Shanghai “Tian Zi Fang”

Name:

Tutor:

Course:

Date:

Shanghai “Tian Zi Fang”

The largest, most prosperous, and attractive city in China, Shanghai has a lot to offer and is my hometown. From a young age, I did not give much attention to the world but knew that Shanghai was the best city in the world. During the summer breaks, I would fly from the United States to Shanghai, China just to visit my parents and have fun with my friends. However, as I age the love for the city has gradually diminished, and it leads me to have several questions about the city itself. The main question being why people would want to live in this city yet life here is difficult from the expensive houses to the overpopulation in the city. With the majority of the youth rushing from all corners of the country to make it big and fulfill their dreams it would be nice to introduce them to a place by the name “Tian Zi Fang.” It is a warm and noisy area within Shanghai that has become a tourist attraction with its fame growing every year. This area also known as Taikang Road is located on Shanghai Tai Kang Road, number 210. The area is known for being the back streets and highlights Shanghai’s old residential buildings called “Shikumen” which when translated means stone doors. The buildings in this area reflect the architectural taste that was there before modernization. Furthermore, the area is known for the small factories, obsolete warehouses and “Shikumen.” Shikumen are small buildings with enough room for two to four families who share the kitchen and bathrooms; these are the characteristics of most Shanghai housing.

Nonetheless, this all changed in 1998 when a renowned artist by the name Chen Yifei converted two of the obsolete factory into a gallery. He covered them with oil paintings, sculptures, fashion and created photography studios. This led to his career sprouting while also changing the fate of the region as now more artists in all fields flooded the area to make a name or themselves. The areas economic status changed with shops, restaurants, workshops and antiquities shops amongst others began opening making the area become a tourist attraction for both locals and foreigners. This new area has allowed various cultures from China and around the world to blend in this one place even with the modern art and activities the traditional Chinese culture that was in Tian Zi Fang has been maintained. This has been possible through the collaboration between artists, business owners, and architects. Moreover, Tian Zi Fang is not only known for its art but also its nightlife. The areas name originated in during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty when a famous philosopher Zhuang Zi, meet Huang Yong Yu, an artist who lived in a wonderland. In his works he referred to him as Tian Zi Fang and regarded him as an idyllic man, all he wanted was freedom and peace in this district. Therefore, the nightlife of the district honors Mr. Huang’s wishes as it allows the young to be free and the old to be peaceful this is through the various areas of partying and socializing. With world class clubs and pubs, it makes Shanghai the international destination for relaxation from the stresses of the world. It is my hope that the region provides the necessity for any person to pursue their endeavors in art, media or artisanship. Tian Zi Fang is waiting for you to discover.