photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
taboo5 | profile | all galleries >> China >> Shanghai, China (March 2011) tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Shanghai, China (March 2011)

Shanghai is the most populous city in China, located on the Huangpu River, where the Yangtze River empties into the East China Sea. Twenty years ago, the skyline of the Pudong District of Shanghai was virtually non-existent. Today, it is one of the most vibrant and impressive skylines in the world. In twenty years, Shanghai has undergone a massive growth and development into a major financial center and a modern metropolis. In 1990, the economic reforms introduced by Deng Xiaoping resulted in an intense re-development of the Shanghai, aiding the return of finance and foreign investment to the city. The growth remains unabated, and Shanghai is becoming one of the world's main global financial centers, on the level of London and New York. Shanghai is also a popular tourist destination renowned for its historical landmarks such as the Bund, People's Square (the former racing track), Yuyuan Garden, and its ever-growing growing Pudong skyline. The Bund maintains much of its charm due to its historic British colonial architecture combined with modern skyscrapers. There is also an Old Town in Shanghai, preserved in the way that Shanghai looked 100 years ago. Shanghai is no longer a city that can be ignored. It is time to take notice of its impressive growth and emergence.
Shanghai, China cover page.
Shanghai, China cover page.		 Map of China with the star indicating Shanghai.
Map of China with the star indicating Shanghai.		 Photo of a sparse Shanghai skyline in 1994, the year that the Oriental Pearl Tower was completed.
Photo of a sparse Shanghai skyline in 1994, the year that the Oriental Pearl Tower was completed.		 Photo of an impressive Shanghai skyline in 2010, with the Oriental Pearl Tower surrounded by many new skyscrapers.
Photo of an impressive Shanghai skyline in 2010, with the Oriental Pearl Tower surrounded by many new skyscrapers.
At 468 meters, it was the tallest structure in China until 2007 when it was surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center.
At 468 meters, it was the tallest structure in China until 2007 when it was surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center.		 Elevator from the lobby of the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Elevator from the lobby of the Oriental Pearl Tower.		 Modern lion sculpture in the lobby of the tower.
Modern lion sculpture in the lobby of the tower.		 View from the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower.
View from the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Below, is the Bund with colonial buildings along the Huangpu River.
Below, is the Bund with colonial buildings along the Huangpu River.		 To the left is the Shanghai World Financial Center which is said to resemble a bottle opener.
To the left is the Shanghai World Financial Center which is said to resemble a bottle opener.		 Man-made lake in Shanghai's Old Town, which is part of Yuyuan Gardens, a traditional Chinese Ming-style private garden.
Man-made lake in Shanghai's Old Town, which is part of Yuyuan Gardens, a traditional Chinese Ming-style private garden.		 Old Chinese architecture on the lake. The gardens were built in 1559 but ransacked and restored several times since then.
Old Chinese architecture on the lake. The gardens were built in 1559 but ransacked and restored several times since then.
Old Town is an intriguing anachronism of the way life was lived in Shanghai a century ago.
Old Town is an intriguing anachronism of the way life was lived in Shanghai a century ago.		 As you can see from the wet pavement, it was raining the day that I was there.
As you can see from the wet pavement, it was raining the day that I was there.		 Old City shoppers and strollers on a wet Monday morning.
Old City shoppers and strollers on a wet Monday morning.		 Tourists and shoppers in Old Shanghai.
Tourists and shoppers in Old Shanghai.
Old Town is a place of winding streets, vibrant markets, entrenched customs, despite the rapid change in the rest of Shanghai.
Old Town is a place of winding streets, vibrant markets, entrenched customs, despite the rapid change in the rest of Shanghai.		 The Starbucks shows that even Old Town is not immune modern infringements.
The Starbucks shows that even Old Town is not immune modern infringements.		 The chaos, history, decay and picturesque squalor give it its charm.
The chaos, history, decay and picturesque squalor give it its charm.		 Exquisite old-style Shanghai architecture, from a bygone era.
Exquisite old-style Shanghai architecture, from a bygone era.
