Shanghai's memory lanes

The longtang is a type of neighborhood unique to Shanghai.

The traditional alleys are part of an indispensable way of life for tens of thousands of Shanghainese.

It could be said that if there were no longtang, there would be no Shanghai and no Shanghai people. The longtang is the most distinctive architectural feature of contemporary Shanghai.

It is the most common living space for ordinary residents and an important part of local culture.

In the period of rapid development, starting in 2004, many longtang were demolished.

The streets are favorite locations for local photographers who can be seen searching for childhood memories in old alleys like Hongzhen Street, Dongiiadu and Guangfu Lane.

Whenever contemporary elements such as street graffiti collide with old elements in the longtang - the summer pavilion, the small attic, the street barber shop, the briquette stove, the public toilet - photographers get excited because it allows them to appreciate what is precious.

These are alleys that belong to the past but also to modern life.

Perhaps the days of such scenes are numbered as the longtang are replaced by high-rise buildings.

Women in traditional silk Qipao walking in Shanghai's old longtang, or neighborhood.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 12/02/2016 page4)