Street Stories

Propaganda artist in residence

Weaving through the lanes near Yu Gardens (豫园) or north of Old Town in Xiaonanmen (小南门), whose layout had been hugely disrupted by carelessly erected temporary walls, blind turns and open sewers, it…

Cosplay* in the lanes

Even in the dusky evening, it was hard to miss the bulbous head of pink hair. I sprinted after her, nearly crashing into her back. “Hey! Sorry, can I…

Rolling out the red carpet

I rounded a bend in a quiet lane and found him sweeping studiously. The rolled up red carpet seemed a bit random in a residential neighborhood. “What are you…

Taking sides

Where a commotion takes place, crowds gather and traffic slows. I was in mid-conversation with a local resident who was pointing out a shop along Shunchang Lu (顺昌路)….

Radio confessions

“Hello. I need help.” “Who is on the line?” “.. can you help … I’m sorry, what?” “Caller, your name?” “My surname is Li.” “Mr Li. Tell us…

The stress of a wedding dress

Peering through the window of the wedding store, past the orgy of exploding sequins, glossy taffeta and cheap lace, a gaggle of middle-aged and young women hurried around a young…