Central Shanghai, The Bund, and a view of Pudong, a district that didn't exist the last time

 


Shanghai is where three friends and I spent the New Year's Eve of 1990-91. It was remarkably low-key, as for Chinese people in those days Western celebrations meant nothing. Shanghai was already a metropolis, but it was quite grey and boring. I remember The Bund with its colonial buildings along the west bank of the Huangpu River, which is the historic centre, but apart from it there was nothing memorable in Shanghai. I also remember that on the other side of the river there was absolutely nothing. Today, on this once empty space stands the iconic skyscraper district, Pudong. It is a symbol not only of Shanghai but all of China. But skyscrapers are now found all over the city, starting right behind The Bund. The colonial buildings have been nicely restored, a pleasant walk was built along the river, and one of the streets, Nanjing Road, was turned into an elegant pedestrian shopping street. This is the area I explored on my first day this time, and as you can see on the photos, it is a colourful, elegant, vibrant, beautiful city centre. What an unbelievable change Shanghai went through in 34 years!







































































































































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