Decorative statue on a building in Old Town.
Decorative statue on a building in Old Town.		 A merchant carting his wares on a tricycle in Old Shanghai.
A merchant carting his wares on a tricycle in Old Shanghai.		 A covered shopping thoroughfare in Old Town.
A covered shopping thoroughfare in Old Town.		 Elaborate ceiling design near the covered shopping area.
Elaborate ceiling design near the covered shopping area.
Detail of the tiles. They held lighting fixtures.
Detail of the tiles. They held lighting fixtures.		 Close-up of the ceiling medallion.
Close-up of the ceiling medallion.		 I went to the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse, which was was built in 1784 and became a teahouse in the late 19th century.
I went to the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse, which was was built in 1784 and became a teahouse in the late 19th century.		 It is one of the most famous tea houses in all of China (I still prefer coffee).
It is one of the most famous tea houses in all of China (I still prefer coffee).
A glass (not a pot) of tea is 20-25 (Chinese Yuan) downstairs and 40-55 upstairs.
A glass (not a pot) of tea is 20-25 (Chinese Yuan) downstairs and 40-55 upstairs.		 Exotic tea brewing in a glass. It looks like a science project.
Exotic tea brewing in a glass. It looks like a science project.		 Another type of tea brewing. This would look good in an aquarium!
Another type of tea brewing. This would look good in an aquarium!		 View from the roof of the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse.
View from the roof of the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse.
Rooftops of Old Shanghai.
Rooftops of Old Shanghai.		 Sitting on a wall in Old Town with a skyline view behind me.
Sitting on a wall in Old Town with a skyline view behind me.		 A statue dedicated to Zhou Enlai near the Bund in Shanghai.
A statue dedicated to Zhou Enlai near the Bund in Shanghai.		 The first Premier of the People's Republic of China (1949-1976), Zhou was instrumental in the Communist Party's rise to power.
The first Premier of the People's Republic of China (1949-1976), Zhou was instrumental in the Communist Party's rise to power.
Me standing on the promenade of the Bund in Shanghai.
Me standing on the promenade of the Bund in Shanghai.		 The new district of Pudong has the tallest buildings in Shanghai.
The new district of Pudong has the tallest buildings in Shanghai.		 Prominent Pudong buildings as seen from the Bund including the Shanghai Pearl Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center.
Prominent Pudong buildings as seen from the Bund including the Shanghai Pearl Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center.		 Promenade along the Bund.
Promenade along the Bund.
A view looking down the promenade.
A view looking down the promenade.		 Strollers and spring flowers at the Bund.
Strollers and spring flowers at the Bund.		 Tugboat on Shanghai's Huangpu River.
Tugboat on Shanghai's Huangpu River.		 Ferry boats and passenger boats docked along the Bund.
Ferry boats and passenger boats docked along the Bund.
Some of the British colonial architecture along the Bund in Shanghai.
Some of the British colonial architecture along the Bund in Shanghai.		 Chinese flags flying over colonial-style buildings.
Chinese flags flying over colonial-style buildings.		 The former Sassoon House, which was completed in 1929, is now the North Building of the Peace Hotel. The roof is made of copper.
The former Sassoon House, which was completed in 1929, is now the North Building of the Peace Hotel. The roof is made of copper.		 Art Deco-looking, former Bank of Communications Building (built in 1948) is one of many classical style buildings at the Bund.
Art Deco-looking, former Bank of Communications Building (built in 1948) is one of many classical style buildings at the Bund.
The Neo-Renaissance, former Great Northern Telegraph Co. Building. It was completed in 1908. Today, it is the Bangkok Bank.
The Neo-Renaissance, former Great Northern Telegraph Co. Building. It was completed in 1908. Today, it is the Bangkok Bank.		 Ornament on the Bangkok Bank Building.
Ornament on the Bangkok Bank Building.		 The Gothic, late 19th century, former Russell & Co. Building has a false 4th story. It is now the China Merchants Bank Building.
