Ferry to Shanghai (departing from Osaka Port).
I arrived in Osaka by overnight bus from Tokyo, and then immediately went to Osaka Port.
This is it, the departure.
I arrived in Osaka by overnight bus from Tokyo, and then immediately went to Osaka Port.
This is it, the departure.
I arrived in Osaka by overnight bus from Tokyo, and then immediately went to Osaka Port.
This is it, the departure.
I arrived in Osaka by overnight bus from Tokyo, and then immediately went to Osaka Port.
This is it, the departure.
I arrived in Osaka by overnight bus from Tokyo, and then immediately went to Osaka Port.
This is it, the departure.
I arrived in Osaka by overnight bus from Tokyo, and then immediately went to Osaka Port.
This is it, the departure.
This is it, the departure.
I arrived in Osaka by overnight bus from Tokyo, and then immediately went to Osaka Port.
This is it, the departure.
I arrived in Osaka by overnight bus from Tokyo, and then immediately went to Osaka Port.
This is it, the departure.
I arrived in Osaka by overnight bus from Tokyo, and then immediately went to Osaka Port.
This is it, the departure.
I arrived in Osaka by overnight bus from Tokyo, and then immediately went to Osaka Port.
This is it, the departure.
I arrived in Osaka by overnight bus from Tokyo, and then immediately went to Osaka Port.
This is it, the departure.
People's Square ~ Shanghai Museum of Art.
After arriving in Shanghai, I checked into a youth hostel near People's Square.
It had been a while since I stayed in a youth hostel, but the location was good, and the inside was surprisingly comfortable.
On the day of arrival, I visited places such as the underground streets of People's Square.
A theater near the People's Square. It is huge.
And in the evening, I had dinner with a friend who is working in Shanghai.
Everything is delicious.
This restaurant seems to be popular, and the wait was worth it.
I learned some important Chinese expressions, which were very helpful.
- When you don't understand what someone is saying, "ting dong" → frequently used.
- To call a staff member, "fu yuan".
- When you don't want something, "bu yao".
Then, I walked along "Nanjing East Road," which is the main street.
The road is clean and well-maintained, and it feels safe.
The next day, I went to the Shanghai Museum.
First, I ate something that looked like ramen for breakfast. It cost 8 yuan (about 160 yen).
And then to the Shanghai Museum.
I entered at exactly 9:00 AM, the opening time.
This is an old Buddhist statue, but it is a style that I am not very familiar with.
It is quite interesting.
It feels like the style that is usually displayed in a few pieces in other museums is spread out throughout the entire room.
The bronze artifacts also have many high-quality exhibits from several centuries BC.
In terms of the fact that old things remain, China truly has a history.
Ink wash paintings, too, often feature detailed depictions that might appeal to Chinese tastes.
Japanese people might prefer a more streamlined style.
Even a small section, when cropped, can be a beautiful image.
And the exhibition of costumes of ethnic minorities.
Tibetan masks, etc.
Other various items.
And then I left the Shanghai Museum.
It had been a while since I stayed in a youth hostel, but the location was good, and the inside was surprisingly comfortable.
On the day of arrival, I visited places such as the underground streets of People's Square.
A theater near the People's Square. It is huge.
And in the evening, I had dinner with a friend who is working in Shanghai.
Everything is delicious.
This restaurant seems to be popular, and the wait was worth it.
I learned some important Chinese expressions, which were very helpful.
- When you don't understand what someone is saying, "ting dong" → frequently used.
- To call a staff member, "fu yuan".
- When you don't want something, "bu yao".
Then, I walked along "Nanjing East Road," which is the main street.
The road is clean and well-maintained, and it feels safe.
The next day, I went to the Shanghai Museum.
First, I ate something that looked like ramen for breakfast. It cost 8 yuan (about 160 yen).
And then to the Shanghai Museum.
I entered at exactly 9:00 AM, the opening time.
This is an old Buddhist statue, but it is a style that I am not very familiar with.
It is quite interesting.
It feels like the style that is usually displayed in a few pieces in other museums is spread out throughout the entire room.
The bronze artifacts also have many high-quality exhibits from several centuries BC.
In terms of the fact that old things remain, China truly has a history.
