China Tours
March 27, 2008, 19:26
Thu:
Arrived in Shanghai early in the morning where I adventurously took the shuttle bus to the hotel. Unfortunately, the bus did not go direct to the hotel and I was dropped off somewhere downtown. Downtown Shanghai is a legacy of Shanghai's days as a treaty port of the Western powers early in the 20th century. Huge cavernous European styled buildings from the early 1900s line the boulevards of Shanghai's downtown. As one walked down the streets of downtown Shanghai, it is inevitable that one would get the feel that one was in a European city.
Checked into the cavernous Astor House Hotel on Pujiang Road. One of the oldest hotels in Shanghai, the Astor House first opened its doors to visitors in 1846. It is located along a handsome avenue of European buildings. Prominent visitors who have graced its corridors include Albert Einstein and former US President Ulysses S. Grant. Interestingly, it was the first place in Shanghai to have electricity. One gets the feel of Old Shanghai upon stepping into the hotel. However,it does seem that the wooden floored hotel has seen better days as parts of the hotel remains in need of a paint and renovation job.
After checking in, I took a walk along the Bund where the Huangpu river seperates the modern cityscape from the historic buildings. It was an absolutely beautiful sight.
From the Bund, I walked on to the Old City. Unlike the downtown area, the Old City is characterised by traditional Chinese buildings. During the days of the International Settlement, Chinese were only allowed to reside in the Old City Area. As such, it became a sort of ghetto area with Chinese styled residences and buildings. Today, it is a bustling shopping area with lots of Chinese restaurants selling shanghainese snacks and knick knacks.
As it was Maundy Thursday, I took time off in the evening to attend Mass at the 19th century neo-gothic Xujiahui Cathedral. Although there was no heating in the church, I was quite impressed to see the reverence which the congregation had. This reverence has meant that visitors are not allowed to take pictures of the Church and are expected to maintain a prayerful silence in the Church. Quite a welcome change from all the noise and distractions that one has at Church in Singapore. This is not to mention that the sermon was a powerful one about Jesus' love for humanity.
Fri:
Set off for Suzhou where we put up at a Ming dynasty era Chinese courtyard house that had been refurbished. The area in which we lived in was an open museum in itself as it has remained unchanged from the days of the Ming Dynasty. Ancient houses line the cobbled streets and classical chinese bridges still help passersby cross the many waterways that crisscross the area.
In the afternoon, we set off for the Garden of the Humble Administrator, a massive garden which had been built for the enjoyment of a court official in imperial times. Spring is a good time to visit the gardens since the peach blossoms are exploding in full bloom at this time of the year.
In the evening, we went to the Garden of the Master of Nets, a historical garden where we were entertained by traditional Suzhou opera. The Suzhou opera, or Kun Opera is the oldest opera form in China. Estimated to be around 5000 years old, the form has given rise to Ping Tan, a singing performance accompanied to music from traditional instruments to Beijing Opera.
Sat:
Set off for Zhouzhuang, a water town that was an hour's bus ride from Suzhou. Other than the ancient section of the water town which was crammed with tourists braving the wintery weather to have a go at the sights, the other parts of the town was a sad sight with closed shops and hardly any traffic.
Sun:
Returned to Shanghai where we had buffeet lunch at the Regent Hotel with Mel, her housemate Lily, and boss on the occasion of a roadshow that they were having. The conversation and food was good.
Departed in the evening for Hangzhou.
Mon:
Went to Longmen Ancient Town by bus. Nestled amongst the mountains, the town is one of the unique attractions of Zhejiang region as it is where the members of the Sun family originate. Settled by the descendants of Sun Quan, one of the kings of the Three Kingdoms, the town is the typical prototype of the clannish town of ancient China, with ancient temples and memorials to illustrious ancestors.
To be continued...
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