The Gothic, late 19th century, former Russell & Co. Building has a false 4th story. It is now the China Merchants Bank Building.		 View of the former Shanghai Club, which was completed in 1910 in British Neo-Classical style.
View of the former Shanghai Club, which was completed in 1910 in British Neo-Classical style.
The Gutzlaff Meteorological Signal Tower was built by French Jesuits in 1907 to replace a 19th century wooden one.
The Gutzlaff Meteorological Signal Tower was built by French Jesuits in 1907 to replace a 19th century wooden one.		 The Greek Revival Neo-Classical Shanghai Customs House was built in 1927 with the clock modeled after London's Big Ben.
The Greek Revival Neo-Classical Shanghai Customs House was built in 1927 with the clock modeled after London's Big Ben.		 View of the former HSBC (Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation) Building, completed in 1923 in British Neo-Classical style.
View of the former HSBC (Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation) Building, completed in 1923 in British Neo-Classical style.		 Flowered wall with spotlights at the Bund with the Shanghai Customs House in the background.
Flowered wall with spotlights at the Bund with the Shanghai Customs House in the background.
The spotlights of the flowered wall illuminate the Bund promenade at night.
The spotlights of the flowered wall illuminate the Bund promenade at night.		 Close-up of a spotlight.
Close-up of a spotlight.		 Statue of Chen Yi (1901-1972) who, after the founding of the People's Republic of China, became mayor of Shanghai.
Statue of Chen Yi (1901-1972) who, after the founding of the People's Republic of China, became mayor of Shanghai.		 A garden with a trellis near the statue of Chen Yi in the Bund.
A garden with a trellis near the statue of Chen Yi in the Bund.
View of the modern Guangming Building, as seen from the Bund. It was built in 2006 and has 32 floors.
View of the modern Guangming Building, as seen from the Bund. It was built in 2006 and has 32 floors.		 Front façade and entrance to the Jade Buddhist Temple in Shanghai.
Front façade and entrance to the Jade Buddhist Temple in Shanghai.		 This decorative wall with medallions is across from the temple.
This decorative wall with medallions is across from the temple.		 Close-up of elephant medallion on the wall.
Close-up of elephant medallion on the wall.
Close-up of bird medallion.
Close-up of bird medallion.		 Close-up of dragon medallion.
Close-up of dragon medallion.		 Stone carving with dragons in front of the Jade Buddha Temple.
Stone carving with dragons in front of the Jade Buddha Temple.		 Close-up of the dragon carving.
Close-up of the dragon carving.
Temple's main interior courtyard. It was built in 1882, to keep 2 jade Buddha statues brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen.
Temple's main interior courtyard. It was built in 1882, to keep 2 jade Buddha statues brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen.		 It was destroyed during the revolution overthrowing the Qing Dynasty. A new temple was built in 1928 and the statues were saved.
It was destroyed during the revolution overthrowing the Qing Dynasty. A new temple was built in 1928 and the statues were saved.		 Dragon medallion inside the Jade Buddha Temple.
Dragon medallion inside the Jade Buddha Temple.		 Round entrance to a pathway that goes along the western side of the temple.
Round entrance to a pathway that goes along the western side of the temple.
Sign showing the layout of the Jade Buddha Temple.
Sign showing the layout of the Jade Buddha Temple.		 Girl praying in the southern Heavenly King Hall, located on the southern-edge, or front of the temple.
Girl praying in the southern Heavenly King Hall, located on the southern-edge, or front of the temple.		 The hall contains the statues of Maitreya, Wei Tuo Bodhisattva and the Four Heavenly Kings (such as these).
The hall contains the statues of Maitreya, Wei Tuo Bodhisattva and the Four Heavenly Kings (such as these).		 More heavenly kings who, all, represent favorable circumstances.
More heavenly kings who, all, represent favorable circumstances.
Statue of Wei Tuo Bodhisattvais, one of the eight divine protectors in Chinese Buddhism. He appears as a general in his armor.
