The Bund

Today was my first full day exploring Shanghai (without getting/being sick). While I had already seen most of the major tourist attractions many years ago on vacation, I needed something to do while I’m stuck here on my unplanned and unexpected vacation.

I decided that wandering over to the Bund and Yu Gardens (Yu Yuan) would be something interesting and not too challenging of an adventure after my food poisoning. And, it would be mostly free. There is a fee to go into the Gardens, but there is a large mall right next to it that is free to enter.

So, I hopped on the Metro and, having learned from previously getting kicked off while trying to change lines, I changed at a different station and successfully avoided being forced from the subway prematurely.

However, this time, I got a little confused as to which way I was supposed to go and whichstation I was supposed to get of at (East? West? What’s the difference? It’s all just so confusing!) and wound up at the station I was trying so hard to avoid. And I didn’t notice until I was already out on the street! Oops.

Now, I had the option of going back into the subway and spending a couple yuan (less than $1) for a new ticket to the correct station or I could take a long walk, again. The same walk I started a couple days ago. And I’ve always enjoyed walking.

So, onward I hiked. And for a while all the sights were the same as my failed attempt to get there a couple days ago.

But, then, a wonderful thing happened. I got to see new sights! Specifically, I made it to the shopping area section of Nanjing Rd. and it was a mile of stores selling all sorts of clothes from brands I recognized and many I didn’t, tons of food, toys, and even some electronics.

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But, even the longest shopping mall has to end some time. I had finally made it to The Bund. It only took me 3 days!

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After taking lots of pictures, like any good tourist, it was time for a slow and very sunny walk along the pedestrian walkway towards Yu Yuan. I took the opportunity to continue enjoying the view.

But, on my way, I first passed by a small park with a little river/pond. It had a few picturesque spots, but it was not where I was going and I continued on without stopping to fully explore it.

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Finally, I had made it to the Gardens. Unfortunately, they charged 30 yuan to get in, and, while it is not a large sum (about $4.50US), I didn’t really want to spend any more of my dwindling supply of cash, if I didn’t have to. So, I just looked at the outside wall and the shops on the other side of the street. It was a very nice wall.

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When I was in China several years ago, I went into the garden and looked around. It is a lovely garden with some rather large fish in the ponds, many different buildings, and lots of rocks and trees. I highly recommend a visit if you have the time, and spare cash. If I go back to Shanghai while I’m working in China, I’ll try to find some time to visit Yu Garden again.

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Luckily for me, there was a free and very large shopping area just around the corner. And, they, like many other places around China right now, had decorated for Chinese New Year.

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Once I had tired of looking at the weird foods, toys, and whatever else they were selling, I found the closest metro station, with the help of offline Google Maps, and went back to my hotel for some much deserved rest.

And some McDonald’s for dinner.