My time in Shanghai was short, but I really enjoyed the stop. It was my last city before heading home after being on the road for almost five months. After seeing it, I wish I’d spent more time here than in Beijing. What a fascinating city! I had horrible weather, but I still had a good time.

It was a short hop over from Beijing. My height, language, backpack, and general appearance definitely stuck out in the domestic airport. I got a lot of looks and not a lot of help. In Shanghai, I stayed at the Sheraton Shanghai Waigaoqiao Hotel on Jilong Road in the Pilot Free Trade Zone outside of the city. It’s a beautiful hotel, and everything looks new and fancy… very much a wow factor. The location of the hotel wasn’t great to get to the city center, but the free upgrade to the corner suite made up for that.

I was exhausted, so I slept… a lot. I ordered food and enjoyed the suite. The second night the wind was howling, and it was banging hard against the building. Since I was on the top floor corner, it was hitting both windows. The next morning I found out it was actually a small typhoon.

It was rainy for my first day out, but my limited time forced me to go out into the city. A cab picked me up and drove me around for awhile. I had it drop me off on The Bund (Wai Tan), a waterfront area in central Shanghai located on Zhongshan Road. It runs along the bank of Huangpu River facing Pudong. It’s one of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai, and even in the misty rainy weather, it was still awesome. The buildings across the river were so unique and modern, and it made for an impressive skyline. The other side of The Bund was lined with dozens of historical buildings. The drastic difference in the two sides created a nice contrast.

A Rainy Day on The Bund, Shanghai, China

Shanghai, China – I LOVE the globe building.

Shanghai, China

After lunch, I spent the rest of the day admiring buildings and walking through shopping streets. It lightly rained on and off, but it was kind of refreshing.

A Rainy Day on The Bund, Shanghai, China

Driving into Shanghai after the small Typhoon

Sheraton Shanghai Waigaoqiao Hotel

Rainy day in Shanghai

That evening I headed back to the hotel and enjoyed a nice evening in my hotel resting and trying to mentally prepare for my upcoming long journey and the transition back to home.

I’d like to go back to Shanghai and spend more time trying out restaurants, and I’d love to get a local to show me around to see the real side of Shanghai…not just the touristy spots.

Sheraton Shanghai Waigaoqiao Hotel

The Bund, Shanghai, China

Construction Outside Sheraton Shanghai Waigaoqiao Hotel