Shanghai Shanghai

A short trip taken recently...
Visiting Shanghai is like coming back to HK in the 1990s. Everytime you come back there'd be a new skyscraper. But of course the rate of growth in Shanghai is a bit more mind-boggling... could all those humongous buildings be leased out? Millions and millions of square footage of offices... This gamble's gotta be a big pay out (or a real bomb?). World Finance Centre is finally becoming a reality, having been the architectural dream of the 1990s, only to be disrupted by a blib during Shanghai's office slump in the aftermath of the Asian Financial Crisis. Now, in it final construction stage (top 1/4 of the building) it's already overtaking JinMao as the tallest office building in Shanghai. Can't wait to see the completed structure and the Park Hyatt at the top portion late next year.
This time though, besides seeing new constructions, new completions, staying at a new hotel, I also tried new restaurants, new streets, and a new phenomenon.
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What do you think these people are doing here?
Attending an Art Fair?

Trading collectibles?

A garden party?

Or selling junk to the "Lao Wai"? Well, I had heard about this from a news report from Beijing about 2 months ago. This is match-making in the 21st century China. It turns out these are parents of both young males and females, gathering at a corner of People's Square every weekend, posting banners about their children and hoping to hook them up with a perfect suitor. Read this one: "Looking for Marriage: (Lone daughter of the president of a real estate company) Unmarried 34-year old with good looks, 160cm tall, graduated from the teaching institute and was a primary school class teacher, dealer for major accounts of a trading firm; first-class honour at a national speech competition, winner at a parent-child singing competition, can do simple house chores; would like to find a match with a loving heart; if any available male are interested, no matter your looks or your height (34-55yo), ok if you have slight disabilities, but marriage house in Shanghai is a must, please contact... Patented intangible asset will be awarded to the successful.... CANDIDATE?
I sometimes wonder, is hooking up that difficult in China, or are these extreme cases where getting married is just a task they have to accomplish... for the family, or for the job? For residency in Shanghai, or for whatever reasons... There were actually agents working in this match-making... but then of course! If the parents care so much about their kids' marriage, they need professional help! I am probably hot property if I'm available to them... I am sure (I swear they were all looking at me with interesting and inquisitive eyes)...
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Very happy to have found this area called Tianzifang in Tai Kang Lu. It was written up in various magazines, and it did not disappoint. Sort of like Xintiandi, sort of like Moganshan. It is a neighbourhood of old Shanghai Shikumen architecture, with new funky boutiques selling clothes, curios, jewellery, furniture, and cafes and restaurants are here and there. There was an ex-garment factory workshop building built in the 30s now converted into studios and workshops for clothing traders, archi firms, and galleries. Cool place. I like this place better than Xintiandi because there are still inhabitants in these old structures... adds a bit of authenticity and human touch to the whole area. Plus the place is less commercialized than Xintiandi (thank god for the absence of Starbucks)

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Then of course there's part of the old being torn down... here's the last bit of the famous Shangyang Market being demolished: _________
And last but not least, the best Shanghai Tangbao (Xiaolongbao) I've ever had. Jiajia (Huanghe Lu x Fengyang Lu, thanks to recommendation from Ame) is not far from Nanjing Lu/People's Square, and their regular xiaolong gets sold out early. We were only left with either all-crab, or crab+pork. But man, it's so hot, and the meats were so fresh, skin's so yummy. Not a big fan of xiaolong, but these were the best I've ever tasted.... yum!
Also tried this Japanese place called "天家" (Huashan Lu x Tai'an Lu, thanks to recommendation from Funfun and Ame) specializes in Toro and crab. oooh... hot pot was so good! sashimi was so good! cold crab was so good!
Also tried "1931" (Maoming Lu South x Nanchang Lu). Decor was nice and warm, food is ok.
Short breaks once in a while is good geh..... ;)