TRADITION Shanghai might be an ultra modern city, however deep inside its maze of streets is an urban oasis called the Yu Yuan Gardens. The area around Yu Yuan Gardens is a touristy shopping district that used to be the Chinese City' in colonial times. Here traditional Chinese architecture creates a huge, although welcomed, contrast with the rest of the city's modern sites. Red balconies are carved in traditional Chinese style, complimenting the white facades and topped off with traditional Chinese 4-point tiled roofs. The streets are cobblestone and red lanterns hang from most of the balconies.
Downstairs different stores line the streets; here you can find everything from tea sets and kites to exotic herbs and exotic medicinal rarities (for westerners). Be warned: this area is full of tourists, and thus best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The Yu Yuan Gardens date from the second half of the 16th century and in a way they could serve as an escape away from the busy city, however only if you manage to visit at an off peak' time (usually just before the gardens close at 5pm or on a cloudy or rainy day!). Your walk will then be a delight for your eyes TRAVIDITION / travidition.com
with beautiful flowers, bamboo, ponds and carvings to admire. At sunrise or sunset you have an opportunity to find peace and relaxation in many of Shanghai's city parks. At Fuxing Park (entrance is at Yandang Road near Nanchang Rd just off Huaihai Rd) members of the older generation take some time to practice tai chi or fight their shadows in slow motion with silver swords. Mesmerizing best describes this sight. 85