24 Hours in Shanghai: Being the Best Listener to Each Other

Days: 2 Days, Time: December, Cost per person: 500 yuan, With whom: Couples, Activities: Photography, Cultural Experiences, Free Travel, Petite […]

Days: 2 Days, Time: December, Cost per person: 500 yuan, With whom: Couples, Activities: Photography, Cultural Experiences, Free Travel, Petite Bourgeoisie. The author visited these places: Wu Kang Road in Shanghai, Shanghai Auto Museum, Wu Kang Building, Ba Jin’s Former Residence. Published on 2019-12-20 13:28.

Being together has always been about the continuous process of adjustment and even trial and error to achieve a good understanding between two people, rather than seeking someone who never argues. She and I are no different; with a seven-year age gap and living environments 390km apart, how could we not have some differences in our daily habits? However, travel is a part of life and a lubricant that helps us to adjust to each other. On the road, we have more opportunities to understand each other and thus more chances to deepen our relationship. This weekend trip to Shanghai was like that.

She liked to visit artistic places to take photos and have a cup of coffee; while I wanted to go to cool places to appreciate the things I love, even if I couldn’t take them home, I would be content. She chose Wu Kang Road in Jing’an District, and I chose the Shanghai Auto Museum in Jiading District. That was easy to arrange: we went straight to the Shanghai Auto Museum upon arrival at noon on the first day and stayed in Jing’an District for the night, then checked in Wu Kang Road early the next morning. For this 24-hour light travel, we just needed to be the best listeners to each other!

We departed from Changzhou in the morning and arrived in Shanghai in about 2 hours via a very convenient fast train. We chose to stay at the Meihao Lizhi Hotel (Hengshan Road Branch) in Jing’an District, a Chinese mid-to-high-end chain hotel, just a 900-meter walk from Wu Kang Road, making it convenient for the next day’s travel. We also opted for a high-floor view room, from where we could take in the winter scenery of Jing’an.

Shanghai Auto Museum is located in Jiading District and is the first professional automobile museum in China. Its location is relatively remote from the city center, but this is also an advantage. If you’re driving, it’s not congested here and parking is very convenient. For those using public transportation like us, you can take the bus that runs between Hongqiao and the Auto City from Hongqiao, getting off at the Convention Center (Museum) station. From the city center, you can take the subway line 11 to Shanghai Auto City Station, then walk about 1.8km or take a taxi for just over 10 yuan. There’s also a more selective mode of transportation: taking a high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao or stations in Jiangsu like Kunshan to Anting North Station (with fewer train schedules), then taking a taxi which is only about 5km away.

The thematic architecture of the Shanghai Auto Museum is very distinctive, and there are various vintage cars outside for tourists to ride and take photos. If you’re lucky, you might encounter the Cadillac 1962 Sedan De Ville from the movie ‘Green Book’ and take a picture with it. We were fortunate to meet it when we arrived, but we planned to ride it after the visit because we needed to store our luggage. Unfortunately, we didn’t see it when we left. So, everyone should ride it the moment they see it, don’t leave any regrets! Back to the main point, the ticket for the Shanghai Auto Museum is 60 yuan per person, and the opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 to 16:30, closed on Mondays.

What’s in the Shanghai Automobile Museum? The entire venue has three floors and can be roughly divided into three major exhibition areas: History Hall, Treasure Hall, and Automobile Exploration Hall. My leader is full of curiosity about this place, but belongs to the type of cursory viewing. When I come here, I am extremely excited. I mainly experience the following three kinds of happiness: gaining knowledge, finding sentiment, and having a light experience.

Gaining knowledge: The museum exhibits a large number of exquisite vintage cars, which are beautiful and easy to photograph. You can also learn about the evolution history of automobiles and big data at important nodes. Can you think that “the world’s first car” is this three-wheeled car by Mercedes-Benz? Born in 1886, it is 101 years older than me. Its speed can only reach 15 kilometers per hour, comparable to a current bicycle. Of course, if you don’t look carefully, you will definitely think it is a rickshaw for touring hutongs inThe Aesthetics of Automobiles: A Personal Journey Through Time

Style and Perception: Maserati’s Retro Charm

The distinctive style of Maserati has always challenged my perception of this brand. Particularly, the color coordination and finish are exquisite. Among the vehicles that captivated me from a slightly later era is the Maserati produced in 1970. This sports car’s design remains a testament to retro fashion, featuring pop-up headlights, all-leather interiors, and alloy wheels. With a top speed of 248 km/h, it stands as an icon of top sports cars from the 1960s and 1970s.

Chinese Automotive Heritage: The Hongqi CA770

Chinese automotive history boasts its own milestones, such as the Hongqi CA770, the first sedan in New China designed and developed entirely in-house. Almost entirely handmade, this vehicle was used for official business, military parades, and diplomatic protocols. Its presence in modern military parades underscores the historical significance of this inaugural Hongqi model.

Knowledge Acquisition and Sharing: A Call to Action

There is an abundance of knowledge within the venue that cannot be fully absorbed in a single visit. It’s recommended that seasoned drivers take the time to recharge their knowledge. Take note of useful information in a small notebook or capture it with your mobile phone for later reflection, ensuring you become the most dazzling car expert at social gatherings.

Sentiment and Nostalgia: Personal Connections with Cars

Sentiment varies across different demographics. For some, the Haiyan AW710 from the 1960s, featured in the 1962 film “Football Fans,” evokes nostalgia. Growing up in a small county town, my car sentiment is associated with the dark red Santana that dominated the streets in the early 1990s, a symbol of enterprise official vehicles and a luxury item for affluent households.

Evolution of Aspirations and Possessions

Once an unattainable dream, owning a better car than the once-coveted Santana is now a reality. This shift is mirrored in the automobile museum, where the white car from Han Han’s movie ‘Duckweed’ is displayed, alongside the 1966 Mustang, an ‘American Muscle’ icon featured in the ‘Fast and Furious’ series.

Luxury and Aspiration: The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost

Rolls-Royce, a brand often mentioned with reverence, particularly the Silver Ghost, is known for its superior performance and minimal noise, favored by British nobility. The ‘AutoCar’ magazine once stated that it was the Silver Ghost that established Rolls-Royce as the world’s finest automobile.

Vintage Cars and Their Enchantment: A Museum Experience

Vintage cars hold a special charm, and the museum is replete with them, offering a global perspective. This experience is not just educational but also deeply personal, sparking endless conversations and a deeper connection with automotive history.

Interactive Experiences: Engaging with Automobiles

On the museum’s third floor, the focus is on interactive experiences, including remote-controlled racing and DIY activities suitable for families. For adults, simulation racing games offer a thrilling driving experience.

Exploring Wukang Road: A Cultural Landmark

Wukang Road, a cultural icon in Shanghai, is known for its historical buildings and as a filming location for numerous movies and TV series. It’s also a haven for internet-famous stores and offers a perfect backdrop for capturing beautiful photos.

Tips for Visiting Wukang Road

For a leisurely visit, arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the road’s historical and literary atmosphere. Remember to prioritize safety over photo opportunities and respect traffic rules.