Returning to a dismal rain-drenched London after time spent exploring the mysteries of the far east is also a time of reflection and poring over photographs of our adventures in China, or Cathay as it was once called.
Shanghai is the original sea gateway into China and its fascinating mixture of old town, art deco and futuristic architecture makes this not only the world’s largest urban area but also the shop window for the country with the world’s second largest economy.
This was not our first visit to Shanghai (see ‘Shanghaied’ in ‘Longoio2.wordpress’) but the megacity’s attractions are so many and so changing that one is always discovering something new. Shanghai is truly a city that is transforming itself from one year to the next.
We were blessed by dry clear weather throughout our stay in China, and rarely encountered the notorious pollution which afflicts so many cities in that country.
My bank used to be called the Midland before it was taken over by the HSBC, the Hong Kong and Shanghai bank. I passed the original office of the HSBC on the bund, or Shanghai embankment:
The charm of Shanghai’s old town and the lovely Yu gardens were there to enjoy yet again.
To this we added the City gods temple:
The former French concession, now a trendy place with some great eateries and also the building that housed the first Chinese communist conference back in 1922.
And the main shopping street, Nanjing road.
Like London, one who is tired of Shanghai is tired of life…
From London to La Costa (and Lucca and Beyond) Part Three 
Love your closing sentence. I did not know that China was originally named Cathay. I guess that is where the name Cathay pacific comes from
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Brilliant read Francis – what a wonderful way to recall our trip! Look forward to each instalment! Nia x
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Thanks Nia. Glad you liked it. For further instalments just click on the next title below. Ps sometimes there are bits which dont have to do with our trip but you can jump over these by clicking on the next one.
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