The best way to explore a city

I was in Shanghai yesterday. In Shanghai, the locals do not always wear what I would consider the most comfortable walking shoes, but they sure can walk. The subway network there has recently opened new lines and extended old lines (get the newest map you can find or contact the Yoyoor Helpline for the latest details), and I saw plenty of new subway construction still going on while I was walking around yesterday. But the subway will only further decrease the number of bikers on the road, and increase pedestrians on foot— more walking. With the city so huge, the subway is great for covering the big distances but there will always be plenty of walking to do in order to arrive at the nearest subway station. Even the transfer area between subway lines at People’s Square station is a long walk, and it’s all underground.

 

This is why I suggest bringing comfortable walking shoes when coming to China. Shanghai is just an example, and when I think back to the rickety metal stairway over the Train tracks at the old Meilong Station, the situation is improving. But, there will always be plenty of walking to do. When my brother visited last Fall, I took him for a walk around the city for about 6 or 7 hours. We stopped to rest much of the way but I realized that we must do a lot more walking in Chinese cities than in Western ones because my brother was pretty beat.

 

The problem is that even when walking is avoidable, it is best not to avoid it. Yesterday while walking around Shanghai I went to the end of an old alley and visited the Shanghai Dyed Blue Nankeen Exhibition Hall. I was not really interested in the nankeen but I did find a really quiet spot in an old villa and courtyard tucked away in the middle of downtown Shanghai. If I had been in a taxi or bus, I might have seen the sign mentioning the exhibition hall at the entrance to the alley, but would not have been able to wander in. And if I had been on the subway, I would not have seen anything at all. Walking is the best way to explore a city and is the best pace to do it, too. Walking is a tourist’s best activity.

 

If all this walking around Shanghai isn’t enough, just look at Beijing . I remember walking across Beijing and having to walk across multiple pedestrian bridges, up and down stairs and wrapping around intersections, just to cross a street. Shanghai is big, but Beijing is both big and sprawled out, meaning walking is even more daunting. In fact, Beijing might be a city where I suggest taking a taxi or subway more than walking, depending on what neighborhood you are visiting. By the time you walk to one of Beijing’s huge scenic attractions, you might be too tired to walk around the expansive parks within.

 

Then there’s the stairs. I have visited major attractions all over China and the cultural diversity has been incredible, but every site has one thing in common: stairs. Most of China’s scenic zones are hills or mountains. China’s actual attractions— the temples, pagodas and pavilions— are also mainly found on hillsides and mountaintops. Just think of the Great Wall – hundreds of miles of steps. Get ready to climb some stairs.

 

Despite the endurance requirements, we have to look at the bright side of walking around China. Traveling is a good hobby, and walking is a great way to stay in shape while walking. My wife’s grandfather is a walking pro. He lives at the top of a 7-story walkup and still bikes and walks around town at age 89, and he can still touch his toes and move furniture. He says he has a lifetime of walking to thank for this physique. Also, walking gives you a better excuse to have extra to eat as you sample local foods. And as I mentioned above, it’s the perfect pace to explore China instead of just scratching the surface from a taxi and bus. Play with the GPS navigation feature on your Yoyoor phone and see what you can find.

 

So bring a good pair of shoes, get in shape and get ready to walk.