Old Shanghai is quickly (and sadly) disappearing. I took these photos last year, and some of the places no longer exist. They've been demolished to make room for modernity, and their residents relocated to new developments in the suburbs. They now have more space but have largely lost their sense of community; they have running water but need to commute for two hours to reach downtown.
There's a new ailment unique to China's large cities:
vertical living syndrome. This ailment develops when people who used to share small spaces in tightly packed neighbourhoods and lived in communal spaces suddenly move to multi-storey buildings and are trapped within the walls of their new spacious apartments. They open the door and there's nothing but an empty hallway. They feel lost, disconnected, depressed...
With all its shortcomings, here's a tribute to old Shanghai living.
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| Snacks stall |
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| Neighbourhood market |
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| Fresh poultry |
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| Noodles shop |
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| Residential lane |
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| Teeth brushing time |
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