Xiaoximen

A tall woman holding a sign with our names on it greets us bright and early. We have a private car with both a driver and local guide, Jenny. The day is ours and we can do anything with our time.

Our stomachs sink as we ascend 16 meters per second towards the 88th floor of the Jin Mao tower. Shockingly, we have the elevator and observation floor entirely to ourselves. We can see the Bund below. We’re told it’s an essential destination if one is to say they’ve been to Shanghai.

We tour old Chinatown, gardens, and dine for $20 each at a Michelin star restaurant overlooking the ponds around it. Sweet oolong and ginseng fill our noses as we sample premium tea. I favor the Dragon Well, China’s national tea. One more stop in Xintiandi by the French quarter. Surrounded by Tom Ford, Creed, and Gucci, we comprehend just how much wealth exists in Shanghai. An hour return trip awaited, and sadly it was time to head back. What a difference a day can make.Read more