Shanghai

« 🎢DISNEYLAND🎢
I can't say that this was a childhood dream come true. But experiencing a place like this in real life is definitely worth it 🙌🏽🐱🌈.
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« The other day we were in the role of adventurous tourists 😜. Finally, after quite a long time, we made it to the highest observation deck in Shanghai, the Shanghai Tower. We zoomed up 118 floors in just a minute and... well, it was such a sight 🏙️. However, dirty windows spoiled the perfect daytime view and illuminated the beauty of the city. The evening view 😏 is something I definitely recommend experiencing at least once in your life. Just take a look, but don't forget to breathe! 🫣✌️ »

« Shanghai is a city that truly fascinates with its blend of modern industrial landscape and rich history. You can feel the historic roots in the small alleys and houses, while the skyline showcases a futuristic vibe. Shanghai warmly embraces its visitors with its old fan-like architecture standing alongside striking skyscrapers. The city creates an incredible contrast, and it’s a must-see for anyone keen on experiencing this unique combination. 🌆✨ »

« Here we go again - the Pearl of the East, known as the third highest building in Asia! Locals and tourists absolutely adore it, despite the fact that it seems to pop out of a sci-fi movie from the '90s. And truly, we quickly got used to it too; now, it's full of amazing photos in my archive! I was particularly impressed by the thrilling glass skywalk at 267 meters high! If you love to test your nerves, you absolutely must visit this place.

But before heading up, be prepared to indulge in other engaging attractions - the line can be quite long! Overall, the experience was fabulous, and you hardly feel the money spent on the tickets ($35 or so). 😄 »

« I want to share my experience at Disneyland 🤯 (writing this because when I was looking for information, it wasn’t available).

As soon as we arrived at the entrance, there were tons of people, and it turned out there were no tickets left (we got there at 8 AM) 😤. I panicked and started crying 😭. Luckily, my friend managed to take me to another ticket booth, where a kind gentleman noticed my reaction, came over, and offered us tickets for double the price! Normally, a ticket costs around $57, but we were offered them for $98! We had no choice but to take them; after all, Disneyland is the main reason we chose to visit. 🙏

In terms of positives, there are plenty, but I won’t go into detail about all of them.

There are just a couple of downsides:
- Enormous lines for attractions; you need to choose between wandering around or standing in line (you could take a free pass, but we didn’t figure out where to go 😒, and you definitely have to download the Disney Resort app, as it’s super convenient for monitoring the lines).
- Souvenirs are quite expensive; they really are original and of high quality, you’ll want to buy everything, but they still don't come cheap.
- You need to book tickets in advance, so you won’t have any surprises at the entrance (though that’s sort of our own fault).

Everything else was really enjoyable 🤝. It’s an expensive outing, but it’s worth it! 🖐🏽❤️ It’s something you’ll always remember, and it’s priceless. 🌍💖 »

« Do you think this is just an ordinary column? Not quite that simple. It turns out this is a multifunctional device with WiFi, an electric bike charging station, built-in navigation, a surveillance system, an emergency button, and so on. It can be found on the streets of Shanghai on Dazhong Road. »

« While I'm preparing for the next trip, I remembered that nothing was really mentioned about A, but it’s such an interesting city. If there’s a choice between flying to Beijing or Shanghai: definitely choose the latter. It’s a very distinctive city, and so intriguing. Sometimes you walk around and you get this feeling that you’re somewhere in the old New York (due to the skyscrapers).... but no, just around the corner, it’s all still China.

Separately, it’s definitely worth visiting the business district (recent photos). Just look at it, especially in the evening, and you feel like you’re on another planet, or somewhere far in the future. »

« This is Shanghai. The first time I entered its center and felt overwhelmed by the towering skyscrapers, it was like stepping into a different reality. It's massive, vibrant, and shimmering; the entire skyline is a blend of glass and fire. And the endless flow of people. It’s definitely worth experiencing, stopping to breathe in the awe of it all, leaving with tears in your eyes, and you simply have to return.

