This was the topic of a photo-essay book called something like ‘Disappearing Shanghai’, which came out about five years ago. The author described how a sleeker, Ultra-modern version of Shanghai was burying the old city like a steam roller. It is almost as though one world was invading, and physically removing another world which is in it’s place. The author of the book was taking photos of all of the charming old buildings, businesses, and residences of Shanghai which were being swept away by a Chinese government intent on modernizing. I recall a very interesting photograph of what might have been a slum, with the futuristic skyline in the backdrop.

Inhabitat: I’d be curious to know if there are any conservation groups trying to preserve the remaining architectural heritage in Shanghai. Every time I’m there, more old buildings have been torn down to make way for shiny new towers. That would be a great story, if it exists…

jess
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