The Huangpu River splits Shanghai into east and west, with the west being the old city. Our guide explained how 30 years ago his grandmother’s house was bought by the city to build a skyscraper, and she has lots of company. However, when we sailed in it was very foggy.
I left the cargo barge in the picture as a reminder. There is a constant stream of cargo craft going each direction. Shanghai has it going on. But here’s a clearer view of the east city that you can compare with my 2019 image.
Last time I visited I spent my tour time mostly exploring the new city, so this time I focused on some of the old city: Yuyuan Garden. Our guide explained it was built by a military officer in the 16th century. There is a dragon motif to the walls which got him in trouble.
The Emperor came by for a visit and as the dragon was the imperial mascot the military officer was in a spot of bother. The Emperor was not amused. The officer explained how the dragon was the Emperor and the Empire, whereas the small toad under the dragon represented the officer. The Emperor laughed and let the officer keep the wall and his head.
There’s too much here to talk about.
Our guide said the military officer built the gardens for his parents. Don’t let your parents see this garden or you may have uncomfortable questions to answer.
Stepping out of this 450+ year old garden there is a modern shopping area, but made in the same style as the gardens. I need to see more malls like this.
After some shopping time we traveled to the Shanghai Museum. Which was amazing. I spent time in the bronze and ceramics sections.
I learned why there are so many tall vases – they are dowry gifts. The vase was packed in sawdust to protect the drinking cups within.
As Shanghai has expanded they have found many ship wrecks and the like. They found one ship with hundreds of fired clay bowls, which they displayed amusingly.
The blue color was more expensive, so there was a fashion to use it for the upper classes.
However, not everyone followed the crowd.
Shanghai is great. I can spend weeks just going thru the museums. Here are some evening city shots to finish up.
