Shanghai - Paris of the East (one of them, at least)

I read that Shanghai had, long ago, been known as Paris of the East. Though later discovered that many cities have claimed this title.  This particular Paris of the East surpassed all of my expectations. It was beautiful, friendly, full of interesting architecture, delicious food and more shopping than I had contemplated. Perhaps I simply hadn't done enough background research on the city before going, but I was happy with this surprise.

The start to our trip was good. A flight attendant on our flight from Vancouver to Shanghai happened to be the mother of a colleague of mine. That colleague mentioned we would be on the flight and her mother made sure we had wine waiting for us when we boarded. Easily the closest I have ever been to first-class treatment. 

Wine selection for the flight over. 

A rainy walk down East Nanjing Road - a portion of which is pedestrian-only.

Among the many things for sale: any type of dried meat conceivable. 

From a balcony overlooking the Bund and Huangpu River. 

Walking along the Bund. Unfortunately it was a smoggy day, so our view was hazy.

The stately Pudong Development Bank along the Bund. 

The Bund Bull, just across from the Pudong Development Bank. Designed by the same artist of the Charging Bull on Wall Street. Supposedly the government asked that this bull be younger, stronger and larger than the NYC version. It is also more red in colour. 

More ornate architecture along the Bund. A pipe organ-themed building. 

At the Yuyuan Bazaar

At the Yuyuan Bazaar

We even found a micro-brewery in the French Concession area.
Sadly, we discovered shortly after taking this photo that it was closed that day. 

In the French Concession. These brick-style buildings and lane-ways reminded me of the Halifax Brewery Market. 

Hard to make out, but this person is on a ladder that has two rungs hooked onto a seemingly live power line and suspended in the air, while his coworker holds the bottom steady.  Maybe a longer ladder would help? Or a cherry-picker?

Posters at the Propaganda Poster Art Center.

Anti-capitalist poster at the Propaganda Poster Art Center.

Poster at the Propaganda Poster Art Center.

One of my favourite things about Shanghai? The abundance of food stalls that popped up near our hotel everyday.
Cheap, convenient, delicious.

And of course bubble tea at every corner.
Will thoughtfully took this photo as he waited for me (again) to get bubble tea.