Coming to China from Japan is a massive culture shock, even more so
if your first stop is Shanghai. The culture and psyche here are a world apart from that of the Japanese and you can feel it from the first time you step off the plane. Coming from the quiet, reserved, clean world of the Japanese into the loud, bustling, booming world of the Chinese is an incredible contrast. There can't be many other neighbouring countries with so vast differences. The populous here are very forward (even though English isn't very widely spoken) and not afraid to ask for a picture with the 'crazy' different looking Westerners.Our first notable Shanghai experience was trying to get to the hotel we had booked. We had the
name and address (but not in Chinese), we decided to get a taxi from the Maglev station (400+ km/h magnetic levitation train - cool!) as we weren't familiar with the town. The taxi driver started heading in vaguely the right direction before shouting at us in Chinese as he didn't know exactly where we wanted to go! Eventually we managed to direct him using the poor map in the Lonely Planet, but I wish I knew what he was shouting at us!Shanghai is a city undergoing massive change due to the amount of money pouring into China, 
everywhere you look there is either newly constructed skyscrapers or building sites. The pollution is a huge issue though as even on sunny days you cannot see the sun but just the grey haze hanging chokingly over the city. The buildings around the Bund are a sight to behold, and some of the most modern and interesting architecture I have seen. The beggars and street vendors however are a pain, women holding small children and tugging your clothing repeating “money, money” remind you of the vast gap that exists in China between wealthy and poor.
everywhere you look there is either newly constructed skyscrapers or building sites. The pollution is a huge issue though as even on sunny days you cannot see the sun but just the grey haze hanging chokingly over the city. The buildings around the Bund are a sight to behold, and some of the most modern and interesting architecture I have seen. The beggars and street vendors however are a pain, women holding small children and tugging your clothing repeating “money, money” remind you of the vast gap that exists in China between wealthy and poor.Our highlights of Shanghai were the Yuyuan Gardens and bazaar, a crazy world complete with 
loud street vendors waiting to haggle and serene landscaped gardens hidden away from the bustle; the French Concession with its swanky and trendy bars and café's, and the incredible show Era which left us with jaws hanging open in awe of the strength and balance of the performers.
loud street vendors waiting to haggle and serene landscaped gardens hidden away from the bustle; the French Concession with its swanky and trendy bars and café's, and the incredible show Era which left us with jaws hanging open in awe of the strength and balance of the performers.Our next stop was to be Beijing, just days after the Olympics finished. Rumours from other travellers were that the city had undergone a massive facelift and was trying hard to impress.
Shanghai in pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/phase_k/tags/shanghai/
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