West Bund Museum with French secrets

“Daddy, why is french fries French?” Pangzi asked one day. “Let me tell you a secret only a few know,” I whispered, “but you must first follow me to Centre Pompidou.” “Where’s this… Pom Pi Pi?” “Down by the Huangpu River. It’s a newly opened French contemporary art gallery in Shanghai. They’ve given Centre Pompidou a …

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Taikoo Hui, transformed

Shanghai is fast becoming a mall-a-second city, so when I wanted to visit the new Taikoo Hui in Nanjing West Road, Pangzi went: “Not another one again?” “This is different,” I reassured him. “A lot of money is pumped into Taikoo Hui to make it stand out from the rest.” Indeed, the first impression we received …

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Need for speed at EF Park

“Daddy, is it true electric cars are slow that’s why you don’t see many on the road?” Pangzi observed one day. Well, he hasn’t seen an electric go-kart! “We’re going to EF Park where you’ll get to see me speeding down the race track,” I announced. “Then you tell me whether an electric car is …

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Follow Alice Underground

After the mind-boggling Sleep No More, the next interactive theatre to hit Shanghai was one based on the kid-friendlier story of Alice in Wonderland. “What’s interactive theatre?” Pangzi asked, unhappy that I was taking him along. “It’s a new form of immersive theatre that disrupts traditional play. You don’t sit back and watch, but follow the …

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Deja vu at World Expo Museum

When Pangzi knew I was taking him to the World Expo Museum in Shanghai, he asked, “Did China ever hold a World Expo?” “Yes, back in 2010 right here,” I said. “Oh, that would have been impressive… wish I was there,” he sighed. “But you were there!” “No way!” Pangzi protested. “Why can’t I remember …

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Is there a China Legoland?

The days of living in Shanghai seem an eternity ago but I make it a point to return every now and then. The problem is finding an excuse for Pangzi to follow me there. Today’s excuse is the China Legoland. “Daddy, is there really a China Legoland?” Pangzi asked suspiciously. “Why yes, that’s why you …

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