Ink wash paintings, too, often feature detailed depictions that might appeal to Chinese tastes.
Japanese people might prefer a more streamlined style.
Even a small section, when cropped, can be a beautiful image.
And the exhibition of costumes of ethnic minorities.
Tibetan masks, etc.
Other various items.
And then I left the Shanghai Museum.
Town walking and Yu Garden Shopping Mall.
After leaving the Shanghai Museum, I first had something to eat.
I ate something that looked like ramen for 28 yuan (about 550 yen).
It was like ramen with chili oil.
And then, I walked towards Yu Garden Merchant Street.
I found a building with many small shops inside, so I went in.
Is this the building filled with mini Chinese shops that I've heard about?
I was thinking of buying sandals, but the price initially dropped from 45 yuan (approximately 890 yen) to 25 yuan (approximately 490 yen), but since I didn't know the average price, I decided to hold off and go outside. Then, when I went outside, a shop had them for 20 yuan (390 yen) from the beginning, so I bought one. Sometimes, they are sold for this price in Japan, and occasionally, you can find cheap sandals at 100-yen shops. I thought to myself that even at this price, they must be making a lot of profit, and I paid for it. I probably should have just bought sandals in Japan.
I think the prices in Shanghai are not cheap. The prices in department stores are sometimes higher than in Japan, and when it comes to food, they are about the same as in Japan, maybe a little cheaper. I've heard that prices are much cheaper in the countryside, but I'm surprised by the prices in Shanghai.
And then, I went to Yu Garden Merchant Street.
This area seems to be a scenic district that represents "the Shanghai."
There is a garden called Yu Garden, and shops are spread around it.
I got excited when I was here.
And then, to the Yu Garden.
Considering the content, 40 yuan (about 780 yen) might be a little expensive.
And that day, I decided to head home.
On the way back, a pair of people approached me and asked if I could take their picture.
They said they were tourists from Beijing, and after I took their picture, they asked me where I was from, so I told them I was from Tokyo. Then, without warning, they switched to strange questions like, "Have you been to ○○?" Also, the map they were holding looked old and worn, and they seemed very familiar with it, so I thought it might be a scam and left the scene. It's best not to approach people who seem dangerous.
Then, I got on the subway and got off at a station near the guesthouse. After that, I went into a building with many small shops, just like I mentioned before, to buy "keys."
It's not obvious from the outside, but I peeked inside and saw a building that looked "promising," so I went in.
Inside, there were many people trying to get customers. "Would you like to buy a Rolex?" "Would you like to buy a bag?"
However, they weren't pushy. Compared to India, they were much more polite. They weren't "arrogant" like in India.
I found the keys I was looking for.
Cheap-looking keys, the kind you might find at a 100-yen shop, were being sold at one shop for 45 yuan (about 880 yen), and at another shop for 35 yuan (about 670 yen). When I asked for a discount, one shop lowered the price to 20 yuan (390 yen), but I knew it shouldn't be that expensive, so I went to the top floor, but the prices were the same.
I thought, "It's probably less than 100 yen," so I tried to negotiate a lower price at a shop on the top floor.
The initial price was 50 yuan (980 yen), but I offered 5 yuan (98 yen). Then, the clerk said, "Hmm, okay. 30 yuan." When I said 5 yuan, they lowered it to 20 yuan, and when I said 5 yuan again, they lowered it to the "last price" of 10 yuan. Even then, when I said 5 yuan, they said, "Okay, I'll sell it to you for 5 yuan." Well, that's how it is.
This is a common pattern where they mark up the price 5 to 10 times the official price and then sell it with a 30% discount.
Even if you think you've managed to get it down to half price, it's still more than double the actual selling price.
If you understand this, it's not a problem.
I ate something that looked like ramen for 28 yuan (about 550 yen).
It was like ramen with chili oil.
And then, I walked towards Yu Garden Merchant Street.
I found a building with many small shops inside, so I went in.
Is this the building filled with mini Chinese shops that I've heard about?
