Walking The Bund

The skyline of Pudong, otherwise known as Shanghai East, is remarkable.  It’s best viewed from a pedestrian walk called The Bund, along the Huangpu River.  Barges, tourist boats and cargo ships motor up and down the Huangpu, in front of one of the most amazing skylines in Asia, perhaps the world.  At the centerpiece of the Pudong skyline is the Oriental Pearl Radio and TV tower, the third tallest TV tower in the world.  It is more than 1,500 feet tall.  The tower features two giant orbs designed to look like rubies.  Inside those spheres are a restaurant and dance hall.  On the west side of the Huangpu river, along The Bund, you’ll see thousands of tourists having their photo taken with the skyline of Pudong as a backdrop.  Some architecturally significant buildings are also on the west side of the river, such as the Peace Hotel, one of Shanghai’s oldest landmarks.  The hotel was once considered the most luxurious in all of Asia. 

Smokin' Shanghai

Unlike life in Champaign-Urbana, you won’t find much debate about lighting up in Shanghai.  Cigarette smoking is quite popular in this big city and for that matter, throughout China.  Smokers are everywhere, especially men.  A 2001 British Medical Journal determined two-thirds of the adult male population in China smokes.  The same study indicated 30% of the world’s cigarettes are consumed by Chinese.  Smoking is allowed almost everywhere.  Some medical projections expect as many as one third of Chinese men will die due to smoking related illnesses in the next two decades.  Interestingly, China’s state owned cigarette industry has told citizens cigarette smoking is actually good for you…that it will prevent ulcers.  Chinese owned tobacco companies supply one third of the cigarettes made in the world.  Cigarettes are relatively cheap in China too.  A informal survey taken in Shanghai today, indicates a pack of 20 cigarettes can sell for as little as 35-cents US.  Some American brands of cigarettes cost $1.50 to $2.00.  In the U.S., that same pack of cigarettes would run more than $3.50.

I'm still wondering

The first day in Shanghai was exciting and full of adventures. Apart from being confused for a Chinese several times, I was able to visit a Buddhist temple. The contrast between ancient Chinese traditions and new modern way of living is very interesting.  As I walked around inside the temple the smell of incense filled my lungs and my I felt a peaceful harmony around me.  I looked around and took as many pictures as I could. I wanted to capture that moment forever.  I tried getting a different angle from the middle of the temple, focusing in the centerpiece.  I zoomed in to focus on the details of the figure, that’s when it hit me. I was in the middle of one of the biggest cities in the world.  I saw all the buildings in the background.  This thought stayed in my head all day. How was this incredible country, full of ancient history, has dealt with the tremendous economic growth?

Around 2 p.m. our group met with the Shanghai Overseas Returned Scholars Association (SORSA).  Scholars who studied abroad talked to us about different topics.  One of these topics was economic development.  Since my topic deals with the political structure in China and how it has been changing in the last couple of years I decided to ask this very question.  One scholar said that there is a growing middle class and that democracy would be logical shift in the country.  However, he also said that we have to allow some differences from the East and the West in politics. He said that he didn’t think that the economic growth would lead to a change in government. But he did say that the government has changed over the years.  He said that compared to the when he was growing up, no he now feels free to talk to anyone he wants. He says that there is more freedom.  When I asked him about the future of the political structure in China, he said, that he didn’t think it would change anytime soon.  He is an active member of the Communist party and he says that because China is such a populated country the government is needed to help the people.  I asked him if there was a possibility that communisim in China could collapse just like it happened in the former Soviet Union, he said that it could not happened because the two countries have a very different history. 

So here am I thinking about the history of China as well as the future.  Is there room for culture and tradition in a city that is known for its industries?

heavenly ice cream

When it gets dark in Shanghai - heavenly creatures on four wheels spread their wings. They come out to distribute refreshments to the overworked and stressed citizens of Shanghai. And obviously they have a TV in their back

Scooting Around Shanghai

Life moves faster than you’d think in an old city like Shanghai.  This city of 18+ million people seems to always be on the go—night and day.  I had read that we’d see quite a few bicycles on the streets of Shanghai…and we have.  We also expected to see lots and lots of bicycle riders—young and old.  What’s been surprising is the plethora of motor scooters that fill the streets.  The riders seem to be on a mission more so than any other Chinese—except maybe the taxi drivers who always seem to be honking their way to a destination.  On the sidewalks here, here are mini-parking lots for bikes and scooters where you’d pay a parking fee, just like in an auto parking lot.  Aboard the scooters—men, women, teenagers, the middle aged and even the elderly.  Sometimes, you’ll see a scooter rider wearing a surgical mask to protect themselves from the air pollution.