The Yu gardens were a stunning start to the day – originally a private garden over 2ha, 16 years to build during the Ming dynasty. Now under cultural preservation – beautiful vistas, rock formations, bonsai, relics etc, the zigzag bridge of 9 turnings, lotus pools, turtles and very large koi carp!
By now very hot and hazy, not clearing so decided to spend rest of the day hopping between air-conditioned attractions as much as possible! The Urban Planning Exhibition Centre was an excellent choice displaying Shanghai, past, present & future. Amazing models of the city with light display & including the deep water port accessed by 34 km bridge , photo histories and plans for the future – 9 new cities, 60 towns, more rural villages and all the associated infrastructure including eco considerations – amazing!! Next stop Shanghai Museum was less appealing to us but LOL – feature exhibition is Maori taonga from the Otago Museum!!
We ended the day caught out (literally) by a large thunder and lightening storm and downpour. Sheltered in a flash hotel lobby and planned our return strategy over a beer! Off to Heathrow in the am! Glad we did river cruise etc yesterday- poor views in the haze today!
