Blue sky, sun and blossom (yes we do have it in Shanghai as well ;-)) were the perfect reasons to skip school this week. Despite what usually people think, Shanghai has a lot of parks and green areas and People Square Park is one of our favorites. Nestled in the very center of Shanghai and surrounded by skyscrapers, it’s the perfect place to enjoy few hours with kids (just avoid the week end, as it might get a little crowded!). You should know how much I love Shanghai and it’s contrasts, and in People Square park you can see old men playing chests, women dancing (yes dancing!) or doing thai-chi, you can visit the MoCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), enjoying a drink at Barbarossa a beautiful restaurant in the middle of a little lake, and having fun with the kids with some carousel rides.

During the week end you can see the Shanghai Marriage Market, where parents of unmarried adults, every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. to trade information on their children. The primary goal of attending the Shanghai marriage market is for parents to find a suitable partner for their child. The standards of finding the right match may be based upon (but not limited to) age, height, job, income, education, family values, Chinese zodiac sign, and personality. All of this information is written on a piece of paper, which is then hung upon long strings among other parents’ advertisements for their children. The parents walk around chatting with other parents to see if there is a harmonious fit only after their children’s standards are met. Anyone wants to join me next time?