Gu embroidery, which originated in Songjiang during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is a style of needlework with silk thread on cotton pieces that duplicates famous paintings and calligraphy. Local women used to support their families through Gu embroidery. Three photographers spent two years shooting some 100 photos in a series showing a complete history of this embroidery art. Students from Songjiang University Town were invited to help with the photo shoots. [Photo/Gu Weiqiang, Hu Weiguo and Shen Jianxin]

A corner of the campus of Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, one of the seven universities in Songjiang University Town [Photo/Sun Liande]