Be a tourist in Shànghǎi (Yāntái Superstar)

Travelers often shun the idea of being a tourist or going to tourist spots from fear that it makes their experience inauthentic or they will be taken advantage of. While on one hand I understand the inauthenticity fear, and always try to find some local favorites, the big tourist spots anywhere are usually such because they're impressive or indicative of that particular area. If not, even seeing what a city wants to promote to foreigners, tells a little bit about culture. In terms of being taken advantage of in China, there's no need to fear it, because it's going to happen at some point, no matter where you go, or what you do. Just accept this and move on, as the majority of the time, it's really minor.

I find touristy recommendations especially valuable when visiting a big metro city like Shànghǎi, because to some degree, it's like visiting any big metro city. Some of the tourist draws in Shànghǎi are the architectural projects, the shopping (giant mall-like complexes), the Bund (riverbank and nightlife area), museums and Anren Jie/Yuyuan Garden.

Anren Jie is a traditional Chinese architecture site and "souvenir stop," featuring handicrafts, food and Yuyuan Garden. It's an odd juxtaposition of beautiful old buildings and bottom level modern storefronts.

One handicraft that I found interesting is hand-painting inside of a glass bottle. The detail level that the artist is able to get is really impressive.

One vendor was selling hair styling tools, and although they were demonstrating on many passersby, when they demonstrated on me, it drew a little bit of a crowd. Clearly I missed an opportunity to take a cut on any sales profits.

And I finally got my favorite drink, coconut water. Surprisingly it's really hard to find in China, although coconut milk isn't. I had two...and then felt like I might vomit. But it was worth it, because that's what you do for love.

Now, the "buy buy buy" tourist culture can get oppressive and a China traveler's best friend is the phrase "bú yào," like "boo yow" in English. This essentially means "don't want," and is what you say when someone keeps trying to sell you a Gucci purse.

My favorite part of Anren Jie was Yuyuan Garden, finished in 1577 by a government official during the Ming Dynasty as a place of relaxation for his parents, opened to the public in the 1960's. It's quite peaceful and features many unique details, like the changing shapes of doorways and some beautiful rock formations. I enjoyed impersonating lion sculptures, which seemed to make other people uncomfortable...but one man's trash, is another man's treasure. Is that phrase appropriate? No?

Here are a few photos, but you can check out the complete set to see more.