Chongming Island was an alluvial island at the mouth of the Yangtze River, on the eastern end of the Yangtze River Delta. It was also China's third-largest island, its largest estuarine alluvial island, and its largest sand island. With over 1,300 years of land-forming history, it was known as "the Gateway to the Yangtze, the Fairy Isle of Donghai."
However, limited by its island setting, the place was not particularly developed. There were no forests of towering skyscrapers; instead, its residents lived at a slower pace, distinct from Shanghai.
There were some tourism developments on the island, including government-built wetland parks and forest zoos. Private investors had opened resorts, guesthouses, cafés, bookstores, and more, creating an atmosphere different from Shanghai's. There were pastoral views, natural scenery, and a touch of bourgeois charm. Overall, it was quite nice.
There were two ways to reach Chongming Island: by water or by land. The water route meant ferries, while the land route was the Shanghai Yangtze River Bridge.
Wang Yan and the others had driven over via the bridge.
After settling into the resort hotel, Wang Yan and the others had a simple lunch together. They did not talk much. After resting briefly, they rented bicycles and prepared to go for a ride.
"President Wang, those two will probably need a while longer to get ready. Let's head out first. You're wearing that?"
David looked Wang Yan over: shorts, a short-sleeved shirt, sneakers, and nothing but a cycling helmet.
"I only ride occasionally. My butt can handle it. No need to make it so professional—it's too much trouble."
"President Wang really is carefree."
"I just don't want to spend the extra money. It'd be a shame to throw the stuff away, but I wouldn't use it if I took it home." Wang Yan