An exotic, chaotic blend of colonial European, Chinese, and, frankly, terrible contemporary architecture, Shanghai is the standard-bearer for the new economic power of China. At its best the city feels something like New York or London, surrounding you with the hullabaloo of contemporary life. At its worst it’s more like Dubai: bland, awkwardly modern and lacking soul.
Easily the most exciting parts are those with European and Chinese influences, where small street kitchens sell buns and pancakes. Too much colour, too much smell, too much sensory impact to take in, the old city burns with energetic life. A few blocks away, marble-clad western brand/ bland stores sell over-priced handbags and shoes.
For my pictures here, though, I’ve chosen two icons of the Shanghai skyline: the TV tower, and the monument to the People’s Hero (LINES!).
And amid the chaos of the old city, I found two moments of peace – an old man sleeping the morning away, and a young man strolling beneath washing slung out on bamboo sticks.
Wiring problem.
To cross the Huangpu river I had to board a little train and take the tourist tunnel: now formally renamed, ‘TUNNEL OF PUREST STRANGE’, wherein you are bombarded with flashing lights and eerie voices as you journey beneath the waters.
Men in the street argue with the police over (seemingly) minor traffic infringements.
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