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Portrait of a cosmopolitan district

PROFESSIONAL photographers crisscross cosmopolitan Changing District to capture its scenery and its residents. An album of their works will present a portrait that is elegant, vital and relaxed. Victoria Fei puts it in focus.

Chinese media photographers recently rushed around Changing District, trying to capture the essence of one of the city's most scenic, architecturally interesting and international.

Around 20 photographers spent two days visiting 60 spots and trying to capture the urban essence of the district known as the Western Gateway to Shanghai. Around 500 of their photos will soon be compiled and published in an album depicting the variety in the district.

Pictures range from trade markets to night views of Suzhou Creek, from creative zones to Xinjing Park, from volunteers to local residents singing and dancing in parks.

Jin Yongquan from China Youth Daily says he visited the World Expo 2010 Shanghai five times last year, but he never got a chance to take an in-depth look at Shanghai's communities.

"Being able to shoot photos in Changning gives me an opportunity to see the real living situation or locals," he says.

Changning is considered one of the most international districts in Shanghai, home to 27 foreign consulates and more than 200 stately residents for diplomats. The district has around 43,000 permanent foreign residents from 153 countries.

Though it is constantly growing and transforming, fine architecture is well preserved and photographers focused on the best along Xinhua, Hongqiao and Xianxia roads and Zhongshan Road W.

Quiet, elegant and tree-lined, Xinhua Road is one of the most famous streets in the city, featuring European-style villas and gardens. Constructed in 1925, it was then known as Avenue Amherst, renamed Xinhua in 1965.

An interesting U-shape is formed by Lanes 211 and 329; during the 1930s, immigrants from around the world lived in what was then called "Foreign Lane." It contains 10 European-style villas and gardens; standing in the lane, one feels it's like an European town.

Along Xinhua Road, visitors also find mansions in classic Italian, Spanish, German and British styles.

The district has a lot more to offer.

Sculptures and landscape walls in Zhongshan Park, Gubei Community and Tianshan Road have become new attractions. The landscaping and lighting project along Suzhou Creek draws many visitors.

A "golden boulevard" is achieved by lighting along both sides of Yan'an Elevated Road. There are neon lights in the green belts along Hongqiao Road. All of the lights and landscaping highlight the relaxed and elegant nature of Changing.

As water quality improves, people are returning to Wuchao Port and Xinjing Brook is now lined with willow trees.

One of the best ways to get to know a city is by meeting its people, talking to them and merging into the community. Visiting photographers also captured Changning's character through its people.

"Whether people are at work, in transit, or sitting at a caf茅, they are part of the city scene," says Zhong Rongjian from Southern Daily. "I'm amazed by the district's vitality and energy."


 

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