Bird and Insect Market, Shanghai, China.
The two sides of Shanghai face each other across the Huangpu River in a standoff between the past and the future On the west bank is the Bund a sweeping esplanade of po faced grey buildings the former headquarters of foreign banks and institutions which sprang up during Shanghai s 1920s heyday On the east side of the river is the brash face of the new Shanghai Pudong with its outlandish skyline of skyscrapers topped with spires baubles pyramids and pineapple flourishes As you marvel at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the elegant 88 storey Jin Mao Building the tallest in mainland China it s hard to believe that just 15 years ago there was nothing here but fishermen s huts Those who come in search of the old Shanghai of opium dens and exotic debauchery are in for a shock But the old city endures in quiet forgotten corners In the shadow of new apartment blocks with names like Rich Gate you can still stumble across narrow streets of old style lane houses where washing hangs from balconies and people go about their business in pyjamas Pay an early morning visit to the Bund or of the many parks See residents practicing Tai Chi Dance Kite Flying and various eccentric exercises ranging from tango to walking backwards
Size: 5250px × 3500px
Photo credit: © BonkersAboutChina / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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