Statue of Wei Tuo Bodhisattvais, one of the eight divine protectors in Chinese Buddhism. He appears as a general in his armor.		 Statue of Maitreya, who will be a future Buddha of this world according to Buddhist prophecy.
Statue of Maitreya, who will be a future Buddha of this world according to Buddhist prophecy.		 Rooftop ornamentation on the Jade Buddha Temple's Grand Hall.
Rooftop ornamentation on the Jade Buddha Temple's Grand Hall.		 A dragon on the temple's rooftop.
A dragon on the temple's rooftop.
Another rooftop ornament.
Another rooftop ornament.		 Flames in front of the temple's Grand Hall.
Flames in front of the temple's Grand Hall.		 Close-up of a large metal urn called the Precious Tripod at the Jade Buddhist Temple.
Close-up of a large metal urn called the "Precious Tripod" at the Jade Buddhist Temple.		 The center sculpture of Gautama Buddha on the hall's south side. In Buddhism, he is the Supreme Buddha.
The center sculpture of Gautama Buddha on the hall's south side. In Buddhism, he is the Supreme Buddha.
The Grand Hall is filled with many Buddhas and Buddhist statues.
The Grand Hall is filled with many Buddhas and Buddhist statues.		 Two golden Buddha statues located on the south side of the Grand Hall.
Two golden Buddha statues located on the south side of the Grand Hall.		 Another golden Buddha.
Another golden Buddha.		 Exquisite dragon tapestry in the Grand Hall.
Exquisite dragon tapestry in the Grand Hall.
These statues, covered in gold, lining the eastern and western sides of the Grand Hall, are of the Gods of the Twenty Heavens.
These statues, covered in gold, lining the eastern and western sides of the Grand Hall, are of "the Gods of the Twenty Heavens."		 They have unique faces and expressions.
They have unique faces and expressions.		 A Buddha with an interesting ceiling design overhead.
A Buddha with an interesting ceiling design overhead.		 18 different golden Arhats stand in two groups of nine on the eastern and western sides of the Grand Hall.
18 different golden Arhats stand in two groups of nine on the eastern and western sides of the Grand Hall.
More golden Buddhist statues, on the western side of the Great Hall, including a hydra-armed Arhat.
More golden Buddhist statues, on the western side of the Great Hall, including a hydra-armed Arhat.		 Two female Arhats with crowns.
Two female Arhats with crowns.		 All of the statues are different and equally beautiful.
All of the statues are different and equally beautiful.		 Guanyin statue at the northern entrance. Shan Cai is at her side. Sculptures representing the 53 teachers of his life are above.
Guanyin statue at the northern entrance. Shan Cai is at her side. Sculptures representing the 53 teachers of his life are above.
Guanyin, after testing his resolve to study Buddhism, taught Shan Cai (a disabled Indian boy) the entire Buddha Dharma.
Guanyin, after testing his resolve to study Buddhism, taught Shan Cai (a disabled Indian boy) the entire Buddha Dharma.		 More golden Buddhist statues, on the eastern side of the Great Hall, including these two Arhats.
More golden Buddhist statues, on the eastern side of the Great Hall, including these two Arhats.		 In Buddhism, an Arhat signifies a spiritual practitioner who has realized certain high stages of attainment.
In Buddhism, an Arhat signifies a spiritual practitioner who has realized certain high stages of attainment.		 In Theravada Buddhism, an Arhat is anyone who has reached the total Awakening and attained Nirvana. This includes the Buddha.
In Theravada Buddhism, an Arhat is anyone who has reached the total Awakening and attained Nirvana. This includes the Buddha.
An arahant is a person who has destroyed greed, hatred and delusion.
An arahant is a person who has destroyed greed, hatred and delusion.		 Only then, they will attain full enlightenment and Nirvana.
Only then, they will attain full enlightenment and Nirvana.		 The north entrance to the Grand Hall, which opens to a courtyard south of the Abbot's Room and the Jade Buddha Chamber.
The north entrance to the Grand Hall, which opens to a courtyard south of the Abbot's Room and the Jade Buddha Chamber.		 Dragon designs on the roof over the north entrance.
