The Shanghai Financial Center contains the world’s highest observatory. The building is nearly 500 meters tall with an elevator that rockets you up to about 440 meters in just over 60 seconds. There are two observatories – one at the 94th floor and one at the 100th floor. Both afford spectacular views of skyscrapers in all directions. Shanghai is a major International financial player and this building is one of the city’s proudest accomplishments.
Visitor’s walk through a patriotic presentation highlighting Shanghai versus NYC and Tokyo on the first floor. The amount of window glass used in this building is equal to a quarter of Japan’s entire output in a year. 91 elevators are in the building – the foundation goes into the earth about 250 feet…and lots of other fun facts!
The Bund is beautiful at night highlighting both Western architecture, Eastern as well as modern. This walkway along the river is insanely crowded at night! I spent 30 minutes trying to take a photo of the massive impressive looking copper bull because of crowds gathered around (same artist as created the Wall Street icon). Finally we got that perfect shot!
Stopped by a health club for massage. Turned into an hour of Chinese torture – all thumbs, with intense amounts of pressure radiated. Screamed out several times, massage therapist just laughed.
….off for more exploring today!
OH and hows this for perspective on Shanghai’s air quality – these photos were taken of the same two buildings approximately the same distance away on successive days (one zoomed in a bit more). One shows amazing (for Shanghai) air quality and the other shows “average” air quality. I hate to see what a “bad” air quality day looks and feels like. During the Shanghai Expo last year when factories were shut down the air quality was much improved for the duration of that event.
Thanks for following. Now following back.
the air quality shots are…breathtaking. So 4 buildings like that and no more glass left in a year production? that’s as amazing as the air quality (or lack of)
Myriam – yea, it was crazy this week how fast we went from decent air quality to terrible. It really gets in your throat and nose 🙁
Right – course the Shanghai Financial building is nearly 500 meters tall – thats alot of glass!
I also have some great shots from pulling into the Shanghai harbor…The air quality was appalling!
Have fun!
Wow! Those side by side photos are really telling!
Lol, I should send you blue sky pictures taken during the EXPO!
I love to follow your experiences around the world, Dave.
Greetings from Andalusia! Your web is really wonderful.
Ack, evil massage therapist! Hope you’re not too sore tomorrow.
Kristy – yea, exactly! Next time your out in Napa or Sonoma, I’ll put together a PINOT only day – and will introduce you to some California Pinot Noir pioneers – Richard Grant has an amazing Pinot Noir story, he knows the wine industry well after decades.
OMG, absolutely fantastic photos:))
Those photos are incredible…scary but incredible. Thanks for a great post. And thanks for visiting my blog and following. I’ll look forward to getting to know you through your writing.
wow. shanghai really has something to show off..
its ao nice to live in the clouds.
at the same i will be living in costant fear….mmm many things, cos i am actually afraid of heights.
Helloo there! Thanks for following! I am here too : I love to travel and I thing your site is amazing! Love your blog!! I bet above the clouds is amazing to be and to look down to earth from there too….See you around!
Wow…that air quality situation is insane! Thanks for stopping by my blog and becoming a follower!
excelente entrada
Lovely this blog.I want come back here and join this place.
Sds
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