569 Suzhou Nan Road

569 Suzhou Nan Road. Somewhere along Suzhou Creek. The scent of the past lingers in the air. Can you still smell the oil leaking out of rusty pipelines? The heated-up metal of outdated machinery? Hear the clashing steel and uproars among exhausted industrial workers in the far? After all, the creek was known as the busiest river in Shanghai and home to several textile factories. The once vital trade corridor is now balancing the present, past, and future. Washed away are past images of diligent laborers spending their well-deserved lunch breaks cane pole fishing along the riverbank. One might even mistakenly assume to be strolling around the landscapes of Manhattan’s High Line, or the Chicago Riverwalk. No. This is not a mere copy-and-paste with ‘Chinese characteristics’. It’s a melting pot of Western and Chinese elements, brought to life by Shanghainese architectural styles. The late period Shikumen found in the French Concession certainly complement the Art Deco Park Hotel designed by the Hungarian architect László Hudec. Shanghai leaves us with opposing impressions of a unique skyline, peaking over a revitalized industrial past. Undeniably, the metropolis changes in the speed of a scooter ride. Where would that journey take you? On a historic trip to the demolished walls of Fuxin Flour Mill and the Sihang Warehouse? ‘Back to the future’ to glamorous parties in the trembling heights of Park Hyatt and Broadway Mansions? Find the balance! But, one thing is for sure: change doesn’t stop at red lights. So, be careful not to get blown away by vibrant turbulences.