I spend 48 hours in China’s largest city.
When I moved back to Hong Kong, I promised myself I would visit more of mainland China. You see, when I lived here from 2009 to 2011, I had every intention of exploring every corner of the world’s second largest economy, but the pull of Southeast Asia proved too strong. Instead of flying to Xian to see the Terracotta Warriors or making the trek to Harbin to see the ice festival in all its frigid glory, I jetted off to tropical, more “exotic-sounding” places like Bali and Thailand, where I lay on the beach and ate fragrant foods cooked in banana leaves and coconut milk (taking a look at my pictures, can you really blame me?). As a result, I left Hong Kong after my first go-round with a passport practically devoid of China stamps.
Making good on my promise, I booked myself a ticket to Shanghai and subsequently spent a weekend there last month. A teacher friend of mine who lives there graciously offered to host me, and my blogging sister Nomadic Chick, who lives just up the road in Wuxi, told me she would come down and hang out. I was excited since it had been ages since I had seen either one: the last time I had seen my friend was when I was finishing up my Master’s degree in the U.S. over two years ago, and Ms. Jeannie and I hadn’t crossed paths since epically running with the bulls in Spain then touring Paris together in the summer of 2011. The thought of more international exploits with my fun, fearless, continent-jumping female friends was a prospect that filled me with glee.
Getting better acquainted with Shanghai street food with Jeannie (blogger at Nomadic Chick)
All smiles on Huaihuai Road, one of Shanghai’s premier shopping streets
It was in this frame of mind that one Friday after work I jumped on a Spring Airlines direct flight to Shanghai’s Pudong airport. It should be noted that Spring, one of China’s budget airlines, is not particularly for the faint at heart. Think tight, non-reclining seats à la Ryan Air (thankfully without the incessant advertisements and lottery sales), bumpy landings, no entertainment, free snacks, or beverages, and loud conversations in Chinese magnified by the fact there are 120 people crammed in a space where perhaps only 80 should be. This is budget with a capital ‘b’: if you’re looking for the bells and whistles native to a cushier airline, by all means book the Cathay flight to Shanghai — but expect to pay nearly double for an increased comfort level and unlimited cup noodles. At any rate, my flight, while uncomfortable, passed mostly without incident, and a little over two hours after boarding I disembarked in Shanghai.
Gorgeous Shanghai architecture and busy intersections
So, how did I like the city? Well, firstly, I must admit that I spent more time catching up with friends than I did truly sightseeing — my exploration of the city was a cursory at best. Adopting the slow travel, “no-need-to-see-it-all” mentality I employed on my recent trip to Copenhagen, I spent two unhurried days strolling around and taking in a touristic sight or two. I didn’t stray far from my base in the leafy former French Concession, but did manage to get to must-sees like The Bund and Tian Zi Fang market.
A view on the Oriental Pearl Television tower from a busy intersection downtown
In comparison to hilly Hong Kong, Shanghai felt wide and flat. The snakey, tight alleyways that I’ve become accustomed to in HK were replaced by the massive, tree-lined avenues of Shanghai. In fact, everything felt bigger in general, which was exhilarating but also made me feel out of sorts. I felt very much like a goldfish who left its fishbowl home and suddenly found itself swimming in the Atlantic. Another shock to the system was the amount of locals zooming up and down Shanghai streets and pathways on bicycles — in Hong Kong it would seem the only people on two wheels are semi-professional cyclists (mostly expats), and even they are a rarity.
With all that said, I dug the city. It felt dynamic and cosmopolitan, but still distinctly Chinese if that makes any sense. But enough with words. Here is some more photographic evidence of my exploits:
Crazy fashion finds in the Tian Zi Fang market
A gentleman sorting something that looks curiously like the rope you use to make mops
Just one of the many, many maple leaf trees lining the streets of the French Concession — reminded me of Canada!
Hong Kong traffic ain’t got nothing on Shanghai traffic
Lovely local lady whose coat and smile begged to be photographed
Shanghai’s iconic TV tower
Have you ever been to Shanghai? Do you have any interest in travelling to China in general?
86 Comments
Lady, it was freakin’ wonderful to hang around your constant positivity and next time, I’ll be plopping in your neck of the woods: Hong Kong! XO
P.S. You got some beautiful people photos. btw!
Thanks, doll! Was so awesome catching up with you! x
We just came back from China. Shanghai’s French Concession with it’s beautiful uncrowded tree-lined wide lanes was a nice change to Beijing’s busy streets.
Agree, I like Shanghai way more than Beijing!
You got some amazing shots!! Also I can’t wait to go back to Shanghai, I miss the place like crazy — want to make a return visit with me sometime? I don’t mind Spring Air 🙂
Would definitely go back with you if you were keen!
