Shanghai in December

Visiting Shanghai is a treat. Ranked as one of the largest cities in the world Shanghai has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade. Coming here to the center of Western influence in Asia after a two years hiatus has been a revelation in how fast things change here in this part of the word. Here is an example.

Five years ago when Jennifer and I came to Shanghai to visit her parents and for me to meet them for the first time, the number of cars on the road in the city was impressive but the bicycle traffic was equally dense. The amount of motor scooter traffic was very small and the types of cars on the road were mainly small compacts. Not many foreign imports here really at that time for what I recall. The very wealthy were driven around in Bentley’s and the larger Mercedes but these were very few. This year while visiting Shanghai, the auto traffic is denser and the motor scooters on the road are many. Shanghai is not the place for idle jaywalking I can assure you.

According to a recent report China is the fastest growing nation in its demand for oil products. If the growth continues at this pace here in China the United States will be paying more at the pump simply due to the increased demand worldwide.

While here in Shanghai Jennifer was able to revisit her childhood. We stopped by the building that she grew up in. Actually its around the corner from the very modern high-rise building that her parents live in now so we did not have to go out of our way to see the old building.

Its cold here in Shanghai this time of year with temperatures running in the low to freezing range. A long sleeve shirt and sweater under a nice coat is about right for morning walks along the crowded streets hunting for bargains here. The afternoons are pleasant and for brief outings a sweater is all that is required.

To see all of the China 2005 pictures visit flickr “China at Christmas“