Shanghai: Julia's Finale

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Being our last stop together, Julia and I had to make the most of Shanghai. So we got off the train and immediately hunted down soup dumplings.


Then we moved on to some Michelin spicy noodles.

We wandered through some lovely streets in the arts district. Shanghai was palpably more international than Beijing.

Next we hit up Xintiandi, Shanghai's luxury shopping area. We were clearly not the only people with this stop on the itinerary.

Julia and I opened our one full day in Shanghai with an amazing breakfast with Zimo Tang, a fellow Dartmouth '26. We both tried toad for the first time. It was quite good. Shoutout Zimo, Shanghai native, for treating us to a great meal and welcoming us to Shanghai.

Julia and I set off to walk around as much of the city as possible.



We first walked to Yuyuan Old Street. Based on the deserted surrounding buildings and ample construction equipment I think Yuyuan "Old" Street is expecting some major expansion.




The shopping and food area was lovely to be fair. I am pro expansion.


We started off with some Chinese egg tarts before moving on to more soup dumplings.




Julia and I then set out to see the famous Shanghai skyline. The smog partially obscured the view, but according to China's weather service the air quality was rated as "excellent."


It got a little better at night.


We hit up some conveyor belt hot pot for our final dinner together in China. It was yet another certified flavor bomb. China stays winning.


And then just like that my China time with Julia came to an end. She's been a trooper through three and a half months of distance while I gallivant across the globe. I am so incredibly grateful she made the journey across the Pacific to see me. We had so much fun exploring the absurd country that is China. Thank you Julia - until our next adventure!

Julia left on her flight back to America. I was flying to Zhangjiajie, China's first national forest park. But first I enjoyed some complimentary lounge access.


From the vault:
Just a classic reminder on my flight that I was still very much in China.

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