China: Shanghai & Beijing Trip 2011

[fgrsk8r1970]

Hello there - per Bixa's recommendation I created a separate thread for my Shanghai & Beijing photos-that way it will be easier to find !
Thank you all for your kind responses and I will try to find my 2nd day Shanghai market photos.... there are some really great "real" ones!
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I had a great luck to be invited to China in 2011 by a German girlfriend who lived and worked in Shanghai. I have always been interested in Asia and decided that I'd visit over Thanksgiving as I get extra time off work there.
Granted I had a friend who showed me around for my first time for the first couple of days so that is a BIG plus, but I feel that Shanghai is definitely a good destination in China to start with.

First off - I loved China, everything, even the dirty alleys with the food on the ground (great veggies though), the interesting markets where you pick your live chicken and they "prepare" it right there for you, and fancy areas of the financial districts, the food (the kinds my friend order AND the one I dared to eat at this tiny shack prepared by a lady for less than a dollar)

I also did something that many of my friends and family thought was crazy - I took the night train... alone.... from Shanghai to Beijing. 4 berth compartment I shared with strangers (on the way back it was 3 Chinese business men LOL - to this day it's a joke between my hubby and I - who did not come with me - that I slept with 3 men on a train)
Anyway - I did hire a personal tour guide in Beijing and saw all the usual sites and loved them. So much history and the food was always great. we ate in smaller places where I never saw a tourist. I stayed at a very nice Hotel in Beijing for one night that was just slightly over $100 and was very high end.

here are just a few of my pix - but i'd love to go back some day for sure !!! The other Asian countries I was hoping to visit but have put on the back burner for now just because it's not really possible for my husband to travel this way: Vietnam and Cambodia.

Pearl Tower


Me on the 2nd level (pearl) of the pearl tower. Funny story - I had no idea that it has a clear platform, so when I stept out of the elevator to take my photos of the view I literally recoiled I was so shocked ... thinking I was stepping over the edge


The very new and modern night train I was on - loved that experience


Temple of Heavens in Beijing


sunset over the marble boat at the summer palace in Beijing


More summer palace - longest corridor


Great Wall Mutianyu (I didn't go to the more touristy Badaling section) and yes I walked up all those stairs


I am going to search for the more "real" photos of places - I took many many, but somehow don't have them uploaded into flickr yet... so more to come if you are interested

[mossie]

That is a super set of pictures, has opened my eyes, a little, to China. More please.

[fgrsk8r1970]

Thank you !! ok, I found my photos and here are the more "real" pictures that are not necessarily associated with a tourist site:

The waiting hall for my train in Shanghai - I think I was the only caucasian there and I have red hair so more then once I felt like one of these characters in disneyland. I am short though so thank goodness I didn't hover over anybody.


My compartment from the outside - I had the bottom berth on the way to Beijing - DEFINITELY the way to go. I took the top (you reserve them) on the way back for the experience and definitely would recommend the bottom, just because of space and convenience.




This dish was delicious - simple and about $1.20 (noodles, eggs and tomatoes in chicken broth)


I visited a family living in a Huton in Beijing - they were super nice and I had tea with them (love love jasmine tea)


It wasn't fancy, but it was clean


Going down the Great Wall Mutianyu section on the Toboggan was one of the funnest things I've done besides ziplining in Costa Rica


Another inexpensive meal with unlimited tea - pork, mushrooms and bean curd sheets. Delicious! I think the whole thing was under $6 for the both of us


Stark contrast - Beijing shopping area


Walking around Shanghai's older parts by myself - I NEVER felt unsafe!!!


OK - Fried Rice with Eggs... sounds good... now I point to it and the lady goes to work:






It may not look it, but everything she used was clean... eggs taken from the fridge in the back. and it tasted very good. I never got sick !!

Love the Subway in Shanghai - modern, reliable, fast, and in english :-)


One hour foot massage for under $10 YES PLEASE... my husband wanted to fly in just for those


Big mall in Shanghai


Where I had to go figure skating (OF COURSE!!)



