All of the Lights

After tonight, I've definitely began warming up to the city of Shanghai. Although it was still very smoggy today, we did get to see its most prevalent area-The Bund. This district is where all the grand buildings are visible, where impeccable shopping opportunities are within walking distance, and where wealthy thrive. The Orient Pearl Tower isn't the tallest building in Shanghai, but it is the most prolific in my opinion. A quick Google image search of "Shanghai" yields at least 10 pictures that include this tower. We were able to ascend to the top and view the city from above through a glass floor. It was nerve-racking at first, but the views were way too incredible for the shaky legs to last very long.
After the tower and dinner we went on a boat ride along this area of town. It was nightfall by this time and that's where Shanghai's true beauty reveals itself. Every building is uniquely and extravagantly illuminated and there is a multitude of them. Your eyes can't help but stay wide open as you take in all of the lights. The pageantry goes to such lengths that some buildings' lights perform automated shows. Dancing from floor to floor or flickering in patterns to form shapes and words were some examples seen tonight. No judgement should ever be made on the appearance of Shanghai until one sees it with the sun down, a mistake I made with my first impression.