Wow, another busy day!
Today we started off going to Qibao, the Old Town, where we did some shopping in the markets and explored the streets. The sights, sounds, and smells almost overwhelmed the senses! We saw street vendors, shops full of toys and other wares, and foods of every type. Because it is the weekend, the crowds were thick with tourists and natives alike. In a sense the markets were like the Minnesota State Fair: crowded, noisy, and full of strange food on sticks! We even saw little roasted birds skewered on a stick…not something you see every day in Minnesota!
The shopping in the Old Town was pretty good—you could find just about anything and bargain it down to a fair price. As if we needed any more weight added to our suitcases! So all of you following this blog, you should expect some nice souvenirs when we get back!
After the Old Town, we headed over to a silk factory. We got to see the various stages in the silk worm development and watch the spinning machine untangle the cocoons. The guide then showed us how they stretch the silk to make quilts and other products. We were then set free to explore the silk shop, where bed quilts and duvet covers, clothing, scarves, ties, and more were sold in brilliant colors and designs.
From the silk factory we headed over to the Mongolian BBQ for lunch. This was an interesting experience quite unlike any of our other meals. The BBQ worked as follows: first you grab a bowl and put some uncooked meat in it followed by veggies and sauces, then you bring it over to the stove where a cook would fry it all up as you watch. The end dish was customized and of course very delicious! To make the meal even better, they served fruit and desserts—a rare treat in China it seems…
After lunch we visited the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai History Museum. At the Tower, we saw a panorama of the city from over 220m. Needless to say, it was a very picturesque view. As for the museum, I found it very interesting to see how Shanghai has transformed over the course of the last century. Even over the last 10 years Shanghai has become more and more cosmopolitan. Skyscrapers now dot the landscape in every direction. Even though the city has been built up, our guide told us that Shanghai has 10 square meters per capita—which is remarkable considering Shanghai’s large population.
In the evening, we went to see the Shanghai Acrobatic show. I had seen an acrobatic show before, but I was still stunned by all the stunts they performed. The show started with a flying leap as acrobats jumped, tumbled, and back-flipped through vertical hoops. Following this was a contortionist, jugglers, plate spinners, a tight-rope walker, and others. I would try to describe what I saw, but I can’t even begin to put the experience into words. You’ll just have to see it for yourself someday!
-Maddy