Shanghai nights.

Visual Diary

PHOTOGRAPHED BY GEMMA & I FOR MICHAEL KORS

What a diverse city of lights. And when I say city of lights, I mean - Blade Runner 1987 style, with a side of steam. Whether that steam comes from the heat of the city streets, or the steam that patiently streams from the rows of Bao Zi, and Xiao Long Bao’s. I can gaze out that window after dinner, for hours on end. The clash of colors, and the hoards of crowds - trying to get a glimpse and snapshot of that illuminating skyline.

The city that truly knows, how to reel in a foreigner. And, when I say foreigner - I allude to myself. Although I am lucky enough to swipe my Chinese ID through the express line, I still feel a little inadequate (my Chinese). It is a shock to the system, the first time I walk down the streets, but a sense of comfort from familiarity of noise and smell. Like muscle, it comes back to memory. The mannerisms, so innately inside of me. My harshness, that sometimes seeps out in conversation which, shocks my Australian colleagues... and then I arrive here, and remember it's not because I'm abrupt or that I need to soften up, it's because of where I come from. The Mandarin speaking - if you order food, make sure you raise your voice! The fast pace walking; if you don’t pick your feet up, there's no room on the pavement!

When West meets East, in the best possible way. A few short days, playing catch up with my speaking. What a special way, to reconnect with my other self.

Where it all happens. This is the mecca of the city, where my favourite restaurants and night life happen.

Late night, dumpling filled at Lyon Restaurant.

The Bun

The contrast of color and texture, from the skyline, to the transport, to the soft and always, perfectly manicured bouquet’s of flowers. That line the pavements, in the most normal of ways. I love seeing these beautiful flowers and flourish amongst the hustle. They remind me that, even though in the busiest of surroundings, you can still remain still, and calm.

Food

Hakkasan and Lion for Dinner, and Sun With Aqua for Lunch.

To stay

The Peninsula

Michael Kors wonderfully hosted us at The Peninsula. It’s right in the bun, and a 5 minute walk to the main street of luxury shopping, and restaurants. You won’t need to worry about taking transportation to anywhere, if you’re here for a night. Everything is walking distance. The Peninsula group are one of my favorites, they always have the best service, and are never short in recommendations on the latest eateries, and places to shop. Luxe, hip, or if you just want to go to a traditional noodle or dumpling house. I’ve experienced this service at The Peninsula in Paris, and they never fail to secure a table, especially when it’s a special occasion ;). Also the Chinese breakfast is such a delight of a novelty.

Aman Yangyun

We got a tour of the beautiful grounds that is the Aman Yangyun. Enriched with history from trees that have habited this land more than 1000 years, to original brick from the Qing Dynasty. This is a beautiful escape from the city, if you want to be surrounded by nature, and zen vibration.