Shanghai, the old and the new

Morning. The Old Town of Shanghai wakes up early. Even though most tourists probably would look on this as a poor district, the area is full of charm. However, the new apartment buildings are slowly diminishing the original Shanghai with its narrow alleys and bustling street life.

Dumplings. The Shanghai cuisine is well known for it's soup dumplings, best approached with caution (hot insides). Steamed buns are found everywhere.

Shopping. Market street in the Old Town of Shanghai – here you can find almost anything from live frogs to old scrolls painted on silk as well as cheap reproductions. People from the modern apartment buildings close by shop here as well.

Abacus. Counting with an abacus can be faster than with an electronic calculator. This retailer sells his abaci in Shanghai's Old Town.

Doggy. Shanghai Museum has some of the most extensive and interesting collections of Chinese treasures, like this nice doggy. He is a lot older than he looks.

Laundry. Poles sticking out from the houses, sometimes resting on the trees on the sidewalk, for the clothes to dry. The polluted air soon makes them dirty again.

Night. Shanghai Museum in the foreground, surrounded by highrises looking down on the People's Square. New trees and lawns connect the museums, theatre and concert halls.