I’ve been busy again. We had a rapid Tour of Shanghai and then the flight home, from where I’m writing this! (Tired but conscious)
We started the day in Shanghai with a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple. I love this place because it contrasts the old and new Shanghai, while being a small lake of peace and reflection in the middle of the busy city.
From there, after a short stop at a Silk Showroom (last minute shopping is always popular) we moved on to the Bund, the former Shanghai International Settlement which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River. From the 1860s to the 1930s, it was the rich and powerful center of the foreign establishment in Shanghai, operating as a legally protected treaty port. It now provides spectacular views of the Pudong District which was farmland only 20 years ago.
Shanghai traffic can be exotic by our standards, but over there, nobody blinks!
Next, on to the French Concession area. Located within it is the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China. On July 23, 1921, thirteen members held their first national congress of the Communist Party of China here, marking the birth of the Party.
Finally dinner at the Shanghai equivalent of the Savoy – old, posh and lovely! Outside the restaurant one of the old Shanghai Street Cars has been converted to a restaurant. Nothing is wasted here.
The next morning we flew home, and here I am. Phew! Italy in a week – I’ll take 2 days off and then start work on the prep for that trip.
TimOnTheTrain 
Loved your China blog; fond memories of our GRJ China tour last year- and great to see Lily and Jason on your pics.
We adored Shanghai! Shame the length of time in Shanghai has been cut down though. We had our best meal of the trip in Shanghai at a little local dumpling house that the guide recommended near our hotel- and also a trip up the Shanghai tower, trip on the super fast levitation train to the airport and back then a group evening on the river boat. No time for these on the new itinerary I see.
Have fun in Italy.
Would be great to get you as TM for our Vietnam and Cambodia GRJ trip next April?!
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Hi Lydz – We now take the Maglev Train to the airport for the flight home, so that’s been included in the body of the Tour. As to the rest, I agree that more Shanghai free time would be lovely, but the Tour needed to be shortened (apparently). We had a group river boat evening but that was an optional excursion – the acrobats (which I normally arrange as an optional extra) were closed as they are moving to a new theatre.
It would be lovely to join you on the April V&C Tour – Next years tours haven’t yet been allocated, and usually aren’t until after Christmas. I can ask for it, but I don’t always get what I want or ask for – so it goes! You’ll enjoy it with or without me 😀
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Ah I’m glad the maglev is still there!
I wonder why they needed to shorten it! I see Master in Nets UNESCO has gone too!
Enjoy Italy, and perhaps we’ll meet next year! 🙂
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No Wu gardens this time? If I go to Shanghai again I will want to go up the Oriental TV tower, glass floor looked scarey and maybe a shop or two!
Thanks Tim for reviving such happy memories.
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Hi Joy – Wu gardens were closed for maintenance/repair, but they should be back for when I return in November 😀
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Tim – thanks as always for sharing your trip with us. I am sure your clients had a fantastic experience. Andrew
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Thanks Andrew – Feedback like yours keeps me going! 😀
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