CRUISING THE HUANGPU RIVER, SHANGHAI

THE M.S. SPD BANK

When in Shanghai a visitor must weigh anchor and cruise the Huangpu River. Various vessels and times are available for a relaxing view of Shanghai and Pudong. One hour trips will cover 16 kilometres. Our journey probably took two hours as we were treated to food and coffee. The motor vessel was indeed rather plush. Five of us were seated at a table on the second deck and able to view the buildings on either side of the river, as well as the water traffic constantly moving up and down the river. Yes, our table was situated alongside the large observation window. We certainly enjoyed the food and service offered. We were able to move around the vessel and onto other decks as well as the bow and stern. The stern proved to be a very good position from which to take photographs. The comfort on board the M.S. SPD Bank proved to be too relaxing for most of the passengers as we discovered many settling, lingering, curling, perching, lolling, and roosting their bodies into slumbering positions. 

The vessel we boarded for the cruise. 

The staircase leading to and from the decks.

Coffee and dessert is served. 

 Can we believe this Cruise provides such enjoyment? 

Some folk are alert to the comforts provided,
while others succumb to land of nod. 

Some finger food is absolutely delicious. 

Internal design is eye-catching. 

The chandelier proves to be a functional feature. 

The hexagonal ceiling lighting changes colour. 

Two passengers enjoying the cruise. 

Passengers walking the deck. 

The lounge on the foredeck. 

The Cruise ship has just docked.

BUILDINGS ALONG THE BUND

THE BUND IN SHANGHAI

Also known as Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, the Bund was the centre of colonial Shanghai. This area is flanked on one side by the Huangpu River and on the other by the hotels, banks, offices and clubs that were the symbols of western commercial power. Many of the century old buildings remain, setting an imposing facade to the Road. The area was redeveloped for the 2010 World Expo.

   

The River Huangpu borders the crescent shaped "Bund".

At its peak the "Bund" was the third biggest financial centre in the world. 

The Peninsula building.

One of the numerous Chinese Banks. 

Most "Bund" buildings, such as the House of Roosevelt,
 display the Peoples' Republic of China flag. 

The KBC Bank, the ABC Bank and the Bank of China stretch along the "Bund". 

The Fairmont Peace Hotel built in 1930
by millionaire, Sir Victor Sassoon. 

The Swatch Art Palace Hotel, built in 1906, became
 the best hotel in Shanghai. It was reopened in 2010. 

Alongside the Palace Hotel is the Chartered Bank Building of India,
 Australia and China, and the North China Daily News Building. 

Between the North China Daily News and the Customs House are the Bank of
Taiwan, Russo-Asiatic Bank and the Bank of Communications. 

The Customs House between the Bank of Communications
and the Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank. 

The bronze lions in front of the Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank
have their heads and paws rubbed for good luck. 

The House of Roosevelt displays some ornate architecture. 

The imposing clock on the Customs House informs 
Shanghai that all China "celebrates"
the same time zone. 

The entrance hall to the Customs House is decorated
with some handsome marine mosaics. 

Buildings on the "Bund" as seen from Pudong across the river. 

The 1920's Bank of China, built by H.H. Kung to rival the Peace Hotel.

Evening settles along the "Bund". 

The flood-lit Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank. 

The "Bund" welcomes another evening for the tourist. Good night!

SAUNTERING THE "BUND"

THE BUND IN 2012

The "BUND" is the symbolic area of Shanghai, China. In days of old, the "Bund" was a stretch of wasteland overgrown with weeds and reeds. Along the River Huangpu there was a towing path formed under the feet of the sweating boat trackers. Today this track continues to be used by peoples' feet. However, I never witnessed any "trackers" hauling boats. Early morning visitors are able to amble, dawdle. linger, loiter, straggle, and trundle lazily across the concrete slabs. The hustle and bustle of people traffic gradually increases as midday approaches. Now a frantic dash, helter-skelter, scamper, scurry, and scuttle of the converging masses encourages my body to "escape" where quieter environs are to be enjoyed.

Our entry to the "Bund" over the Suzhou River.

The "Bund" beside the River Huangpu. 

Crowds scurry onto the "Bund" after lunch.

'Tis okay to dawdle your way onto the "Bund". 

Sometimes the weight of luggage causes struggling folk
to straggle onto the "Bund". 

Young and "old" amble the "Bund" 

Trundling the "Bund" is just not cricket. 

Time to loiter before lunch.

Languid postulating on the "Bund". 

Eyes right while scurrying along the "Bund". Yea, she's a doll! 

Some toddle, some stroll, & a toddler lingers in the "Bund" of Nod! 

Mum's turn for the trike.
I'm scampering off if Dad persists in putting a bow in my hair! 

Lunch time power 'walking' the "Bund". 

The pace on the "Bund" quickens as visitors  scamper to lunch. 

Shades of strolling the "Bund".

The helter-skelter is underway on the "Bund". 

The afternoon's converging masses attempt to scurry along the "Bund". 

"Bund" hazards include mobile phones. 

Leaving the "Bund" to cross the Suzhou River.