Dragon designs on the roof over the north entrance.
View of the courtyard north of the Grand Hall.
View of the courtyard north of the Grand Hall.		 Unique metal dragon sculpture in the courtyard.
Unique metal dragon sculpture in the courtyard.		 An exquisite bird medallion near the courtyard.
An exquisite bird medallion near the courtyard.		 Beautiful Chinese lantern light fixture on the ceiling leading into the Abbot's Room.
Beautiful Chinese lantern light fixture on the ceiling leading into the Abbot's Room.
Nearby, was this incredible carving with detailed Buddhas.
Nearby, was this incredible carving with detailed Buddhas.		 Going up the stairs from the Abbot's Room to the Jade Buddha Chamber, I saw another intricate Buddhist carving under plexiglass.
Going up the stairs from the Abbot's Room to the Jade Buddha Chamber, I saw another intricate Buddhist carving under plexiglass.		 Sign leading to the Jade Buddha Chamber.
Sign leading to the Jade Buddha Chamber.		 Inside the Jade Buddha Chamber, is this precious jade Buddha statue brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen.
Inside the Jade Buddha Chamber, is this precious jade Buddha statue brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen.
After leaving the chamber, I also saw this colorful ceiling medallion.
After leaving the chamber, I also saw this colorful ceiling medallion.		 Detailed view of northern roof of the temple as I left the Jade Buddha Chamber.
Detailed view of northern roof of the temple as I left the Jade Buddha Chamber.		 Another courtyard at the northern end of the temple.
Another courtyard at the northern end of the temple.		 Exquisite decorative elephant ornament in the courtyard.
Exquisite decorative elephant ornament in the courtyard.
Outer passageway with Chinese lanterns at the eastern end of the temple.
Outer passageway with Chinese lanterns at the eastern end of the temple.		 An exterior temple view from the corner of a courtyard.
An exterior temple view from the corner of a courtyard.		 A make-believe animal at the temple with coins tossed on him for good luck.
A make-believe animal at the temple with coins tossed on him for good luck.		 Close-up showing the good luck coins.
Close-up showing the good luck coins.
Reclining jade Buddha statue as seen in the Reclining Buddha Hall.
Reclining jade Buddha statue as seen in the Reclining Buddha Hall.		 Close-up of the reclining Buddha statue.
Close-up of the reclining Buddha statue.		 A golden naga (snake) sculpture at the Jade Buddha Temple.
A golden naga (snake) sculpture at the Jade Buddha Temple.		 Wooden carving under plexiglass at the temple.
Wooden carving under plexiglass at the temple.
Close-up of the wooden carving.
Close-up of the wooden carving.		 Hydra-armed Buddha at the temple. It is protected by plexiglass.
Hydra-armed Buddha at the temple. It is protected by plexiglass.		 Close-up of the hydra-armed Buddha.
Close-up of the hydra-armed Buddha.		 Gift shop at the Jade Buddha Temple.
Gift shop at the Jade Buddha Temple.
Jade Buddhas for sale in the gift shop.
Jade Buddhas for sale in the gift shop.		 Interesting etched artwork on metal at the Jade Buddha Temple.
Interesting etched artwork on metal at the Jade Buddha Temple.		 Another etched artwork that I saw.
Another etched artwork that I saw.		 Down the street from the Jade Buddha Temple, on An Yuan Road, was a store with this funky object for sale, which I did not buy!
Down the street from the Jade Buddha Temple, on An Yuan Road, was a store with this funky object for sale, which I did not buy!
These pineapple-shaped decorative objects were also for sale at the store.
These pineapple-shaped decorative objects were also for sale at the store.		 The store also sold these ornamental candles.
The store also sold these ornamental candles.		 Our next stop was at a jade shop where this Happy Buddha was displayed.
Our next stop was at a jade shop where this "Happy Buddha" was displayed.		 I also saw this magnificent jade mythological creature at the jade shop.
I also saw this magnificent jade mythological creature at the jade shop.
