The unity of modern
and traditional

Crossing the busy streets of this city decorated in red, he was immediately hit by the frenetic, yet strangely organised, movement of his new neighbours. The cacophony of urban life was loud, overwhelming but exciting. Mobiles and designer handbags mingled amongst the aromas of spicy beef and dim sum. The juxtaposition of contemporary glass-clad skyscrapers, haute-couture shops and luxury cars harmoniously cohabitating with the myriad of traditional street vendors, barrows and bicycles was a unique phenomenon of modern-day Shanghai. He stopped by a fruit stall, marvelling at the variety of such exotic fruits, the old man gave a toothless grin as he offers him a slice of real China to try, the Nashi pear. Its unforgettable smell and crisp juicy taste instantly cemented his sense of residence in Shanghai, now his city to live and work.