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Shanghai is alive and shaking off its slumbering past. No, Shanghai is exploding. It is said there are 1000s of cranes in Pudong alone, a new city being built across the river in a matter of a few years from older Shanghai. China has designated this as the business capital of China - an effort to usurp Hong Kong's importance and create a made in China international city. As a result, the business elite are here, the pretty people are here, and so are all the international signs of wealth (Burberry, Coach, Armani, haute cuisine, capitalist consumption shopping strips).
With only 4 full days in Shanghai, Sevag and I concentrated on the Bund, Pudong and the central district, including the French Concession - a neighbourhood that has increasingly become the area of conspicious consumption and recreation in Shanghai. No different in this respect from the trendy shopping districts of other international cities. Shanghai does not really have the sights beyond the Bund, some interesting streets and squares and a great Chinese art museum. It is really about hanging out, shopping and eating. On the topic of hanging out, Sevag and I ventured to the Cloud 9 Bar one night. Cloud 9 is located on the 85th and 86th floor of the Jinmao Building, currently the tallest building in Asia. Great views. It is amazing that 50 story buildings cower below and the view spreads for miles - lights in all directions. The bar crowd was not as interesting as the view - it was largely filled with Grand Hyatt guests and business folk celebrating their time in Shanghai.
An amazing thing about Shanghai is that, although much of the spitting, squatting and loud talking is non-existent (at least downtown), I have never been hawked at as much anywhere in my life. I have been offered, kites, DVDs, watches and women more times than I can count. We cant walk 1 minute on Nanjing Rd (a pedestrian shopping street) without being approached for one of the above. The later in the day, the more likely the offer is for women and the more crass the offer. Despite this, if I step off the curb onto the street while waiting for a light to change, I am accosted by a whistle-blowing traffic assistant. Strange paradox.
previous travel blog entry
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