:: Cathy, Cheeky Monkey - 2005 to 2012 ::
:: Welcome to my Neighbourhood, Shanghai 2011 ::
:: One Day in Songjiang, Shanghai, China ::
:: Women of China, 2010/2011 ::
:: Street Market Scenes, Shanghai, 2011 ::
:: Visit to Xiamen, April 2011 ::
WORK IN PROGRESS
Leaving the ultra-modern Hongqiao railway station in Shanghai, I took the 250 km/hour bullet train for the 7-hour journey to Xiamen, 1000 km south on the southeast coast of China, in Fujian Province. It has been voted to be the most pleasant city in which to live in the whole of China
During my two-day stay in Xiamen I visited the famous Gulangyu, a vehicle free island a short ferry trip away, and the Nanputo Temple, where I met the very attractive 23-year old Annie, see her pictures in my 'Women of China' gallery
:: A Visit to XinChang, a Chinese Water-Town ::

In early June, Cathy and I visited XinChang, a water-town in the Pudong District of Shanghai. It has a history of more than 1,000 years. During the Yuan dynasty, 800 years ago, the town was famous for extracting salt from sea-water. Based on this industry, it was at one time the largest town on Pudong.
Today, XinChang is a small water-town full of charm, integrated with a rich culture. It is off the usual tourist trail and is less frequently visited than many other water-towns in this part of China. Even Shanghai people themselves are not well acquainted with its existence
The town is criss-crossed with lanes and alleys, always leading finally to a canal with saddle-shaped bridges with stone carvings. Many families live in tiny houses spaced around small courtyards
Many of the houses date from the Ming and Qing dynasties and retain the typical, brick and wood construction with white powder ‘Daiwa’ walls; window lattice lintels, and carved wooden doors.
Here are some of the shots I took that day. Of special interest are those of a very friendly 86-year old gentleman, who let us into his home, and entertained us with stories from his life, both then and now, and exhibited his still very capable gymnastic skills on the rings.
:: Girls are Girls the World Over - Shanghai, 2011 ::
:: Amy and Weijia - Shanghai, August 2011 ::
:: A McDonalds, Shanghai, August 2011 ::