Eastern Oriental turtle dove/Streptopelia orientalis orientalis/orientturturduva. Century park in Shanghai, China (4 August 2026).

My time in Shanghai is already drawing to a close. It’s hard to believe how much I’ve seen and experienced in just a few days. There are so many impressions to process that I suspect it will take quite a while before everything truly sinks in, but that will have to wait. Tomorrow I’m heading to Busan, South Korea, for the next part of my journey.

Today alone included a visit to the beautiful water town of Zhujiajiao, the vast Expo Culture Park, and the breathtaking Shanghai Greenhouse. Three very different places, and three unforgettable experiences.

I have strong reservations about China’s political system, and that is not something my visit has changed. At the same time, the people I’ve met, the atmosphere I’ve experienced, and the glimpses of nature (well, parks) I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy have all been genuinely wonderful.

Of course, it would be impossible to draw any sweeping conclusions about a country as vast and diverse as China from a few days in one of its largest cities. This has only been a tiny glimpse of an enormous nation, and I know it cannot possibly do China justice. But it has been a glimpse that has left me curious, humbled, and eager to see more.

I would very much like to return one day and continue exploring this remarkable country.

Shanghai is treating me to a very different kind of adventure than I’m used to.

At 35°C it’s far warmer than I would ever choose, but it’s also an incredible experience. I’ve spent time wandering through the beautiful Century Park, enjoying the birdlife and the lush vegetation there, and I’ve walked street after street simply taking in the architecture, the people, and the unique rhythm of this enormous city.

I won’t pretend I don’t miss the animals (and a certain human being, too) back home. And every now and then the sheer number of people gives me a little sensory overload. But even so, this is an experience I wouldn’t want to miss for anything.

Before I continue on to Busan, South Korea, on Friday, I’m hoping to visit an art museum, explore even more of Shanghai’s streets, and perhaps spend a little more time in another park. Every city tells its own story, and I’m enjoying listening to this one, even though my Chinese leaves much to be desired.