Early spring in February, starting a three-day trip in Shanghai

Spring arrives early in Jiangnan. Flying from the still slightly chilly Beijing to Shanghai, I experienced a different early spring season. On the first day, it was already afternoon when I arrived in Shanghai. After renting a car at the airport, I headed straight to the much-anticipated Bund. On the left was the diverse architectural styles of the International Buildings, and on the right were the Oriental Pearl Tower and Lujiazui, landmarks of Shanghai’s modern development. As the city lights came on and night fell, the neon lights on both sides of the river reflected each other. Ferries continuously crossed the river. Shanghai skillfully blends the weight of history with modern development. Strolling along the Bund to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, I passed by Fuzhou Road and saw a very stylish bar. Turning the corner, I was immediately attracted by the huge POP MART storefront and couldn’t resist making another purchase [Shy][Shy]. Early on the second day, I drove to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town to experience the gentle charm of the Jiangnan water town. The streets and alleys were crisscrossed with waterways. Renting a black-awning boat, I leisurely cruised through the ancient town’s canals, drifting under small bridges until reaching Fangsheng Bridge. Then I got off the boat and browsed the riverside shops one by one. It was a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Grandma’s rice dumplings, sock-bottom pastries, green rice balls, braised pig’s trotters... Until night fell, the twinkling lights illuminated the ancient town, creating a different scene reflected in the water. On the third day, I visited Yuyuan Garden and City God Temple. Here, I truly experienced the early arrival of spring in Jiangnan: a few tea plum trees bloomed competitively in the corners, the translucent wintersweet sent a subtle fragrance unexpectedly, and the pink peach blossoms and graceful green bamboo were all nestled among the uneven pavilions and terraces. Yuyuan Garden is a one-way tour, entering from the north and exiting to the south. After exiting, you arrive at the City God Temple snack street. You can pick any shop at random and won’t be disappointed.