Shanghai may be the most cosmopolitan city in the world: it is certainly one of the richest. Old and new sit cheek by jowl - at least for a while - as economic progress devours the past in deference to the future.
Busy and impressive during the day, Shanghai is magical at night. Full neighborhoods are illuminated (but only until 11 pm, for energy conservation), and that includes bridges, the river embankment, and buildings of all sizes and shapes. In the French Concession (left photo), allees of Sycamores are uplighted in white and green, with illuminated pendants of persimmon and white. In the Bund, neoclassic and art deco buildings are symbols of late nineteenth and early twentieth century Western influence (right photo). It appears that China has staked a claim in LED lighting and the result is festive, uplifting and downright dazzling. Can't help but think some of Portland's neighborhoods might benefit from same.
Not all neighborhoods are affluent. Tucked between high rise avenues are narrow twisting streets where neighbors live and work literally on top of each other. Citizens live in very close quarters and daily life, including laundry, is conducted in the street.
Turn the corner and find Confucius and prayers tied to trees.
Where substantial construction fences line a street, whole blocks are coming down for progress. If you look closely, you'll see two guys sweeping the site with brooms (!) Similar guy, seen on the street, uses the ubiquitous street sweeper's broom, made of branches.
Progress has many forms. Here, signature buildings and ordinary projects dot the skyline along the Huangpu River. The tall icon in the middle (some call it a "churchkey") is by I. M. Pei.
