When China began building its amazing high speed rail system in the early 2000s, Hu Jintao was the leader of China. As with all leaders, he had a slogan or catchphrase that was used (ad nauseum) to symbolize his rule. With Hu Jintao, the slogan was “build a harmonious society.” For his 8 years in […]
Friday Photo: Chairs
Six years ago this week I was in Shanghai. I don’t remember why, but I do remember wandering some of streets of the old city where I spotted these little chairs lined up outside a business. Just sunning themselves on a warm Spring day. Two things have always puzzled me: who put them there and why?
Don’t Do This in Shanghai
22 years ago, in an effort to improve the social environment of Shanghai, the city government issued a list of 7 “Don’ts” — behaviors that the citizens were to avoid. It was an attempt to eradicate the bad habits of Shanghai citizens. They included things like spitting, smoking in public, and cursing. Earlier this month […]
Life in a Nail Neighborhood
Perhaps you have heard of nail houses in China–dwellings whose owners have refused to move in defiance of demolition orders. As Chinese cities continue to expand, they are swallowing up villages and land in the countryside. The Boston Globe’s Big Picture blog recently published a photo series documenting a nail neighborhood in Shanghai. In this case […]
Friday Photo: Deals on Wheels
Spotted on a street in Shanghai. You need it, this guy’s got it! Related Posts: Shanghai! Shanghai, From a Construction Crane Shanghai Sidewalk Cafe Shanghai Books Chocolate in Shanghai Springtime in Shanghai Battle Zone Shanghai
Remembering Jewish Refugees in Shanghai
Last week, China staged a huge parade to commemorate the end of World War II. While everyone was focused on the pomp and ceremony in Beijing, there were a couple of events in Shanghai to honor the city’s role in taking in Jewish refugees during the war. In fact, on September 6, the city opened the […]