I’ve never been to Shanghai and I never really put China on top of my travel list. I’ve only just started to realize my travel preferences and I don’t handle crowds well. I really couldn’t wait to get out of Hong Kong when I was there last year. How did you find China? It seems to be such a crowded place.
Surprisingly, the parts of Shanghai I was in felt so vast that I didn’t feel as though there were crowds at all. 🙂
So jealous you got to travel with Jeannie! What fabulous pics!!! I really liked Shanghai, but it’s not my favorite city in China. I just read today about their awful pollution problems as of late. They’ve had to cancel school! So sad. 🙁
It really has been terrible lately! Luckily the air quality in Hong Kong has been quite good. Meeting with Jeannie was fun, we must plan a triple date at some point as I would love to meet you in person!
Hi Oneika,
I believe that this is the first time that I’m commenting on your blog even though I follow you! Your photographs are brilliant and so vivid. I love your people shots!
Have I been to China? Depends. If you count Hong Kong, then yes. I went a few years after the handover back to China. When I went there, I felt so comfortable and even though its Asia, it felt very British. I’m British you see and surprisingly, I felt very much at home!
I’ve been wanting to go to “real” China for quite some time but I went to India instead! Anyway, my plan is to take the train from Berlin via Russia and Mongolia. It would be one hell of an adventure that’s for sure!
Thanks so much Victoria! I know what you mean, sometimes I don’t feel like Hong Kong is “really” China, though technically it is. HK definitely has it’s own flavour.
Some beautiful photos Oneika. When I was in Shanghai a few years ago the smog was at its thickest so it’s nice to actually see some of the amazing architecture!
Funnily enough, Neil, the pollution index was at an all-time high that weekend but skies were very clear. So strange!
Great photos and awesome Shanghai experience Oneika! I’ve been living in China for nearly 2 years now and been to Shanghai a couple of times. Loved how busy and flashy the city was and I had a dinner on top of the Pearl Tower. Did you do that as well?
No, I didn’t even! Next time!
Your photos are beautiful! What camera are you using?
China is not high on must-see list but I do plan on going to Shanghai and Hong Kong one day. Shanghai looks like my kind of city.
Thanks! Canon 600D with a 50 mm lens. 🙂
I JUST came back from Shanghai on Sunday. I had less than 48 hours there but I loved it! The smog was ridiculous when I went (record breaking, even) but that was my only downside. I can’t wait to go back at some point and do some more shopping.
And I agree with the comment above, your pics are gorgeous! I have yet to upload mine.
Black people shouldn’t travel to East Asia, especially heterosexual Black men. Asians worship whites and despise Black people. You’re spending money while they use that money to kill Black babies in Africa and globally. Black people shouldn’t waste time and money traveling unless they will get something beneficial to the Race (or at least to themselves) at their destination. This cannot be said, and “spiritual quests” of finding yourself and all of that isn’t worth the fee. I’m talking about getting money, resources, and pleasure from attractive women, which is what Black people don’t get from traveling, especially in east asia.
Dunno what ChapionKaji is talking about above, but I just want to say that I enjoyed this post and seeing Jeannie whose blog I also love. My time in Shanghai was brief and the world expo (in 2010) was going on at the time so I was even more bummed out about it.The photos are great and makes me want to return soon. Its always super inspiring as a young black female traveler to read blogs like yours and Jeannie. So just saying thanks!
I’ve been to Shanghai twice now, both times for work. We don’t get too much time to explore, but we did do a lot of walking in an attempt to ward off jet lag!
http://romeofoxtrot.me/shanghai-walkaround/
I love Shanghai, been a couple of years now since I was there. Is there anything left of the old china town?
This looks like such a fun weekend. You’re so lucky your close enough to spend a weekend in Shanghai! I also like your new ‘no-need-to-see-it-all’ approach. I need to do this more often!
I love your photos of Shanghai!
what wonderful photos! i’ve only ever been to beijing & hong kong. Shanghai has been on my list for forever. I have tons of friends who grew up there and moved back to start their careers there so i really have no excuse to not visit.
Really love your photos! Sharp with perfect clarity. 🙂
I’m jealous that you knew people there to hang out with. We went to China for a month not knowing a soul. Shanghai was a part of our adventure.
Thanks for sharing your story. Mine is here
China by wheelchair wapo.st/1bnnjMd
Great photos Oneika. I’m a bit like you and although I’ve been based in Singpaore for 2.5 years, the SE ASia destinations are a constant drawcard. We also made it to Shanghai once though and I loved the city. The contrasts of the French Concession with crazy food markets and textile markets was wonderful. And I just loved the hustle and bustle of it all. You’ve just reminded me how much I want to go back!
Hi Oneika,
Thanks for the blog, I’m going in one months time for a conference and I have one day to sight see before returning, what really blew you away in Shanghai?
I’ve visited Shanghai before and I will definitely go back. Thanks for reminding me what a great place it is.
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