I finished off my first full day in Shanghai with a visit to Jinmao Tower in Pudong New Area, the section of Shanghai east of the Huangpu River. A few decades ago Pudong was flat farmland, old warehouses, and docks where local fishermen still reeled in their catch. Now it’s larger than the original Shanghai Old City, and one of the biggest commercial centers in the world.
Hyatt Hotel inside Jinmao Tower
Jinmao Tower observation deck
Shanghai World Financial Center - aka the "Bottle Opener" building
I’m glad I went to Jinmao on my first day. It was the only day the sun came out during my week in Shanghai.
Sunset from Jinmao Tower
Hyatt Hotel or Bespin's Cloud City?
Jinmao Tower observation deck - New Year's wishes
No really, that's just haze
Shanghai sunset or Blade Runner?
My China Year 
I’ve heard about the pollution. Do they ever have clear days anymore? The architecture really is amazing. And I love your photography. Is it difficult to get around since you don’t speak the language?
I couldn’t make a judgment about air pollution because it’s been cloudy other than my first day in Shanghai, and a few hours in Xiamen.
As for not knowing the language, obviously it would help, but I’ve been able to do a fair amount of traveling without it.