Centuries had passed since the Monkey King and his companions first walked their paths to enlightenment,
which continues to live within the hearts of generations in peace and
periodic conflicts. Shanghai, recovering from the shambles of political warfare in the recent years, ultimately took a different face in the 21st Century. Glowing bright in a sea of neon lights, with towering structures reaching skywards, and its residents enjoying the cosmopolitan way of living, Shanghai delightfully captures the vibrant cyber-fantasy cityscape often imagined by pop culture. It also seemed that its traditional culture were not compromised by these futuristic visions, rather it was held in a celebrative light, sometimes sugar-coated by travelling websites.
Yet, in the rubbles of rapid development dwells an overcrowded slump-like community. There it sustained, but surprisingly not acknowledged. These are the decaying city of the old. A refuge to those who are still trapped in the memory of war, but is still integral to Shanghai's dual identity.
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| Website: http://shanghai-vacation.com/the-oriental-pearl-tower/ |
Copyright © Keren Su
In contrast, a typical life here is relatively slow-moving and less glamorous which is in the comfort of the older generation. In the morning, residents are happy enough to be playing a small game of cards and chit-chatting their day away with neighbors or other keen outsiders. The backdrop of the modern city ironically obstructing their view.
This alternate part of Shanghai is not preserved nor was it commercialized. If the development of the city calls for it, they would eventually be denied of their place and then forced to move out to another unwanted space of tightly packed communities.
It is not uncommon to expect two very different modes of living to co-exist within the same space. The trick is obliterate the situationist concept by opening your mind to these products of multi-identities crisis. Embrace the contradictions, and interact with them. And maybe, they could teach you a card trick or two.
This alternate part of Shanghai is not preserved nor was it commercialized. If the development of the city calls for it, they would eventually be denied of their place and then forced to move out to another unwanted space of tightly packed communities.
It is not uncommon to expect two very different modes of living to co-exist within the same space. The trick is obliterate the situationist concept by opening your mind to these products of multi-identities crisis. Embrace the contradictions, and interact with them. And maybe, they could teach you a card trick or two.
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| Copyright © Claire Vd Heever |