I just realized that's the second photo of my foot LOL....
Now I am getting nostalgic !

[Deleted]

Fantastic photos showing exactly the sort of information that I want to see -- I know that I will see any monuments or "tourist sights" if I go, so it is so much better to see the food, the facilities, the public transportation, the atmosphere and all such things.

[htmb]

It sounds like you had a fabulous trip, skater girl. Your photos are wonderful, but I particularly like the one of the sunset. China has always fascinated me, even as a little girl, but I have never really thought about visiting. How wonderful for you to be able to travel to see your friend,

[bixaorellana]

You make this look so desirable and so do-able! The trains seem really pleasant. Absolutely adore the photo of the summer palace and The Wall and the toboggan -- okay, all of them!

[lugg]

Fantastic photos, a friend of mine has just come back from China and absolutely had a ball, I had bever really considered going beforebut your photos also entice me. (Hi Skater)

Bixa - that is quite a difficult question you pose but my suggestion would be Thailand , easy place for someone new to Asia and a country with something for everyone and every budget.

[fgrsk8r1970]

Thanks everybody !! I was very fortunate to have the help of my friend for the first time visit and a guide in Beijing - but I would dare it now myself. I had hoped to go to one of the small water towns outside of Shanghai but I ran out of time. Someday :-)

Here are just a few more photos .... Because it's Friday and what better way to start my workday right? ha ha..

I had heard about these dumplings filled with broth - they have a straw in them so you can drink the broth first but never got a chance to try one (I think I had just eaten when I saw these)


Shanghai Train station entrance:


Train Departure screen - mine was the D302 showing lounge 3 as the departure


Inside a western WC at the Olympic Park in Beijing I couldn't help but giggle


Leaving Beijing - outside the train station:


Inside the train station in Beijing


The lounge in Beijing I waited for my train - just to find out that I was in the wrong one.... oops (I found out way before my departure but still a little stressful)


Another interesting thing as you might be able to make out the item on the table, everybody in China carries their little tea containers with them because you can get hot water for free everywhere (they don't drink cold water as they believe it's not good for your digestion). And since loose tea leaves can be re-brewed several times they carry these around everywhere in all shapes and sizes. I thought that was cool
The other thing that happened which I was thankfully prepared for because I read in my research that Chinese people stare at one openly if they are curious was when I sat in that lounge I was typing my blog on my white little MacBook. Again I was the only caucasian there with a mac on my lap and I drew an audience. They would stand behind me and look at what I was doing. I offered them a small smile but otherwise just kept typing. Nobody tried to ask me anything - just stood behind me and looked over my shoulder and stared. I found it pretty amusing (actually they were all men) There was nothing scary about it.... just weird for a westerner like me LOL.

This is the inside (and the said fridge where the eggs for my fried rice came from) of the little house in Shanghai where I got the small meal


In contrast - this was the secure high rise building where my GF and her BF lived and where I stayed while visiting. The apartments were very nice and modern. I am talking heated tile floors, modern bathrooms, small but modern kitchen, large living room, internet.


I found that the spitting/hawking issue is still going on but understand that since the Olympics this has gotten a little better because they asked to "clean up their act" because this is such a gross practice for outsiders. But it helped me knowing that this is something that one will still see/hear/step in if you are not careful - otherwise I might have been more put off by it.

[bjd]

Thanks for these interesting pictures, figureskater (easier than copying your handle).

One of my sons did a 4-month internship in Shanghai a couple of years ago, and he lived in an apartment similar to that of your friend. However, in his free time, he roamed all over the city, to the markets and areas with no tourists. He really enjoyed China too.

[fgrsk8r1970]

That's great bjd - yes a lot of foreign workers were living in these nice apartment buildings. I have photos of the local market we went to but haven't been able to find them (too many back up drives lol) - the kind my friend wanted to go to buy a dog bed for her puppy so I definitely saw some interesting stuff there lol.

