Shanghai - Tour Day 2

Today we headed off to discover Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town with cobble stone lanes and well preserved Ming and Qing buildings. It has a history of more than 1700 years. Covering an area of 47 square kilometers. Also called 'Pearl Stream' - the town is the best-preserved among the four ancient towns in Shanghai. Unique old bridges, small rivers shaded by willow trees, and houses.

Even though it is raining today we managed to enjoy this traditional town as you cruise along the canals and drift beneath stone arched bridges. It reminded me of Hoi Ahn in Vietnam. We first took a boat along the canals before walking through the streets taking the sights and sounds of this quaint town. We also checked out the garden and fed the large coi fish.

Umbrella for your motorbike

 We headed back to Shanghai and had lunch at a Mongolian BBQ. Here you selected you own meat, vegetables, spices and sauces then gave them to the chefs who cook them on a huge flat hot plate. Too bad if you had any allergies as they just cooked everyone's on the same surface together. Ate way to much but it was very good. There was a silk embroidery gallery here as well that had some stunning and expensive pictures. I couldn't resist and bought a small one on sale for about $30aus.

Next stop the carpet factory. Having done this in Turkey we sort of tuned out and just grabbed a drink and relaxed while the others admired the workmanship that goes into making handmade silk carpets.

We ended the day at Tianzi Fang where many artists and local designers have set up art studios and galleries. It was a shame it was raining as we missed our chance to shop at the boutiques or just relax at one of the street cafes.

We decided to have dinner early so we could return to the hotel to pack and relax as we fly out of Shanghai tomorrow to start our Yangtze River Cruise.

Fitbit steps today not very good due to the rain 9,485, 6.31km