Shanghai

As promised, here are some comments and pictures about my stay in Shanghai, the most non-Chinese city of China.

During my stay, I was hosted by Aymeric and Celine two friends of my years in Centrale who are working in Shanghai. Enjoying the expatriated way of life, with their help, the shock between Japan and China was reduced and I was able to survive... Thank you !

No, I wasn't hosted by a giant bottle

Shanghai is a mix between high buildings and poor districts, huge streets and small paths. You can walk 50m and have a vision of wealth and poverty. Such contrasts exist in most big cities but it's the first time that they are so clear.

They built the Tintin's moon rocket. Proof !

Poorer districts

Once again, Pudong skyline

Sometimes they mix everything

I also seized this occasion to visit a Chinese museum in Shanghai to learn more about the history of arts in Shanghai. It's easily summarized. Thousands years ago, the Chinese culture was magnificent. This lasted until the colonialism of the 18th century. Starting from this era, because of western invaders (British, French...) or communism, the Chinese arts became very poor. I base this assumption in the real vacuum observed in art products for this era. Astonishing compared to the richness of the old Chinese cultures !

The origin of Kanjis

A magnificent... 'bottle' of wine in copper

It was also the occasion to behave like good expatriated living in a country with cheap living costs, and to enjoy activities that I would never dare to in France...

Ritz, Hyatt... I don't remember but it certainly was tasty

Along with quite a correct view

Classy ?!

Heaven's door

Finally, I also visited a Chinese garden. And their trip is to have strange stones with holes all over. I don't know why but it's like that (according to the French guide I met during my visit).

Beautiful ?!

Shanghai will also be the host of the next Universal Exposition. As a consequence, there is construction yard everywhere ! I don't remember the accurate numbers but in 4 years they have built more than 5 subway lines. That gives you an idea of the change pace of this city.

The flying worker... a consequence of such a high pace

But I am not a professional guide, so I will stop with this crap. Shanghai is I think one of the most enjoyable Chinese city in that it's really westernized, and... there is a Burger King ! And one of the big discovery of this stay... the Norean bath ! It's some kind of a huge bath complex (the same for Aquaboulevard and a simple pool) where you can bath, do ping-pong (ok it is still the same as onsen..), have massages, sleep, have your hair cut, eat... it's endless ! Something really worth trying !

B-B-B-B-Burger King !!!!!

Korean bath...

I certainly forgot some nice pictures... fortunately ! If not, I would have nothing to tell you at my return ;)