I was thinking of buying sandals, but the price initially dropped from 45 yuan (approximately 890 yen) to 25 yuan (approximately 490 yen), but since I didn't know the average price, I decided to hold off and go outside. Then, when I went outside, a shop had them for 20 yuan (390 yen) from the beginning, so I bought one. Sometimes, they are sold for this price in Japan, and occasionally, you can find cheap sandals at 100-yen shops. I thought to myself that even at this price, they must be making a lot of profit, and I paid for it. I probably should have just bought sandals in Japan.
I think the prices in Shanghai are not cheap. The prices in department stores are sometimes higher than in Japan, and when it comes to food, they are about the same as in Japan, maybe a little cheaper. I've heard that prices are much cheaper in the countryside, but I'm surprised by the prices in Shanghai.
And then, I went to Yu Garden Merchant Street.
This area seems to be a scenic district that represents "the Shanghai."
There is a garden called Yu Garden, and shops are spread around it.
I got excited when I was here.
And then, to the Yu Garden.
Considering the content, 40 yuan (about 780 yen) might be a little expensive.
And that day, I decided to head home.
On the way back, a pair of people approached me and asked if I could take their picture.
They said they were tourists from Beijing, and after I took their picture, they asked me where I was from, so I told them I was from Tokyo. Then, without warning, they switched to strange questions like, "Have you been to ○○?" Also, the map they were holding looked old and worn, and they seemed very familiar with it, so I thought it might be a scam and left the scene. It's best not to approach people who seem dangerous.
Then, I got on the subway and got off at a station near the guesthouse. After that, I went into a building with many small shops, just like I mentioned before, to buy "keys."
It's not obvious from the outside, but I peeked inside and saw a building that looked "promising," so I went in.
Inside, there were many people trying to get customers. "Would you like to buy a Rolex?" "Would you like to buy a bag?"
However, they weren't pushy. Compared to India, they were much more polite. They weren't "arrogant" like in India.
I found the keys I was looking for.
Cheap-looking keys, the kind you might find at a 100-yen shop, were being sold at one shop for 45 yuan (about 880 yen), and at another shop for 35 yuan (about 670 yen). When I asked for a discount, one shop lowered the price to 20 yuan (390 yen), but I knew it shouldn't be that expensive, so I went to the top floor, but the prices were the same.
I thought, "It's probably less than 100 yen," so I tried to negotiate a lower price at a shop on the top floor.
The initial price was 50 yuan (980 yen), but I offered 5 yuan (98 yen). Then, the clerk said, "Hmm, okay. 30 yuan." When I said 5 yuan, they lowered it to 20 yuan, and when I said 5 yuan again, they lowered it to the "last price" of 10 yuan. Even then, when I said 5 yuan, they said, "Okay, I'll sell it to you for 5 yuan." Well, that's how it is.
This is a common pattern where they mark up the price 5 to 10 times the official price and then sell it with a 30% discount.
Even if you think you've managed to get it down to half price, it's still more than double the actual selling price.
If you understand this, it's not a problem.
Shanghai Zoo and the Bund.
It was a little cold, but I went to the Shanghai Zoo.
The entrance fee was 40 yuan (approximately 780 yen). It's not cheap.
The panda is sleeping.
Unlike pandas in zoos outside of China, it's treated in a normal way, which is neither special nor unusual.
Other animals are also sleeping soundly.
This bear was diligently eating the bread that Chinese people were giving it.
Also, it's quite a sight to see Chinese people feeding the animals everywhere, but I wonder why the staff doesn't say anything about it (bitter smile).
And then we left the zoo.
Around the time we finished seeing the animals, the weather had improved, and the temperature had risen.
So, I actually considered just going home, but I decided to go to "Wai Tan," which is along the river.
The view is quite nice.
It's a pretty good view.
I walked from there to the People's Square.
Since going back directly would be a bit too early, I decided to watch a movie in a foreign country.
"Fast & Furious 7" was playing, so I went to see it. It cost 65 yuan (about 1270 yen), which isn't cheap.
There was seat selection, and unlike in India, there was no loud cheering or excitement during the movie; the audience was very well-behaved. The level of civility in Shanghai is quite high.
The first movie I saw when I was assigned to India was the previous installment, "Fast & Furious 6," and the Indian audience was very excited, cheering loudly during the movie. This provided a good contrast. I was impressed by the level of civility in China (or Shanghai).