Shanghai's 3.4-mile long Nanjing Road is China's premier shopping street.
Shanghai's 3.4-mile long Nanjing Road is China's premier shopping street.		 It is a pedestrian street starting at the Bund and ending at the junction of Jing'an Temple and Yan'an West Street.
It is a pedestrian street starting at the Bund and ending at the junction of Jing'an Temple and Yan'an West Street.		 Fashionable stores, shopping malls, specialty stores, theaters and international hotels have mushroomed on Nanjing Road.
Fashionable stores, shopping malls, specialty stores, theaters and international hotels have mushroomed on Nanjing Road.		 Open-air bars, abstract sculptures and lingering sounds from street musicians enhance evening strolls.
Open-air bars, abstract sculptures and lingering sounds from street musicians enhance evening strolls.
A sightseeing train going down the Nanjing Road pedestrian shopping street.
A sightseeing train going down the Nanjing Road pedestrian shopping street.		 Another sightseeing train with painted faces on the side.
Another sightseeing train with painted faces on the side.		 Some of the colorful Chinese signs and many shoppers and pedestrians on Nanjing Road.
Some of the colorful Chinese signs and many shoppers and pedestrians on Nanjing Road.		 I admired this window with an impressive lighting fixture inside, which I saw on Nanjing Road.
I admired this window with an impressive lighting fixture inside, which I saw on Nanjing Road.
I saw this copper bell with a green patina, nearby.
I saw this copper bell with a green patina, nearby.		 Crystal shop window on display at a fashionable shopping street in Shanghai.
Crystal shop window on display at a fashionable shopping street in Shanghai.		 Going down the escalator of the Shanghai Metro, which opened in 1995.
Going down the escalator of the Shanghai Metro, which opened in 1995.		 Shanghai Metro map showing the 11 lines and the Maglev train.
Shanghai Metro map showing the 11 lines and the Maglev train.
Platform leading to the Shanghai Metro.
Platform leading to the Shanghai Metro.		 People waiting for the train to arrive. It is the 4th busiest metro system in the world.
People waiting for the train to arrive. It is the 4th busiest metro system in the world.		 My train was approaching. The trains came frequently and were on time.
My train was approaching. The trains came frequently and were on time.		 Shanghai has a good metro system, but, in my opinion, the Beijing Metro is better.
Shanghai has a good metro system, but, in my opinion, the Beijing Metro is better.
Passengers getting off the train at the People's Square station.
Passengers getting off the train at the People's Square station.		 Shanghai skyline view at dusk, as seen from the cruise ship that I was taking that night.
Shanghai skyline view at dusk, as seen from the cruise ship that I was taking that night.		 Another cruise ship was also docked on the Huangpu River.
Another cruise ship was also docked on the Huangpu River.		 It was getting darker as my cruise ship was getting ready to sail.
It was getting darker as my cruise ship was getting ready to sail.
View of the illuminated skyline of the Pudong district, which has the tallest buildings in Shanghai.
View of the illuminated skyline of the Pudong district, which has the tallest buildings in Shanghai.		 Pudong skyscrapers with an illuminated cruise ship in the foreground.
Pudong skyscrapers with an illuminated cruise ship in the foreground.		 Boat reflecting on the river that looks like a sailboat.
Boat reflecting on the river that looks like a sailboat.		 A riverside club or restaurant on the riverbank.
A riverside club or restaurant on the riverbank.
It was reflecting a lavender hue on the Huangpu River.
It was reflecting a lavender hue on the Huangpu River.		 Pudong high rises lit up like a Christmas tree at night.
Pudong high rises lit up like a Christmas tree at night.		 Some buildings had billboards on them like the Aurora Plaza and Citi Tower.
Some buildings had billboards on them like the Aurora Plaza and Citi Tower.		 Pudong skyline view with buildings reflecting on on the Huangpu River.
Pudong skyline view with buildings reflecting on on the Huangpu River.
In the distance, you can see the Oriental Pearl Tower.
