Shanghai and Beijing

This is my very first post. Actually I won’t write much (because I don’t have the motivation or the skills) so this will be a photoblog!

I’ll really try to continue posting and not let it drop after a month but as it’s only photos I’ll always spend time editing photos and this seems like a good way to share photos of my travels for people that don’t have Facebook (thinking of you mum).

First stop: Shanghai! A nice introduction to China. Such a futuristic skyline. Really incredible lights

Such huge buildings. Left to right: Shanghai World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai Tower

Night lights from the 94th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center

A typical street in Old Shanghai

Nanjing Road East. Consumer central

Lights, lights and more lights

Old and new at Jing’an Temple. The lady is throwing a coin into the opening, it didn’t go in on the first, second or third attempt

Incense

Praying at Jing’an Temple

Hi mum

Art Deco architecture in the French Concession in Shanghai

Marriage market in Shanghai

These are the mothers and fathers rather than what’s on offer. At least they’re proactive parents…

Nice spot for an expensive beer

The Chairman

Chinese Propaganda Poster Museum. Very interesting. I took this photo before I saw the ‘No Pictures’ sign…honest.

Enjoying the view

Hi mum

Tiananmen Square at night (Beijing in case you didn’t know)

The Chairman

Queueing to see the embalmed body of Chairman Mao. It was interesting even to queue outside and see that, for some, it was almost like a pilgrimage. Flowers were laid, bows done, respects paid…just not by me. Interesting but strange experience

Making new friends. For each photo that a Chinese person wants to take with me I’m going to also ask for a photo

Heading inside the Forbidden City. Amazing what 60 RMB gets you inside these days

Highly ornate temple inside the Forbidden City

Porcelain and dragons, very Chinese

Very fiercesome

The crowds inside the Forbidden City take away somewhat from the experience. I know I’m also part of the problem as a tourist

Stillness inside

Scariest tortoise I’ve ever seen

The Hall of Supreme Harmony. Incredible names but I think my favourite was Hall of Ultimate Greatness

The face some Chinese make when they see me

More friends

Main square along the Central Meridian

Crowds trying to see the Dragon Throne

The Emperor (or Chairman rather) is still watching

Nice view inside the Palace Museum as the Forbidden City is officially (boringly) known as

Overlooking the Forbidden City as sunset

The huge moat surrounding

The Central Meridian of halls lining up north to south

Delicious Peking Roast Duck!

Next post: Hiking The Great Wall of China