Shanghai Tour
December 6th, 2006 by stolisano
Shanghai, which means “Above the Sea” is China’s most populous city. with a population of 13 million. The Huangpu River is 68 miles in length and flows into the Yangzi River.
Our first stop was the Jinmao Dasha. The building houses the world’s fastest elevator. We shot up into the air 88 floors in about 40 seconds. It did not feel anything like the “Tower of Terror”, the view ride was very smooth. Once on the 88 floor we could see the Oriental Pearl Tower, the third largest TV and Radio tower in the world. It almost looks like a big onion and is 468 meters tall.
From there we went on to visit a Confucius Temple. The temple was built in 1988 to replace the original temple destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. There we saw for the first time “Wishing Trees”. People write their wishes on a card and tie them to the tree. Once that wish becomes a reality, they return to tie a red ribbon around the tree. We heard that especially students take advantage of this tradition before an important exam at school. We asked if we could make a wish in honor of all our students at SJEDS, so they would all do well in their exams this year, but the guide discouraged us, since we would not be able to return to the wishing tree to tie the red ribbon to it.
The next stop was the Silk Factory. This ended up being our favorite part of the day. We learned so much about silkworms and how they produce silk. It only takes 25 days for silkworms to reach maturity and start their cocoon. Each cocoon can produce up to 1000 meters (1 kilometer) of silk thread. Silk cocoons are only producing during spring, summer and fall, the seasons in which their food , mulberry leaves, is available.
We then were whisked off to go visit a Pearl Factory. We were able to see the difference between a River and an Ocean oyster and the pearls they produce.
Or guide also took us to the Jade Buddah Temple. It was built in 1882 to enshrine two Buddha Statues that were brought from Burma. We found out that Jade can be in at least three colors: green, white and almost black. We saw the reclining buddha, which you can see in the picture below, and also the sitting buddha, where we were not allowed to take photographs. The statues were carved from a single piece of white Jade. We saw many other visitors who were coming to leave offerings.
On five acres, in the middle of Shanghai, we then saw the Yuyuan Garden. The Dragon Wall was quiet impressive. It almost looked more like a humongous snake with a Dragon head. The garden is filled with rocks, hallways, little outdoor rooms, walls and windows and various plants and trees. The yellow tree below in the picture is called a “Ginko” tree.
12 Responses to “Shanghai Tour”
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Second grade loved the pictures of the silkworms. There were so many neat things to see. Were the gardens as beautiful as the pictures? Why is tea so important to the Chinese people? Did Jose and Mr. Li become friends? We would like a picture of them together. How many dragon statues have you seen? Was Jose scared in the elevator? It looked a long way up! We miss you and can’t wait to talk to you tomorrow.
Good morning! My class would like to know how kinds of gifts people brought to the Budda when they came to worship? Thank you.
Are there any traditions, or rules, that are followed when entering a Buddist temple, my class would like to know? What are these? Thanks!
Do the silk worm moths die soon after laying their eggs?Mrs. Gatling’s class
What was the plant and the tree life like in the Yuyuan garden?Did you see examples of coniferous and deciduous trees? Any blooming plants,or is it too cold now? Thanks, Mrs Gatling’s class
Why couldn’t you take a picture of the sitting Buddha?
Did you see any silk dresses?
Was Jose warm in our outfit?
Have you seen a temple yet?
Is there a lot of traffic there?
Are the dragons real there? What color are they?
Have you seen a real panda bear yet?
The children are very excited about all of your adventures. They think Jose is having a wonderful time.Since we are learning a lot about Christmas around the world we were wondering if they are getting ready to celebrate any holidays in China. Do they have Christmas trees there?
We were also wondering if they play baseball or any other sports in China that we play here. We noticed that they played basketball!
We also wondered where the little girl’s parents were?
Ni Hao!!! Good to see you again our China Trekkers! We’ve got some more questions for you, we’ve been trying to stump you, but you keep giving us the answers!
What is the difference in the sitting Buddha, and the reclining Buddha? (besides the obvious) Why couldn’t you take a picture of the sitting Buddha? Do they eat the fruit off of the Mulberry Tree? Did you get to try a green pea pie? They looked absolutely delicious…sort of. Have you had a chance to see a panda?
If you see anymore markets, examples of food, housing or clothing, would you try to get a picture of it. Thank you.
Hi from Mrs. McKnight’s class. It is at the end of the day, but we wanted to send greetings and say “wow” because it looks like you are really doing lots of fun things. For your information, our class has won the first two challenges in the Amazing Race! We have not heard who has won the origami challenge, but we are looking forward to researching all about the terracotta warriors tonight. We will send you interesting and well-written paragraphs all about them! We miss you lots, and send you many “ni hows”! Love, Mrs. McKnight’s Class
For Mrs. Milon’s question on Buddhist temple etiquette:
There is a temple etiquette which is usually observed worldwide.
Shoes are removed before entering the temple.
When sitting or praying do not turn the soles of one’s feet toward the altar or Buddha. This is regarded as disrespectful.
Prayer books and sacred images must never be placed on the floor or stepped over by one’s feet.
Other than the above, the etiquette is the same as in a Christian Church which is to be respectful & considerate of others.
EW
Mr. Foster’s class,
We will try to take as many pictures as we can.Keep checking the Photo Gallery for updates.
The silkworms eat the leaves of the Mulberry tree.
No, we have not gone to McDonalds to eat. I am not sure I want to know what kind of beef they put into the hamburger here.
We have seen many, many pandas already… they are all on paintings, fans, toys, stuffed animals, etc. though. No live ones yet. We will report as soon as we see one.
Mrs. Dearing’s class,
I don’t know for sure why we couldn’t take a picture of the sitting Buddha? My guess is out of respect. It is a very important buddha figure.
We saw many silk dresses and so many beautiful colors. Pink, blue, red, green and more… Some of the dresses have flowers on them others animals. WE saw many pandas on dresses and blouses. Jose was dressed very warm, thanks to the outfit you gave him. He will need it in Xi’An. It might even snow tomorrow.
We have been to many different temples, since we have been to China. All of them are very beautiful.
Traffic is unbelievable here in China. In Shanghai there were so many bicycles, together with cars, buses, and people walking on the street. Everybody is driving and walking where ever they want to. People honk their horn ALL the time.
So far we have not seen any REAL dragons. All of the ones we have seen are out of stone, wood or are painted. Dragons are something really special in China. They symbolizes the emperor and power.
No real panda bears yet? We will let you know as soon as we see one.
Greetings from China