old and new

On our first full day in Shanghai my mother and I walked around the big city. We went into the Jing 'an Temple first, which is still an active Buddhist temple. The only disappointing thing was the construction they were doing on one part of the temple. It is interesting to see such an old building nestled in with the modern slick high rises.

curved temple roofs

The tall structure in the center of the temple was like a giant burning incense. In the bottom they burn coal and then place a large grill on top. People buy packs of incense, pray, and then place them on the grill. The smell was very powerful.

worker

The Chinese tend to do everything that Americans would do by machine, by hand. This man was pounding away at the ground and I could not figure out why.

giant golden lions

There were two columns with three giant gold lions resting on top. They glistened in the sun and gave you a feeling of great power.

golden lion faces

An up close of these beautifully sculptured golden lions.

reflection

This was taken in the People's Park, another stop on our journey around the city of Shanghai. It was beautiful with ponds, trees, flowers, and rocks. There were many people sitting and talking, having little picnics in the grass, exercising and enjoying the beautiful day.

large lilly

There was one pond full of these large marsh lily pads.

modernity

Large modern high rise protruding from behind the trees in the People's Park.

underground walkway

Since the streets in Shanghai were wide and very busy with cars, motor-bikes, and bicycles, they had many underground walkways to get across the street. They had very low ceilings which I didn't enjoy.

the TV Tower

That night we walked down to the Bund to bask in the glow of neon lights. This is looking eat across the river at Pudong, an area of Shanghai built within the last 15 years.

bright lights

Another view looking at Pudong and all its shining glory.

advertisement

This building had a screen on it which flashed advertisements.

european influenced

Looking into the Bund, west of Pudong. When the Europeans came they built this part, hence the reason why the buildings look like something you would see along the Seine in Paris, France.

large brand names

Everywhere you looked bright neon lights were flashing in you race, most of them containing ads and names of big American brands. They love their neon lights.

even the boats are neon

They love their neon so much that even the boats passing by were decorated.

bridge

Part of a bridge at the north end of the Bund.

chinese roofs

Our second full day in Shanghai was spent with a guide, David, who took us to an antique store and then to the Yuyuan Gardens. Before entering the gardens you had to walk through an area decorated with traditional Chinese architecture and many tourist traps.

hanging lanterns and pond

A beautiful scene - a pond, traditional Chinese architecture, and bright red lanterns.

dumplings

These were supposedly the best dumplings in this area. So our guide waited in the hour and a half long line while my mother and i shopped. Then we sat on some steps and ate away. I had a couple left and a woman came up and asked if she could buy them from me, I said no and just gave them to her. I think I made her day.

contrasting colors

I loved the contrast of the vibrant red lanterns against the bright green bamboo.

imperial guardian lion

An imperial guardian lion, or fu dog, greets us as we enter the circular doorway into the Yuyuan Gardens. This is the male which is placed on the right side of the entry way and typically has his paw on a globe.

doorway

There were many circular doorways in the garden.

imperial guardian lion 2

This is a female imperial guardian lion which sits on the left side of the entryway and typically has a cub under her paw.

rocky passageway

Throughout the Yuyuan Gardens are many oddly shaped rock formations creating interesting small passageways from one part of the garden to another - almost maze-like.

dragon on roof

The buildings were beautifully decorated with tile and some roofs had these large dragon-like sculptures on them similar to gothic gargoyles.

building pattern

the phoenix

One building had a large phoenix sculpture on the top of its roof. The phoenix represents the female and the dragon the male.

wise man or emperor

The buildings also had sculptures of men on their roofs. I don't know whether it represents the emperor or if it could be a wise man or general.

double dragons

unique doorway

I found this uniquely shaped doorway deep in the maze of the gardens.

warrior

This man is carrying a sword which makes me think he could be a warrior.

roof steps

Another example of traditional Chinese architecture. The many tiered roofs which slant upward.

roof

little cat

OH! I found a poor stray cat wandering around the gardens and had to get its picture. He or she reminded me of my own cat who I missed.

garden pond

In one area of the gardens there was a large pond with many fish and covered walkways going over it.

koi

In one area someone was throwing food into the pond causing the fish to crowd around and swim frantically.

weeping tree

The Yuyuan Gardens were unbelievably designed. It seemed like it would be a very peaceful place.

reflection

people

Leaving the crowded tourist area.