[bixaorellana]

I have always wanted to see China, but have to admit that the spitting thing is a major stumbling block for me. I so admire you for being able to handle it!

When I still lived in the US, I would have been appalled by the kitchen you show. Now I know that it's the norm for much of the world, and can only admire the resourcefulness used to make it a useable space.

So interesting that the lounge in the train station is so cozy, with the nice wood furniture and all. Well, it's all interesting -- I keep going back over the pictures & text again and again.

[fgrsk8r1970]

Thank Bixa - so glad you are enjoying it so much!!!

I have found the photos of the real market I mentioned above and I want to put a small disclaimer in as this may be a little uncomfortable for some of you. My understanding is that the Chinese have a different relationship to animals. They don't quite see any of them (even dogs/cats) really as the cuddly pet that needs pampering beyond the norm (they may even think some of our western over pampering is animal abuse... i.e. coloring dogs, dressing them up and carrying them around everywhere like a purse etc.)
Anyway, my friend having lived there and raising a puppy made these observations and that is a cultural difference I respect. I may not agree but I also understand that in their eyes they are just doing the normal thing....
So - my friend was looking for a dog bed for her new puppy at this local animal market. It is probably not a spot a tourist would stumble upon, so I am thankful for this other view into the real China, as strange as it was !!!

Want a gold fish?




It wasn't clear to me if the people just lived in the back/behind the store or if they were also selling used clothes?






Yes, I did feel sorry for the hamsters


Once my friend found the dog bed, her BF took it home and we continued our tour of the old Shanghai, through old markets and Hutongs

I did not eat anything here, not because I wouldn't have tried (most looked like chicken/pork to me) but I was hungover from the first night - my friend thought it was a good idea to take me out until 3 a.m. after a 36 hr trip for a chinese bday celebration.... let's just say I had a blast, until I got into the taxi driving home... but that's another story for another day ha ha ha)


Can't get the fish any fresher !




I loved this one... this old man was repairing shoes right there on the side of the street the old fashioned way


We did buy one of these small bread type pan cake with spring onions on them


while walking through the Hutongs this cutie and his mom were kind enough to pose for me




My friend said that they don't have running water inside so this big stone sink is where they do EVERYTHING... wash up/wash their hair, prep food and the water is cold .... but she also said they all have smart phones ;-)








I want to point out that while we walked through the hutong, which is right next to a new development - people went about their way and my friend said that most of them are not unhappy as this way of living is what they know - so it's just the way it is. This was also not a dangerous spot to walk through.

We walked at all times of day and night (late at times) through Shanghai and never once did I feel unsafe. This was another thing liked - especially later when I was by myself in Shanghai wandering around while my GF worked and in Beijing after my guide left me.
I hope you enjoyed my trip to memory lane in China !!!

[mossie]

"but she also said they all have smart phones"

Got to get the priorities right OK

[bixaorellana]

The fact that dog beds are for sale must mean that quite a few people keep dogs as house pets, though. So much of what you're showing is very similar to what can be found in Mexico, right down to the tiled kitchen made of cinder block. Another similarity that I love is that so much life takes place in the street. I think that gives more of a sense of community, plus keeps down crime.

Your last shot is very exotic and how I imagine China. All of your pictures are so good, particularly as they are of real life. I love the one of the very modern young woman & her son, also the way you captured the colorful food on skewers. Shame you had to pass it up but, hey ~~ how often do you get a chance to tie one on in China!

This is a stellar thread -- thank you so much!

[Deleted]

In all of my travels in Asia, I have never found anybody unhappy with their status in life if they were gainfully employed. Just like in the West, it is accepted that some people are rich and others are not, so the fact that you see nice things does not mean that the poor people in the same area have any plans to attack you.

Oddly enough, I am much more attracted to the photos of rustic kitchens, gritty alleys and simple places than the fabulous modern things. Just seeing those simple places makes me salivate in advance at the thought of the food eaten there and the down-to-earth manner of the residents.

