Shanghai

Shanghai

Shanghai is China's economic engine and huge, both in the air and on the ground. It contains some of the tallest buildings on the planet and, with a population of 20 million, it could almost fit the entire population of Australia within its boundary!

It is undergoing major development with infrastructure, apartment blocks and skyscrapers spouting everywhere like mushrooms. So impressive is Shanghai that I was left with the belief that, if Shanghai is a measure of China's ability to achieve, then anything is possible for China. One of the many highlights of China was the stunning trip on the Maglev train to the airport. Suspended above the ground by magnetic forces it is totally computer controlled and achieves the awesome speed of 431km/hr. Top speed is 500km/hr, but the track isn't long enough to comfortably achieve the speed. An experience I shall never forget!

	Some of the impressive cityscape viewed from one of the motorways.
	A bridge over the Huangpu River. At lower left is part of the ramp up to the bridge which takes the motorist through approx 630^o of travel from ground level to bridge level.
	People cooling off at one of the fountains with an impressive cityscape in the background.
	A city of great contrast - here is a residential area in need of renovation.
	Old dwellings fight for survival amid the towering new apartment blocks.
	Many vendors set up shop on the footpath. There's no shortage of customers!
	The stunning TV tower. Here's a view at night. It contains a handful of hotel rooms in the spherical parts of the structure.
	Shanghai Museum lobby. The museum contains many beautiful Chinese artifacts made of jade and wood . Here's an example of jade sculpture (shown larger than actual size).
	A vibrant and colourful city at night. Interesting night photography subjects were everywhere.
	Here's another one, taken looking away from Central train station.
	The Transrapid Building where the Maglev train to Shanghai Pudong International Airport is boarded. The exciting trip takes 7 minutes and achieves a speed of 431km/hr - here's the proof!