P.S. I look at these photos and can't believe they are mine. Dreams do come true! »

« Shanghai in detail. Every roof, even every little corner of the roof, has its own character. Symbols, figures, and intricate elements. It’s all so surprising and brings joy to tourists with its breathtaking beauty. 🤩 »

« It was amazing to escape, filled with so many emotions, and immediately a reset of life, it was unforgettable, and it was just for me.
The skyline was stunning! The weather didn’t always cooperate, but at night, Shanghai was simply a blast. During the day, the French Concession is indescribable in one word, I’ll share more about it another time. 😊 »

« The "Friendship Garden" was opened in May 2003 to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Saint Petersburg as a gift from Shanghai (the sister city of Saint Petersburg). The garden is a miniature copy of the Shanghai Yu Garden, often referred to as the "Garden of Happiness." 🌸 It's a beautifully tranquil space, filled with blooming flowers and elegant pavilions, perfect for a serene stroll or just sitting back and enjoying nature. The colors and landscaping are truly stunning, making it a delightful escape from the city rush. 🌼 If you ever find yourself in the area, it's worth a visit! »

« In the heart of tall, glamorous, glass-and-concrete Shanghai lies the complex "Old Town." The garden and monastery truly have a story to tell, not just traditional roofs and beautiful views 😍. And alongside, there are lots of little shops selling souvenirs, from knick-knacks to "Rolex" replicas, mostly geared towards tourists. I'm convinced that today's traditional China is quite different from this picture-perfect place, but there are still some overlaps with our general representations of China, which is pleasant to see 😄🧐. Later, I'll compile a list of this fascinating spot known as "Chinese Medicine," but for now, let's indulge in the beauty of the garden and look forward to a light, in my case, complete, productive week ahead 😄📝. »

« A little about the Shanghai skyscrapers, scratching not only the heavenly firmament, but also something deep within you, at the very foundation. What is stored on the far shelf of your creation, yet in the corner of your eye, you always see the presence of this unknown in yourself and in the world. You might think you know a lot about life, but after just a glimpse of the skyscraper in the sunset, you're suddenly 6 years old again, ready to be amazed, filled with curiosity and wonder. Suddenly, you realize how enormous this world is, and how in it still exists something interesting and important, which you could only sense for a second when you catch sight of the shimmering peaks of your "unique and established worldview" shining in your eyes. 🌇✨ »

« It's simply stunning how this looks from the outside. We had some rain and we were in bubbles and umbrellas, shielded from everything around us. In the vicinity, there’s a nice open area where you can hang out. Downstairs, there’s a huge museum showcasing the history of China, along with shops. And at the very top, a restaurant. It’s cool to see all the different styles, not everything fits perfectly in the frame :) »

« When we were gathering in Shanghai, I must admit, I was a bit apprehensive about this trip... It seemed to me that I wasn't particularly fond of the locals; we didn’t know the language and I thought we would just sit in our room during our free time. 😄

But today, I was blown away by the friendliness of the local residents. They are so positive, welcoming, and always smiling! 😍 Their reactions to us were just heartwarming, like they were lighting up my day! Some even wanted to take photos with us. How sweet is that? 😍

And the language... the best one of all is body language! 😄 »

« A stroll along the Vaillant Quay. Everything is incredibly beautiful, but sadly, the weather didn't fully cooperate; the cloudy backdrop was quite a disappointing sight. However, we still enjoyed the "Emerald Pearl" from a nearby restaurant. Rising to a height of 500 meters, it ranks fifth among the tallest in the world compared to other skyscrapers.

The distinctive feature of the "Emerald Pearl" is its revolving restaurant, located in a spacious tower atrium, which adds a unique charm to the experience. »

« We were lucky to observe these stunning places without the hustle and bustle of tourists. The tranquility, serenity, and the beauty of these spots make you feel a profound sense of both personal and universal presence. 🌄✨ »

« Authentic Shanghai! We like you this way better! »

« I often find myself reminiscing about my first days in Shanghai. It was a tough time. We moved in February, and the winter turned out to be much colder, rainier, and gloomier than expected. I was constantly freezing, wandering around hungry and feeling lonely. I was scared to venture far outside, hesitant to try strange foods with bright labels, intimidated by this vast new Chinese world. But now, I look back on all of that with warmth and a longing to go back two years and experience it all over again. When I think of my first weeks in Shanghai, I can immediately smell the pomelo, cheesy pie, and that winter chill. 😊 »

« I'm much more fond of this side of China. »

« Nighttime Shanghai 2015. We were here in April. This city left a very good impression on me. »

« I was so happy to return there again. I'm now absolutely sure this won't be our last visit. Truly the best city I've ever been to. »

