Peoples Park

Peoples Square is the green heart of Shanghai and major sights are clustered around the east-west running Nanjing Road which is a major commercial street. I expected, and was not disappointed to see architecture from previous eras. This art deco cinema has a modern successor nearby for large entertainment events, also called Grand Theatre.

I liked the cupolas on this New World Department Store.

A green structure at the edge of Peoples Park.

The futuristic looking Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre where the city praises itself for what it is not yet.

The Pearl Tower on the other side of the river, peeking through the high rises on this side.

Traffic in Shanghai is as hectic just like any large metropolis. Horns and beepers are liberally used, causing a cacophony. One also needs to watch out for motorcyclists who ignore signals and travel the wrong way if it suits them. In addition, it seems that cars have a free right turn at junctions. So a pedestrian walk signal is very qualified.

The department stores are as glitzy as anywhere else in the world.

Nanjing Road West is a pedestrian precinct and always crowded, day or night. It's telling that many fast food joints advertise 24 hour service. Looks like the city never sleeps.


(To be continued.)