Of China (Part 4 - Wuzhen and Shanghai)

Our time as part of a larger tour group came to an end as they were doing a longer, 14-day, tour. We were collected and delivered to the airport for the trip to Shanghai. On arrival, we were met by Mary, the local guide for Shanghai and Wuzhen, and immediately driven for 2hrs to Wuzhen.Wuzhen is an historical town sited on twelve islands with interconnecting waterways. It has been completely reconstructed to preserve history and to give tourists (and many many locals, actually) an insight into early Chinese life.I loved this place. It was just so interesting. I saw how Soy Paste was made (black-lidded bamboo containers out in the sun), I saw a museum detailing the practice of footbinding (small feet were a complete turn-on). The alleyways, the waterways, the historically-accurate stores and eateries. All were fascinating.Then back to Shanghai. We stopped off at a Silk Factory and showroom on arrival. I was actually pleased to do this (and be sold at) because I love learning new stuff. Silk really is a remarkable fabric.We had an early dinner then checked into the hotel before going for a wander after dark. Shanghai is simply spectacular. It was a festival weekend so there were people everywhere and an abundance of mooncakes.The next day we met Mary and firstly saw the Bund district by day.We then proceeded to Chinatown. Apparently this is where people go to see Chinese in Shanghai. It is all in the old style and is home to the fabulous Yu Garden. I absolutely loved the hustle and bustle and then contrasting serenity and beauty of the garden within.After exploring Chinatown we found our way to a part of Shanghai that is as it looked 30 years ago, but has been redeveloped into a very chic bar and café strip. This area is also home to where the initial meetings to form the Communist Party were held.We were then dropped off at the Jin Mao tower so we could go up 384m to the observation deck. It’s not the tallest tower in Shanghai. Currently that is the Financial Centre next door. However, a new tower is being built that will surpass that record.There is simply so much construction and growth and development here. There is no apparent recession in China.Then more shopping, haggling and winning. I loved sitting around the Peoples Square and drinking beer, just watching the ebb and flow of humanity.I will definitely be returning to this city.- S