Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Hanne and I wanted to get an early start today. We would be taking the subway to YuYuan Gardens to do a bit of exploring. Michael and I had been there back in January when we came apartment hunting, but were only there long enough to buy 5 t-shirts for the grandkids and snap a picture. So today we would be really checking out the gardens and all the surrounding area.
We are making the short walk from the subway station through a plaza to get to the main areas called YuYuan Market. This area really begins to look like what you might expect China to look like, from an architecture perspective.
Let the games begin… Hanne and I are starting to enter the market! There is one hallway after another off the main walk ways all filled to the brim with every kind of shop you might want. One must prepare mentally for the assault of merchants all vying for your attention. They are tugging on your arm; all wanting to get you into their store, just hoping for a sale. “Hey lady!… come have a look… looky looky… high quality… cheap… just for you today!” They all have something special they want to show you. And if you show interest… then the negotiations begin. They quote a price that is outrageous and you must come back with a fraction of that and then whoever can hold out the longest and bargain the hardest will be the victor!
This whole bargaining thing is a cultural thing, but frankly I think it is a waste of time. I really have to get my mind right to go to the market. I am not used to this dance. I must prefer you quote me what you must have for the product and I will decide if I want to pay it. But… we are in China!!
We are in a main plaza area. To the left we will make our way to the crooked bridge and the gardens.
The big pond that the crooked bridge crosses is loaded with Koi fish. Some are quite huge. They boil the waters. The above picture is just one cluster. We actually saw several clusters in the pond.
A little history about Gardens: Founded between 1559 and 1577 by the Pan family, these classical Chinese gardens were ransacked during both the Opium War and the Taiping Rebellion. This is a fine example of the Ming dynasty garden design and the highlights include the Three Ears of Corn Hall, the Exquisite Jade Rock, the Hall or Heralding Spring, and the gilded woodwork of the Ancient Stage.
Yuyuan Garden is the largest of Shanghai's ancient gardens with Ming and Qing architectural styles. The garden has six areas, each with its own style. The Grand Rockery, in the center of the Garden, is the most renowned sight. Near the garden, there is the City God Temple of Shanghai, where various local snack shops and streets are scattered around.
There are little buildings all over the gardens that contain replicas of ancient rooms with the original furniture that would have been there. After a while they all began to look alike. But there was one that very interesting furniture.
I am not sure if this is carved or just roots… but it was pretty unique.
This big bronze creature was guarding the entrance, but Hanne was not to be easily turned away.
Here are some snaps from around the gardens. The gardens were winding and a maze. We think we saw it all, but you would go through this portal and wind around and end up somewhere else… never knowing if you missed anything or not.
There were lots of amazing rock formations, caves and grottos, as well as ponds and streams. Not a lot of flowers which really surprised me.
Hanne got into the action by tossing a coin into the wishing pond… or whatever one would call it. There were many coins in itand on the ledges. Everyone passing through seemed to stop and toss a few more in.
Isn’t he cute? Just what every home needs!
Lots of dragons in bronze and wood; I even bought a cap for Michael to add to his already overflowing collection, a red cap with a black dragon. I thought he might like it since he was born in the year of the dragon.
It was hot and humid… as the day progressed; it took its toll on me. It was time to leave the gardens and see what else the area had to offer before I was completely spent for the day.
Outside of the garden and the market we passed an entrance to the gardens and market, but it was only one of many ways to get in.
One thing that never ceases to amaze me is that you can be in one area that is all cleaned up for tourist and just around the corner is a whole different world. We wandered through some of those areas just a block away from the action of YuYuan gardens and market.
Dinner anyone? You can dress you table with plants and have fresh duck or chicken… or pigeon anyone? We passed several of these fresh meat markets. The ducks have their legs tied together so they stay put. It was a struggle to see them there, knowing their plight!
Every time I wander through these streets it really makes me realize how very fortunate I am. We walked through a back alley lined with doors that reminded me of the place I ended up in when looking for the shower head… only this one was actually nicer than that one. But it is all relative…
By 2:00pm we were pooped out and overheated… ready to find the comfort of our house and the a/c. We found the closest subway entrance and boarded bound for home. It was a good day of exploring, but I was spent by the time we got home.
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