24M people in Shanghai and they were all at the Natural History Museum with us

The day started with us going down for breakfast at the same time as a tour group so things were crazy from the get go.

ZigZag Bridge at Yu Gardens
ZigZag Bridge at Yu Gardens
However a quick taxi ride later we were at the Yu Gardens (豫园) to begin day 2 in Shanghai. The last time Heather and I were at the Yu Gardens was some 12 years ago and that was in February where as today was quite a bit different, and more crowded, with the early morning temperature already well into the 30’s. A short jaunt across the zig-zag bridge to the Mid-lake Pavilion Tea-House for some cool tea (jasmine for the girls, green for Heather and I) and we were into the gardens.

After the gardens, and a bit of shopping for the girls, we walked over to the Bund via the Guchen Park. The park was a hit with it’s shaded walkways and popsicles.

ZigZag Bridge at Yu Gardens
ZigZag Bridge at Yu Gardens
The Bund however was a different story. There was not a pick of shade, and being close to mid-day at that point the heat was close to unbearable for a quartet of Canadians.
Hot on The Bund
Hot on The Bund
So a taxi was quickly procured to ferry us to the Shanghai Natural History Museum (上海自然博物馆).

We then spent 3 interesting, although very crowded, hours looking over the exhibits. Elspeth was especially happy to see a number of butterflies and of course the arctic penguin display was a hit.

Penguins!
Penguins!
We thought to eat at the cafeteria but with the number of people at the museum with us that was not to be, so a quick sit down for drinks and pastries pilfered from the breakfast buffet was all we were able to achieve. Once we were all done a taxi ride back was called for, luckily it was just over $5CAD, rather that the original plan of exploring the subway.
Rocks are swag
Rocks are swag

This evening our guide stopped by with our next 3 sets of train tickets, we are set through to Nanning.