Jess and Jay, a couple from the UK, embark on an exciting exploration of Shanghai, China, as part of their two-week adventure. Their day begins with a breathtaking sunrise view from the Grand Hyatt, setting a magnificent tone for their explorations. They first visit Jing'an Temple, a historic sanctuary dating back to AD 1216, which stands in stark contrast to the modern skyscrapers surrounding it. The temple, with its serene atmosphere and the scent of incense, offers a glimpse into Buddhist traditions, including the practice of throwing coins for good luck and rubbing the nose of a statue for fortune.
Next, they head to the Jade Buddha Temple, home to impressive jade Buddha statues. The temple, built between 1918 and 1928, houses a significant 1.9-meter-high pale green jade Buddha, with photography strictly prohibited, encouraging visitors to experience its beauty firsthand. They also observe a smaller reclining white jade Buddha. During their temple visits, they note the convenience and affordability of using the Didi ride-sharing service for transportation.
Jess and Jay then indulge in a vegan lunch at a restaurant called Vegetarian Lifestyle, also known as Juju B. They sample a variety of plant-based dishes, including vegan spare ribs and crispy tofu skin rolls, praising the presentation and flavor, though one of them expresses that while good, it might not be the absolute best vegan food they've ever had.
The afternoon is spent wandering through Shanghai Old Street, a vibrant area filled with traditional architecture and local artists. They navigate the bustling atmosphere, advising caution against persistent street hawkers and sharing a tip to simply pretend not to hear them. A unique experience here is the creation of personalized paper portraits, where an artist skillfully cuts intricate likenesses of their faces in just minutes for a small fee, a purchase they both highly recommend.
As evening approaches, they experience the city's modern marvels, including the stunning skyline views from their hotel. They note the efficiency and affordability of Shanghai's public transport system, particularly the metro, and the prevalence of electric vehicles contributing to a quieter urban environment. Their exploration of the Bund at night is met with a slight disappointment as the lights unexpectedly turn off shortly after their arrival, a moment they capture with humor and a touch of chagrin.
Despite the minor setback with the Bund lights, their day is filled with rich cultural experiences, delicious food, and memorable interactions, making their Shanghai adventure a resounding success. They conclude the day reflecting on their packed itinerary and express excitement for their upcoming visit to Shanghai Disneyland.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the vegan food like at Vegetarian Lifestyle?
- A: The vegan spare ribs and crispy tofu skin rolls were delicious with beautiful presentation. While good, it might not be the absolute best vegan food ever, but it's a recommended option.
- Q: How was the transportation in Shanghai?
- A: Didi, the ride-sharing app, is very convenient and affordable. The metro system is also excellent β clean, efficient, and punctual, making it a great way to get around the city.
- Q: What was the experience like at Shanghai Old Street?
- A: It was vibrant with beautiful architecture and local artists. You need to watch out for street hawkers, but it's a great place to find unique souvenirs and experience the city's atmosphere.
- Q: Was the paper portrait artist worth it?
- A: Absolutely! For under Β£10 for two people, the artist created incredibly accurate and detailed paper portraits in just minutes. It was one of the best purchases of the trip.
- Q: What happened with the Bund skyline lights?
- A: We arrived just 10 seconds before the lights turned off at 11:00 PM. It was a bit disappointing to miss the full display, but the brief glimpse was still amazing.
- Q: What's the tip for visiting temples in Shanghai?
- A: At Jing'an Temple, you can try throwing coins for luck. At Jade Buddha Temple, remember that photography is not allowed inside.
