shanghai - again!

Shanghai and Sheffield High became much better acquainted today as we whizzed back and forth around this impressive city.

The sunny morning began with a stroll along the Bund to view the former colonial past and the heritage which gave forth Shanghai's origins as a centre of world trade and commerce.

From the Bund we crossed the river to Pudong (East Bank) and the modern commercial district to ascend the Jin Mao tower and a enjoy majestic 360 degree view from the observation deck on the 88th floor. The view back down through the hollow centre to the atrium below was rather more unnerving!

Back across the river, we went back to the past in the Yu gardens to enjoy a little peace and tranquility in this classical Chinese garden ... well it would have been had it not been thronged by so many tourists. (There was a cruise ship in town to swell the number of visitors). From one extreme to the other as we then joined the heaving hordes to test our bartering skills in the Bazaar.

Lunch replenished our energy reserves before we took a relaxing river cruise to enjoy both banks from an entirely different perspective. Our cultural appetites were then briefly sated as we took in some traditional Chinese art at Shanghai Museum. Having practised our bartering in the morning, it was off to the hustle and bustle of an indoor market on the Nanjing Road to finish our need to boost the Chinese economy.

After a final Chinese banquet, we were treated to an ever-changing light show as we returned to our hotel amidst the Shanghai neon.