« Good morning, everyone! Let's continue the report from the outskirts 🐝 The Chinese are quite fascinated by gambling. They’re so into it that all forms of gambling are banned across mainland China. Wealthy Chinese (and there are plenty of them) seek thrills in Macau – a "special administrative region" of China, just an hour's drive from Hong Kong. Macau has long surpassed the famous Las Vegas and Atlanta in terms of revenue. For the affluent, there’s also Singapore (which is a bit farther away), where a few casinos are legal. Meanwhile, the less fortunate gamble anywhere they can, despite the bans! I’m not sure about the details of their laws, but it seems playing for fun isn’t punishable. Interestingly, this phenomenon is mostly noticeable in Shanghai – I haven’t seen it as widely in other cities. I guess it’s the historical legacy at play 😼👍 »

« Awakening slums, with the face of a Chinese child, rub their eyes and wish everyone a great day 🙈☝️😑 Narrow streets, the smell of dampness and fish, all the utilities outside, and endless laundry drying in the street mixed with bicycles and motorcycles – this is the hutongs! The tradition of drying clothes outside is very strong; it's first done by generations because the room space is so limited that nothing fits, and then it becomes, "We've been doing this for generations." That's why even in ultra-modern new buildings, you can spot laundry hanging out on the streets 😎 »

« All other websites repeat the same rewritten text about how Shanghai is the Paris of the East, a cultural center, all fancy and perfect... 🙉🙈 It's time for real stories! 😼 For most of its history, Shanghai was a tiny fishing village, then it grew into a pretty ordinary town, but one day... one day the British got the Chinese hooked on opium and Shanghai's fortunes took a serious turn for the better. 😹 Thanks to its geographic location - the city sits on the Huangpu River, which flows into the Yangtze River and leads to the ocean - Shanghai had no choice but to become a port of both internal and external significance. Under the vigilant guidance of the Crown, huge East India galleons filled to the brim with opium began to dock at the harbor. The volume reached tens of millions of kilograms! Initially, the Chinese tried to impose a ban on opium, but the British quickly silenced them in a very brutal way, and as a result, the volumes only increased significantly. There were indeed vast numbers of ships, making Shanghai one of China's key ports and the second most important after Hong Kong for drug delivery to the mainland. Lots of ships = lots of sailors, and what do sailors need? Brothels, dens, gambling houses, bars, rivers of booze, and, of course, opium. For most of the time, Shanghai wasn’t called Paris; it was referred to as the "Whore of the Orient." 👌😑 There was so much opium that an entire banking sector and financial system emerged around it. Yes, this is why Shanghai is now a financial center. 😑 You know one of the largest global consortia - HSBC? This behemoth pulled off one of the most genius scams in business, deeply rooted in drugs, but… but "Shanghai is the Paris of the East, a cultural center"... 😜 »

« The Shanghai skyline is one of the most recognizable and replicated in the world. The only more recognizable ones might be Singapore, Hong Kong, and New York. So, what exactly is a skyline? It's the panorama of a city, the view of the city along the horizon. In the evening, everything lights up beautifully, but just like much of what happens in China, the Pudong area (that's what you see in the photo) shuts down around 10-11 PM, and the lights go off. Why is this skyline so recognizable? Here you have the Oriental Pearl Tower (on the left), the former construction site of the Shanghai Tower, which marks the financial center, and the Jin Mao Tower next to it, under which we'll be staying 😼👍. »

« Shanghai amazed me with its skyscrapers and the sheer number of people. The city is always buzzing with energy. One day is not enough to see everything. I really love this city, and I’ll be back soon. Wait for me, Shanghai. »

« Evening Shanghai is sooo beautiful, even an ordinary hotel looks too amazing :3 »

« I will definitely come back here! Shanghai. »

« Shanghai is not a city I would want to live in or even visit again. You fall in love with someone known for their self-sufficiency and aristocratic character, only to find out they listen to Justin Bieber. And then, all the "depth" of their thoughts is revealed. That’s how I feel about Shanghai. What I felt and saw on the first day is very different from my current impressions. This city feels like it has copied all the world-famous attractions while having nothing of its own. You can find absolutely everything here... even the bull from Wall Street in NYC. Sure, Beijing may not be as tidy and civilized, but it has history. I spent a whole month in China to realize that it’s just not for me. I need something spicier :) »

« Shanghai is certainly impressive. During the day, it's quite gray, but in the evening it comes alive. 🌆✨ »

« Today was the first day exploring Shanghai. An interesting city. I'm not sure what we were expecting, but what we've experienced so far is great! 😊 »