Wednesday, 6 March 2019
Enroute from Fukuoka, Japan, to Busan, So Korea

Enjoying a light dinner tonight (zucchini bisque and sole filet), since I had a late lunch after this morning’s shore excursion in Fukuoka. A very wet day, but at least no kamikaze winds, so touring was bearable.  As usual, the blog is several days behind as I return to Monday in Shanghai, a beautiful sunny day (as sunny as it can be through the thick layer of pollution).

Monday, 4 March 2019
Shanghai

This morning my HAL excursion takes me back into central Shanghai for an overview of both the newest and oldest parts of the city.  Although I plan to revisit some of these places when the Westerdam returns later in the month, today I enjoy the clear sky (very rare in Shanghai this time of year) and access to some typical tourist spots.

We fight with Monday morning commuter traffic as we edge our way to Pudong, on the east bank of the river.  This is the NEW city, where almost nothing existed before 1990.  Today, each skyscraper is crowded out by another newer one.  Our first stop is at the second tallest building in China—we elevator up to the 88th floor in 70 seconds--so that we can have a panoramic view of the city and the tallest structure, the TV tower, just a few meters away.  The exterior of this Chinese-designed skyscraper is supposed to resemble the lines of a traditional pagoda, with its jagged edges and triangular spaces.  Inside, everything is ultra modern and the tower shares space with the Hyatt Hotel.

From the 88th floor there are fine views in every direction. Looking down through the central core of the tower, I am reminded of my first view from the top of the atrium at John Portman’s iconic Atlanta Marriott Hotel.

On the street at ground level it is the world of international commerce:  Disney, Gucci, and Starbucks everywhere.

Exterior of the "Pagoda" Tower Building

Protruding Eaves of the Pagoda-Like Design

Welcome to Shanghai Tourism

View of Pudong District Skyscrapers

Looking Down the Interior of the Tower

Bottom of TV Tower, Tallest Structure in China

Uncle Walt Conquers the World

We re-board our bus for quick views of older parts of the city, located on the west side of the Huangpo River.  There isn't time today to stop at the Bund, the world-famous riverside boulevard that boasts a series of massive 19th-century Western-style buildings (but I will return later in the cruise to explore this area on foot). Although not much of really old Shanghai has survived, there are hints of the glories of the older city, now consumed by capitalism at its most rampant.

You Still See Many Bicycles and Riders, but Shanghai Has Become a
City of Automobiles

Jing-an Temple, The Largest Remaining Buddhist Shrine

Mid-20th Century Soviet-Built Exhibition Hall

The tour ends in People's Square, the new center of cultural life in Shanghai.  The centerpiece of the square is the wheel-shaped Shanghai Museum (another place I will visit on my return). Ringing the square are modern and post-modern buildings housing the City Hall, a multi-venue concert hall, Party headquarters, and the Urban Planning Bureau.

From here it is a 30-minute drive back to the ship, where I have a little time to relax before tonight's dinner.  Tomorrow is a sea day, so I hope to spend some time organizing my stateroom (drawers and closets) for the nest 27 days.

Our Very 21st-Century Tour Guide