Jing'An Sculpture Park

I wander over to my favorite outdoor sculpture garden, the Jing'An Sculpture Park on Beijing Road in Shanghai.  The park is about a 20 minute walk (1.8km/1.1miles) from People's Square, but well off the normal tourist path in an area of residential and office buildings (I'm the only foreigner in the park), offering a peaceful break from city life.

The park is 30,000 square meters (7.4 acres/323,000 square feet) and added the sculpture exhibits in 2010 in conjunction with the Wold Expo in Shanghai.  Last year, the new Shanghai Natural History Museum opened in the park.  Over 300 trees divide the park into separate gardens and at this time of year, the 124+ cherry trees are in bloom and many people are taking pictures.

 Over 124 cherry trees are in bloom

The Park features sculptures from over 61 cities and is spectacular to wander through.

Sculptures in the park

I walk through the park almost every time I'm in Shanghai for the peaceful interlude and to enjoy the sights.

Winter Morning Walk in Shanghai

It's a cool morning in late February in Shanghai, but promises to be a clear, sunny day with temperatures getting up to 65ºF (18ºC).  I head out for a walk around the city in the brisk morning air as the sun rises.

I see the remains of Christmas/2016 New Year displays, as well as the more recent (February 8) Chinese New Year celebration.

  The remains of Christmas

The 2016 New Year

 Chinese Spring Festival/New Year) decorations

As I walk through the city, I see the winter flowers in bloom, getting closer to the end of their season, almost ready for spring.

 Winter plantings along the street

However, this has apparently been a cold winter, the more tropically-inclined palm trees are not doing well.

 Palm trees in poor health

My favorite garden at the top of the Bund, next to the Waidaibu Bridge, still has the same snail/dolphin theme as when I last came by in November.

 My favorite garden in Shanghai

 Another favorite topiary along Nanjing Road

Meanwhile, the morning exercise groups are out in the parks and malls, getting their day off to a good start.

Morning practice in the mall and park

 And the food/steamed bun stands are doing a brisk business as people pick something up on the way to work.

 Food stands in the morning

As I complete my loop and return to the hotel, the cats are out to welcome me back.

Sidewalk cats outside the Shanghai Marriott City Centre

Chinese New Year Decorations in Las Vegas

While the blog processes all the pictures from China and finds stories to tell, we'll share some pictures of Chinese New Year hotel decorations in Las Vegas.  While I was in Shanghai, Laura and Jennifer went to Las Vegas for the weekend and took these at the Shops at Crystals (next toAria), Bellagio, and the Forum Shops (next to Caesar's Palace).