Despite the short stay, I thoroughly enjoyed the culinary experiences my friends in Shanghai treated me to. From the legendary Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) to Shanghai-style dumpling noodles, each meal was a delight. One memorable highlight was during our farewell lunch, when I got to savour the so-called "Tian Xia Di Yi Bao" ("The World's No. 1 Bun") at the second-largest restaurant in Shanghai. I must have enjoyed it a little too much - my friend noticed and generously ordered a dozen for me to bring home to Sabah, so my wife could have a taste of authentic Shanghai cuisine too.
Speaking of the restaurant - it was massive by any standard, especially compared to what we’re used to in Sabah. It could accommodate up to 4,000 diners and boasted an additional 120 VIP rooms!
As my friend and I strolled along Nanjing Pedestrian Walk that evening, something unexpected happened. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see two girls, probably around 17 or 18, claiming they hadn’t eaten in a while and asking for money. But it quickly became apparent that they weren’t beggars - they were sex workers. Further down the same walkway, a schoolboy-looking lad bumped into my friend and casually asked, “Do you want massage?” I couldn’t help but think he might have been a young pimp trying to promote his "classmates" or someone else in his circle. That, too, is part of the reality of modern Shanghai - vibrant and dazzling on the surface, but with shadows just beneath.
On my way back to Pudong Airport, I made it a point to experience the famous Shanghai Maglev Train. Traveling at a top speed of 400 km/h, it was a thrilling, smooth, and futuristic ride. For just RMB 40, it was absolutely worth every cent - a perfect high-speed ending to my whirlwind Shanghai trip.
Welcome back! Glad you arrived back home safe and sound. Hope it was a fruitful trip.
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