4,000 years of history

Today I peered at a 4,000 year old statue that represents one of the oldest artifacts of Chinese history in the Shanghai Museum, and also got to see a vision of Shanghai's future, leading up to its hosting of the 2010 World Expo. This vision, presented at the Urban Planning Museum (they just have to fend folks off with a stick from that one), is laid out under headers translated into English as "Master Plan." The exhibit seems to be preparing the locals for some radical changes in Shanghai in the next couple of years (something Shanghai is no stranger to), with exhibits "Relocating Factories" and "Relocating Populace."

 

Today's juxtaposition of old and new leads me to imagine having connection to a place that meaningfully extends more than 200 generations. Sure, we've all got that to Planet Earth, but as the child of immigrants, the closest I've been able to come to that sense of rootedness in specific would have to be my 2005 visit to Norway. As powerful as that experience was, it was a different feeling. I was seeing the place for the first time.

 

I try to imagine the depths of identification, tradition and pride that come with a 4,000+ year history. It makes me suspect that, as China continues its ascent in world affairs and influence, we are in for an interesting ride over the next generation or so. Joss Whedon might not be far off.

 

Speaking of rides, folks in Shanghai are especially fond of two-wheeled transports. The motos are all (seriously, I have not found an exception) equipped with the beefiest engine guards I've ever seen, often reinforced with metal plating that wraps around the rider's legs. The message appears to be: when, not if, one will need them. One interesting traffic rule might explain part of that: scooters and electric bikes can ride on sidewalks and pedestrian malls. And do they. Fast. The first time an electric bike came up behind me, I jumped: they are eerily silent and folks are very comfortable weaving through waves of gawking tourists in lock-step. Thankfully, they have also appeared to be ready to stop fast if needed. This photo is from Shanghai's most prominent pedestrian mall (or at least, non-auto mall), the Nanjing Donglu.