The content of the movie... well, it was like that. I think the sixth one was more interesting.
Then, I had a meal at the cafeteria and headed home.
This is 26 yuan (approximately 510 yen).
The entrance fee was 40 yuan (approximately 780 yen). It's not cheap.
The panda is sleeping.Unlike pandas in zoos outside of China, it's treated in a normal way, which is neither special nor unusual.
Other animals are also sleeping soundly.
This bear was diligently eating the bread that Chinese people were giving it.
Also, it's quite a sight to see Chinese people feeding the animals everywhere, but I wonder why the staff doesn't say anything about it (bitter smile).
And then we left the zoo.Around the time we finished seeing the animals, the weather had improved, and the temperature had risen.
So, I actually considered just going home, but I decided to go to "Wai Tan," which is along the river.
The view is quite nice.
It's a pretty good view.I walked from there to the People's Square.
Since going back directly would be a bit too early, I decided to watch a movie in a foreign country.
"Fast & Furious 7" was playing, so I went to see it. It cost 65 yuan (about 1270 yen), which isn't cheap.
There was seat selection, and unlike in India, there was no loud cheering or excitement during the movie; the audience was very well-behaved. The level of civility in Shanghai is quite high.
The first movie I saw when I was assigned to India was the previous installment, "Fast & Furious 6," and the Indian audience was very excited, cheering loudly during the movie. This provided a good contrast. I was impressed by the level of civility in China (or Shanghai).
The content of the movie... well, it was like that. I think the sixth one was more interesting.
Then, I had a meal at the cafeteria and headed home.
This is 26 yuan (approximately 510 yen).Lu Xun Memorial Hall.
Today, I will visit some small temples and museums.
First, I will go to the Lu Xun Memorial Hall.
Today, I will visit some small temples and museums.
First, I will go to the Lu Xun Memorial Hall.
First, I will go to the Lu Xun Memorial Hall.
Today, I will visit some small temples and museums.
First, I will go to the Lu Xun Memorial Hall.
Ryūga-ji.
Next, I went to Ryūka-ji Temple.
This place was better than I expected.
The Buddhist statues were China-ized, and the transformation was interesting.
Is it Taoism or something like that?
This place was better than I expected.
The Buddhist statues were China-ized, and the transformation was interesting.
Is it Taoism or something like that?
Jade Buddha Temple.
Next is the Gyokubutsu Zenji Temple.
It is said that a Buddhist statue brought back from Burma is housed there.
It's okay, I guess.
It is said that a Buddhist statue brought back from Burma is housed there.
It's okay, I guess.
Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.
At night, I decided to watch the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe performing at the Shanghai Shopping Mall.
Since this is not a dedicated theater, you cannot see animals, but it seems to be a place where you can enjoy basic shows.
Therefore, the price is supposed to be reasonable.
However, even with a discount, the original price is 300 yuan, but it was reduced to 180 yuan (about 3,500 yen), so I'm not sure if it's a cheap or expensive price.
When I arrived, my seat was almost in the very front, almost in the center.
It was an incredibly good seat.
I was able to enjoy the performance right in front of me.
The Chinese acrobatic troupe I saw on television had an image of "perfection," but they actually made quite a few mistakes during the performance, so I got the impression that it was more of a show business that somehow manages to get through each time. Or, is it that there is a shortage of talent recently? I expect that even though they are using an entire theater, their salaries are probably not that high.
Since this is not a dedicated theater, you cannot see animals, but it seems to be a place where you can enjoy basic shows.
Therefore, the price is supposed to be reasonable.
However, even with a discount, the original price is 300 yuan, but it was reduced to 180 yuan (about 3,500 yen), so I'm not sure if it's a cheap or expensive price.
When I arrived, my seat was almost in the very front, almost in the center.
It was an incredibly good seat.
I was able to enjoy the performance right in front of me.
The Chinese acrobatic troupe I saw on television had an image of "perfection," but they actually made quite a few mistakes during the performance, so I got the impression that it was more of a show business that somehow manages to get through each time. Or, is it that there is a shortage of talent recently? I expect that even though they are using an entire theater, their salaries are probably not that high.