Amidst China’s rush to modernity, some hidden neighborhoods in Shanghai, yet untouched by urbanization, embody a sense of history and nostalgia. From theshanghaieye via Flickr:
Ever wonder why most Chinese don’t have any concept of personal space? The answer to this riddle is hidden at home.
Take a peek at one of the numerous Longtangs (lane-houses) of the city where 60% of the Shanghainese once lived, and you’ll understand the local psyche.
The Brits and French originally designed these 3-story homes in the 1920s as single-family residences. Later, the Communist government turned them into beehives, packing numerous households into this small space that shared a single kitchen and bathroom. [Full Text]
