Ni hao from Shanghai! The MV World Odyssey arrived in China’s largest city at 0800 on Tuesday, January 31. With a population of over 24 million people, Shanghai is the most populous city in the world and serves as a major global financial and transport hub. By sea, the internationally recognizable skyline of Shanghai’s financial district, Lujiazui, dominates the horizon, while the city’s famous waterfront promenade of colonial-era buildings, known as The Bund, serves as a popular sightseeing destination.
While there is plenty to do and see in Shanghai, some Semester at Sea travelers have also made plans to visit Hong Kong and Beijing. For those who stay in Shanghai, the weather will be moderate, with a temperature range of 40°F to 55°F. Those traveling to Beijing and the Great Wall of China will face colder weather between 10°F and 40°F.
Voyagers who opted for the five-day hike of the Great Wall will spend most of their time in-country exploring China’s most famous monument, while other participants will have six whole days to explore Shanghai and beyond. On-ship time is 1700 on Sunday, Feb. 5 and the ship will depart at 2030 for the four-day trek to Vietnam.
“Ever since I was a small child I have always had a single view of what China is. I am excited to experience their world heritage sites and see the cultural experiences that make China unique.” , Joshua Collins, University of Texas at Austin
