Category Archives: Traveling in China

I have been telling my students about my trip to Shanghai, and I tell them, compared to Xi’an, it was like going to a different country. Shanghai is modern, vibrant, colorful, and full of optimism. It appears to be the THE city in Asia. It is a cosmopolitan city that reminded me a lot of Boston. In fact, based on the parts where I toured, it could of been Boston. The French Concession would be Beacon Hill, the Pearl Tower the Prudential center. And NanJing Xi Road would be Newbury street. So you might say, why even go to Shanghai if it’s just like a Western city? And I would answer by saying that the East meets West blend of culture and values is entirely new, and unlike anything I have ever seen before.

Shanghai is well known for its European style architecture, and a walk along The Bund (外滩 wàitān) is one of the best places to witness this. The Bund was one of my favorite areas in Shanghai because of its magnificent views and open space to walk along the Huangpi River. In Shanghai, unlike other cities in China, the buildings are well designed, clean, and stately. In my opinion, the evening is the best time to see The Bund as the buildings light up and make the views even more stunning. Below is part one of my photo series on Shanghai. I’ve chosen some of my favorite buildings in Shanghai, including skyline shots, a church, and several examples of the European style architecture that makes Shanghai so unique.