[fgrsk8r1970]

Thank you Bixa & K2 - and I agree. I think that sometimes the stereotypical thought in the USA (and honestly reactions from my friends in Germany who have never really traveled abroad) is shock and often disgust at what for most is a normal way of life. I always find it fascinating and have never shied away from trying foods at the "real" spots and experiencing every aspect without prejudice. I mean you want to be smart of course LOL... but yes, I would love to go back as this was my first and so far only trip to Asia. As I mentioned in the "hooked on Asia" thread I really would love to visit Vietnam and Cambodia.

We have a volunteer opportunity through work (one of the many charities that partner with us) that offers a cycling trip through both countries, but I can't leave my Cowboy for 2 weeks with his mobility issues.
Now that would be an adventure .......someday!!!

[nycgirl]

Terrific photos! They seem to capture the spirit of your trip and you clearly had a wonderful time.

That clear platform on the Pearl Tower, oh my god. I I would have been terrified.

The Great Wall looks surprisingly uncrowded. Good call avoiding the tourist section. And going down the wall in a toboggan looks absolutely thrilling. I've gone ziplining in Costa Rica as well and loved it, so if you rank the experience with that, that is a high recommendation.

[Deleted]

I went through all of these photos again and they just keep getting better and better.

[anshjain97]

What an in-depth thread! Amazing! I've always wanted to go to China and this resurfaced when my dad had to go on a business trip to Beijing in my holidays last year...but hope my wait isn't long. Love your picture of the Summer Palace corridor in the OP- how did you manage with the light? Usually, I'd get a too bright inside+too dark inside because of differences in light outside and inside.

With China opening up with a bigger middle class and a stronger purchasing power, I wonder how much longer China can contradict it with a one-party political system, rampant human rights abuses and lack of judicial independence.

[bjd]

I just saw the later hutong pictures here, skater. I really like them -- so much more interesting than the modern highrises, although both are the "real" China.

[fgrsk8r1970]

Thanks so much again for the kind words everybody, i could have taken a million photos there

anshjain-it was sunset at the Summer Palace and the light was just naturally giving me this opportunity - and my SLR takes beautiful shots too.

[lugg]

As I read this again , I realise that you have made me pause to re-consider some of my conceptions about China . One example is their attitude to pets (the hamsters - yes they were cramped but they in clean bedding and surrounded by enticing treats for their would be owners to purchase ) and I was astounded by the fact that you can purchase a dog bed at all. The terrapins; again crowded but housed in clean water. To be frank I have seen worse in Uk and Europe.

And the food .... the veg look great and I would definitely have eaten any the food dishes in your photos.

Of course there are all your other fab photos and commentary which have made also given me pause for thought. I am looking forward to re- reading this and ( fingers crossed ) finding more additions.

Thanks Skater.

[fgrsk8r1970]

You are most welcome lugg !!

Kerouac - glad you are enjoying the photos even more the second time around ;D

[Deleted]

Enjoyed the variety of interesting photos, sk8r

I know someone who goes to China quite often (his wife is from there). Did you step over the glass in the end? Gives me the shivers just looking at how high up you where.

[fgrsk8r1970]

Thank you!!!
And yes deyana, once I recovered from the scare I struggled for about 2 minutes with myself and then stepped on it LOL. I actually have the cheesy but I guess obligatory photo of me sitting cross legged on the glass floor doing the "I am floating" imitation ;-)
Ah to be a tourist

[mossie]

Many thanks for this in depth study of a country of which I knew nothing.

[spindrift1]

Your photos are fantastic and in such depth showing many aspects of China. I am startled to see how modern the railways are (showing up the old railways of England) and how comfortable the sleepers are. You got around a lot! I am thinking I ought to go there some time soon! Thank you so much.

[fgrsk8r1970]

Mossie & spindrift1 - THANKS !!!
yes I loved the train system and someday want to do a little more exploring. I actually almost planned a trip with my GF to Harbin (the ice festival is on my Bucket List) and we'd have taken the train from Beijing but it fell through due to my husbands health issues.
Definitely go there if you have the opt.