Thanks to the Groundspeak HQ for giving me the opportunity for hiding this virtual cache.
Upon receiving the reward, I was faced with the daunting task of determining where to hide my sole virtual cache. It was evident that I must hide it in Shanghai, my hometown. It is challenging to identify a single location that embodies Shanghai. However, a place suddenly dawned on me.
As this is a map offset, I will provide ample information to enable you to locate this cache without GPS. Additionally, I would like to stroll around for a while (around an hour).
+++Please obey the traffic rules, and mind your own safty.+++
Stage 1: Hurangpu Park
Commence your journey from Huang Pu Park, which is easily identifiable when you are in the Bund area. Proceed northward along the Waterfront Avenue until you arrive at Huangpu Park. Walk towards the Monument to the People's Heroes, the tallest structure in the vicinity. It is impossible to miss.
Take pleasure in the panoramic view of the Bund from this location. You will be able to observe the 26 former colonial-era buildings of varying western architectural styles on your right side and the contemporary skyscrapers on your left side, with the Huangpu river flowing in front of you.
This park is Shanghai's first public park. Additionally, there is a famous movie, "Fist of Fury," starring Bruce Lee, that is associated with this park.
More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huangpu_Park
Take your photo and go to the nearest bridge.
Stage 2: "Wai Bai Du" Bridge
The steel bridge is known as the "Wai Bai Du" Bridge in Chinese, which translates to "crossing the bridge without paying." There is a fascinating story associated with this bridge. If you have the time, I strongly urge you to read the story about this bridge.
For more info about this bridge please visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waibaidu_Bridge
Another intriguing anecdote about this bridge is that in 2007, a British company named Howarth Erskine Ltd, which designed the bridge, successfully notified the Shanghai local authorities that the bridge had reached its service limit of 100 years. The company's after-service impressed all Chinese who learned about this story. The company demonstrated what responsibility entails. The bridge was refurbished one year later.
Observe the wooden planks beneath your feet. Cross the bridge and relish the scenery. You will eventually come across a small black plate with the name of the bridge and the year of its completion. The bridge was completed on year A.
Stage 3: Astor House Hotel
Upon crossing the bridge, you will be greeted by a stunning edifice directly in front of you. This is the Astor House Hotel, which was once regarded as "one of the renowned hotels of the world." Distinguished individuals such as Bertrand Russell, Bernard Shaw, Einstein, and Charlie Chaplin have all stayed at this hotel.
Presently, the hotel has been transformed into a museum after undergoing renovations.
More in info about Astor House Hotel : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astor_House_Hotel_(Shanghai)
Again look for the small black plate for this building, find the renovation year B.
Stage 4: Rowing Club
Now, return to Stage 2, which is the starting point of the Garden Bridge. Cross the road and proceed straight ahead along the Su Zhou Creek. Keep an eye out for the Former Shanghai Rowing Club. It was designed in year C.
Stage 5: Sharp edge building
Upon departing from the Rowing Club, you will encounter a narrow lane ahead of you. Turn left and search for a building with sharp edges that was designed by the renowned architect Ladislaus Hudec. Hudec designed numerous famous buildings in Shanghai and was referred to as "The man who transformed Shanghai." This building was completed in year D.
More about Ladislaus Hudec: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%A1szl%C3%B3_Hudec
http://www.ladislavhudec.eu
If you have time, I highly recommended you to go further to explore this little lane.
Stage 6: Zha-pu Road Bridge
Let us now retrace our steps back to the Su Zhou Creek and proceed towards the second bridge. If the weather is sunny, you may be able to observe seagulls soaring overhead. The view of Pu Dong from this location is truly magnificent.
Find the little black plate for this bridge. The bridge was renovated in year E.
Stage 7: Si Chuan Road Bridge/Szechuen Road Bridge
I highly recommend that you stroll along the north bank of the Suzhou Creek and head west towards the third bridge. Once you arrive, stand in the center of the bridge.
This is the spot that I wish to share with all of you. In my opinion, this is the most breathtaking view in Shanghai. Every time I pass by this location, I pause for a moment to take in the scenery. I struggle to articulate the emotions that I feel. This place is not overly crowded, and there are not many tourists here. Whenever I stand here, I am able to find inner peace, and my entire body feels at ease. If you visit during the spring season, you will be able to witness the cherry blossoms blooming along the bank.
Again you could find the black plate: the bridge was renovated in year F.
State 8: Bonus Stage
You could stop at stage 7 to claim your find. But if you have time you could go on. Stand on the bridge, look around and look high. You could find some status that is not Chinese style. Go to the building and found the black plate. It was completed in year G. Now it is a museum and free of charge. Feel free to find your way in.
How to claim your find?
In order to prove you have been there, message me the year from A-F in the following format. Year G is optional. Or maybe I will delete your find. :)
Year A: XXXX
Year B: XXXX
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Virtual Rewards 2.0 - 2019/2020
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between June 4, 2019 and June 4, 2020. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 2.0 on the Geocaching Blog.