In the distance, you can see the Oriental Pearl Tower.		 Closer view of the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Closer view of the Oriental Pearl Tower.		 The Oriental Pearl Tower and surrounding buildings.
The Oriental Pearl Tower and surrounding buildings.		 The Oriental Pearl Tower lit up in all its glory.
The Oriental Pearl Tower lit up in all its glory.
Close-up view of the Oriental Pearl Tower from the cruise ship.
Close-up view of the Oriental Pearl Tower from the cruise ship.		 More Pudong buildings illuminated including the Guangming Building in the center and Bund Center to the right.
More Pudong buildings illuminated including the Guangming Building in the center and Bund Center to the right.		 Close-up of the Guangming Building at night.
Close-up of the Guangming Building at night.		 Close-up of Bund Center.
Close-up of Bund Center.
Colonial-era buildings lit up in the Shanghai night including the HSBC Building and the Shanghai Customs House.
Colonial-era buildings lit up in the Shanghai night including the HSBC Building and the Shanghai Customs House.		 More Huangpu River views.
More Huangpu River views.		 A skycraper illuminated in blue.
A skycraper illuminated in blue.		 View of another cruise ship passing us during the night cruise.
View of another cruise ship passing us during the night cruise.
People aboard the boat on the river cruise that I took.
People aboard the boat on the river cruise that I took.		 Superb shot of the Oriental Pearl Tower with an oval-shaped cruise ship passing in front of it.
Superb shot of the Oriental Pearl Tower with an oval-shaped cruise ship passing in front of it.		 Close-up of the oval-shaped cruise ship.
Close-up of the oval-shaped cruise ship.		 An illuminated cruise ship coming towards the one that I was on.
An illuminated cruise ship coming towards the one that I was on.
As it approached, it turned from green to blue.
As it approached, it turned from green to blue.		 A marvelous shot of the Pudong skyline with a cruise ship passing by.
A marvelous shot of the Pudong skyline with a cruise ship passing by.		 My fellow passengers getting ready to disembark from the cruise ship with a skyline view in the background.
My fellow passengers getting ready to disembark from the cruise ship with a skyline view in the background.		 Some of the many cranes and new buildings being built in Shanghai. The economy and construction industry is booming there!
Some of the many cranes and new buildings being built in Shanghai. The economy and construction industry is booming there!
When I left Shanghai, I took the Shanghai Maglev Train to get to Pudong International Airport.
When I left Shanghai, I took the Shanghai Maglev Train to get to Pudong International Airport.		 Shanghai Maglev Train approaching. It was the first commercial high-speed maglev line in the world. It started service in 2003.
Shanghai Maglev Train approaching. It was the first commercial high-speed maglev line in the world. It started service in 2003.		 The sleek, modern train arriving in the station. During a test run in 2003, it achieved a record speed of 501 km/h (311 mph).
The sleek, modern train arriving in the station. During a test run in 2003, it achieved a record speed of 501 km/h (311 mph).		 A maglev train uses magnetic levitation from a large number of magnets for lift and propulsion, which is faster and smoother.
A maglev train uses magnetic levitation from a large number of magnets for lift and propulsion, which is faster and smoother.
Interior of the Shanghai Maglev Train. It is clean, modern and comfortable riding on it.
Interior of the Shanghai Maglev Train. It is clean, modern and comfortable riding on it.		 Digital display inside my train indicated a top speed of 431 km/h (268 mph). It felt like I was riding on a jet!
Digital display inside my train indicated a top speed of 431 km/h (268 mph). It felt like I was riding on a jet!		 The Shanghai Maglev Train at the Pudong International Airport in Shanghai. Taking the maglev train sure beat taking a cab.
The Shanghai Maglev Train at the Pudong International Airport in Shanghai. Taking the maglev train sure beat taking a cab.		 Another maglev train was departing from the airport.
Another maglev train was departing from the airport.

comment | share
John Barreiro21-Jun-2013 04:29
Interesting and informative gallery. Shanghai and the surrounding area is high on my bucket list. When I'm ready to go, this gallery will be of great use. V
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment
click on thumbnails for full image