This was the first morning we were able to sleep in a bit, since yesterday was very taxing (especially when you bring a duffel instead of a hard suitcase.) Thinking a duffel would be lighter was not a smart idea. The train stations are so HUGE and BIG as everything in China we had "miles and miles" to walk before we slept! It was so hot last night, probably 98+ with unbelievable humidity. Stairs mostly with a few escalators. After we left the station we had two subway lines to catch meaning more and more stairs. (Thank you Jen and Matthew for your help!) By the time we arrived be were wringing wet - head to toe - so after a noodle dinner at a "fast food" noodle restaurant and a good nights sleep, we met for a late breakfast and started out on our first adventure in Shanghai.
Of course every excursion requires a means of transportation - subway and walking and walking and walking. Shanghai is the largest ciity in China with a population of about 20 million people. It is easy to get around on the metro and experience the city as a local. Although it is easy, it still take some time and lots of walking. This morning we had to take two lines to get to our destination - taking about one hour. The Sanghai Metro will get us almost everywhere we want to go.
We arrived at Nanjing Rd., which begins at People's Square and ends at the Friendship Hotel. It is China's premier shopping street - mostly pedestrian traffic except for stray motorcycles and two trolley cars that shuttle shoppers and tourists up and down the street. The street is 5.5 kilometers and has over 600 businessses and a huge amount of luxury stores with famous brands. The shopping malls also offer a wide variety of restaurants. There is a saying "you have never been to Shanghai unless you go to the Nanjing Road." The newer shops are on the east side and older shops are one the west side. As we were walking Lisa commented, ÖK, I love Shanghai! Can I go on record and say that?"
We were explored the area for a few hours and many of us walked to the Bund to get our first glimpse of one of the most best-known landmarks in Shanghai. The Bund is an embankment on the river which prevents flooding. We took a short walk along the Bund to view the waterfront. Along this road stands many important buildings which have been well maintained on the exterior. There is great diversity in colonial architecture and these stately buildings have been renovated for major financial institutions as well as restaurants and hotels. One building is the AIG building where Mr. Freeman began his career in finance. Matthew and I explored some side streets and saw women carrying two baskets on a long stick across their shoulders with full of fresh produce. They were selling it on the street corners. Men and women were carrying bags sorting garbage pails for plastic bottles. Each can bring five cents! We also came across an amazing church that was being rennovated on corner of Jiujiang Road. We tried to find the name of it - but since it had a large book store with it, it is probably a government sanctioned church. I hope to go back if I get a chance.
When we met back with the group we broke up to find someplace to eat. Five of us went into a mall area and young men with menus were enticing us to go to their restaurant. There were many different restaurants on every floor. We chose one called the Tun Run Tea House. The food was wonderful and the seating very unique. Every restaurant we have gone to has had its own special character. This restaurant charged for napkins!
After lunch we all met to make our way to People's Square. Maral gave a detailed report on it's history and use in the past and present. It of course as everything in China is very large, with many museums and attractions in walking distance. We could spend a week just in this section and never exhaust the possibilities.
In its past - 1862 - it was a race course. In the 20th century it was the center of Shanghai's social life. However, in 1949 to was considered to be a symbol of western decadence and it was turning into a park square to hold political rallies. The Grandstand became the Shanghai Art Museum. The only thing left of the race track is the old grandstand clock on the park's west side.
Today we saw people walking and flying kites. The guide books that Maral used said that people walk, exercise, gossip and fly kits. It is said that on Sundays, mothers come to look for mates for their unmarried children. The square was redesigned in 1990's. It is the equivalent of Beijing's Tianamen Square. It has become more accessible and Shanghai's largest metro interchange. The park is beautiful with many planting areas and sculptures throughout. On the Eastside is the Merciful Baptism Church built in 1929. On the North East side is the Urban Planning Exhibition, which is the world's LARGEST (of course) model of urban planning. We are hoping to go to this museum before we leave. Also, on the north east is the Museum of Contemporary Art. On the Nortwest is the Shanghai Art Museum. All of these building have stunning and varied architecture.
We spent the rest of the afternoon visiting the Shanghai Museum which is a museum of ancient Chinese art. The building is shaped in a square with a round top attached. This makes reference to the ancient Chinese philosoply of the universe that the earth is square while the sky is round. We each spent time in rooms that held artifacts of personal interest. Since there was no way to see every room....I now have anothr reason to return to China. This was a very profitable visit for me since the rooms inspired some great ideas for the lesson plans that we need to complete! I hope you enjoy the photos.
Donna Shurr
Study Tour
