Day 6 of Chinese New Year and we have grown accustomed to the never-ending sound of fireworks, sought out the best local dumplings, and discovered the true meaning of the chinese phrase “renshan-renhai.”

Jack, Kate, and Luke were excited to receive their first Hong Bao : a red envelope filled with money and presented as a gift during Chinese New Year and other holidays. The red color symbolizes good luck and is supposed to ward off evil.
The view from our front porch, every night…for hours.

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium : Jack’s favorite was the sawfish. Kate liked the sea turtles. Luke loved playing with the penguins.

Yu Yuan : Once the largest and most prestigious garden in Shanghai, this section of Yu Garden is now a merchant area with great architecture, unique shops, and a LOT of people.

Tian Zi Fang : A preserved local neighborhood with traditional architecture and great shopping. Kate now brings her purse (and hong bao) everywhere we go.

301 KMph : 187 MPH
The Maglev train in Shanghai was the first high-speed magnetic levitation train and remains the world’s fastest train in commercial service with top speeds of 268mph.




