In most parts of the world, China is seen as an overpopulated country. But you have to experience it before you truly understand it.

Heading to Shanghai’s Old Town to glimpse ‘traditional’ China was an interesting experience. ‘Surreal’ is the only word I have to describe what was going on the streets of Nanshi on this gloomy, cool Sunday.

I can tell you, it wasn’t a place that tempts you out for a lazy stroll. You needed an emotional mastery to navigate its bustling alleys. It was physically uncomfortable at times. But there is no gain without pain.

The pleasure of places like this one may be beyond what you can imagine.

An ocean of people stretching in front of me, an extraordinary dance of commerce, cacophony of voices, a sense of variety and a mixture of wild and chaos, shops selling antiques and jewellery, centuries-old City God Temple, classical pavilions, rock gardens, arched bridges and vendors serving soup dumplings and traditional sweets.

I was exhilarated by the intensity of life there. It was overwhelming and exciting in equal measures, a sort of experience I signed up for.