Shanghai, China

We arrived in Shanghai early so that by 7.15am all the formalities had been dealt with. Our tour was booked for 9am. The temp was 7C with a clear, blue sky. At the appropriate time we joined our coach and after a hour's journey we arrived at the 'Yu Gardens', constructed in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty. The gardens are quite small but stunning. Very colourful and peaceful. We then walked to the old town, full of traditionally constructed Chinese buildings. It was very busy but fascinating and we spent quite some time just wandering around taking in the sights. We then rejoined the coach to visit the Jade Buddha Temple complex, a little way-out from the centre of the city. The complex consists of a number of traditional Chinese temples, containing giant figures of Buddha in richly decorated rooms. The highlight was the figure of Buddha made from jade. No photographs were allowed.Read more