Shanghai, Day 2

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall

Sculpture in the Shanghai Museum

The skyline just before we sailed

The trip on the second day in Shanghai was to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall--a six story building next to People's Square in the middle of Shanghai, devoted exclusively to displays of urban planning and the history of Shanghai's architecture.  One entire floor of the building is devoted to a model of Shanghai.... it is overwhelming!  We had a very knowledgeable guide who talked with us about the challenges that Shanghai is facing as it expands to an expected 30 million people in 2050.  The upper floor of the building contains several displays about Shanghai's greening efforts.  I took lots of photos that I have already used in classes on ship.  In the afternoon, Tina and I visited the Shanghai Museum and took a walk through downtown Shanghai and along the Bund near the river back to the ship.  Shanghai overwhelms the senses... It is a dynamic city with incredible architecture and ambitious plans......

Shanghai!

We spent two relaxing days at sea between Hong Kong and Shanghai.  Many of the Semester at Sea folks were taking overland tours to Beijing and the Great Wall, so there were few people on the ship.  The crew made us special dinners and we were able to catch up on some reading and sleep.  We arrived in Shanghai early on the third day, and again docked right in the center of the city, with amazing views of the skyline.  The photo at the top above is the view from our ship.  Fifteen years ago, that area was all rice paddys!  Shanghai is a city of between 21 and 22 million people--twice the size of New York City, and is growing exponentially, with all of the development and planning issues that kind of growth brings.  We had scheduled two trips in Shanghai, both related to sustainable development.  On the first day a group of several faculty, along with about 15 students met in the offices of Gensler Architects, designers of the Shanghai Tower.  The Shanghai Tower is scheduled for completion in 2014 and will be the second tallest building in the world.  It incorporates many green building features, including geothermal HVAC, wind turbines at the top of the building, and a rainwater collection system for greywater use.  The shape of the building is a spiral which reduces wind force, so the building can be designed with fewer materials.  The Gensler architects were very generous with their time and described in detail the structural and environmental characteristics of the building.

Last Day in Hong Kong

Planning and Infrastructure Exhibition Gallery

Overlook at the Peak Tram station

Bubba Gump Shrimp at the Peak

On our second day in Hong Kong, Tina and I explored Hong Kong Island.  We first found the Planning and Infrastructure Exhibition Gallery that our guide for the hike recommended.  It had some great interactive exhibits on current conditions and future plans for Hong Kong, with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. Afterward, we rode the Peak Tram to the top of the ridge overlooking Hong Kong.  There was a huge shopping and restaurant area at the top, so we indulged in some western style food by having lunch at Bubba Gump' Shrimp at the top.  On the way back to the ship we explored some of the incredible commercial architecture in Hong Kong's financial district, and then set sail for Shanghai that evening...

Night Market in Hong Kong

Restaurant along Canton Road

Temple Street Night Market

Holiday decorations in Hong Kong

After the hike on the first day in Hong Kong, Tina and I set out with a friend from the ship to explore the Night Market.  We first had dinner at a small restaurant along Canton Road near the port (see above), and then walked about 10 blocks to the night market along Temple Street. The night market was colorful, crowded, noisy and fun.  Vendors were much less pushy than we have experienced in other ports, and our friend was a great bargainer!  Tina bought a silk jacket and some fans, and I got a dragon shirt. 

Hong Kong

At Lion Rock above Hong Kong

Ship's photographer documenting the hike

Some were too close for comfort....

The view of Hong Kong skyline from our ship

After three days of rough seas and classes, we arrived in Hong Kong the morning of November 11 for a two day visit.  Hong Kong has around 7.5 million residents living in 1, 100 square kilometers of land, making it the most densely populated city in the world.  Despite that , they have managed to preserve large areas of the surrounding wooded hills as "country parks".  Our dock was right in the middle of the city between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, so we had a stunning view of the skyline.   The first day we arrived I led a seven mile hike along a ridge overlooking Kowloon and Hong Kong.  Our local guide is a Swiss native who has been a resident of Hong Kong for 28 years and has been very active in local conservation efforts.  You can read more about his organization at www.walkhongkong.com.   The hike was really challenging, but we saw some amazing views of Hong Kong and talked about sustainability issues.  We also saw quite a few wild monkeys along the hike.