Classical and modern styles intertwine in Shanghai through the lens of a German photographer.

Mark Siegemund is a German freelance photographer who has lived in Shanghai, China, for many years. His photographs, taken from unique perspectives, paint a vivid picture of one of Asia's most modern cities. By approaching the subject from challenging angles, his collection reveals the diverse facets of this vibrant metropolis.

As the director of an architectural design company, Mark was captivated by the majestic structures of Shanghai, such as the Shanghai World Financial Center and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. He captured stunning images that left viewers breathless and aroused, thanks to his sharp angles and impressive height.

The most striking feature in Mark's photographs is the contrast between modernity and tradition. Although Shanghai is developing at a breakneck pace, evidenced by the countless skyscrapers, this bustling city still holds peaceful corners with classical architecture. Images of temples nestled alongside luxurious high-rises are not uncommon in this city.

The Huangpu River, gently winding through the city, can be seen as a dividing line between modernity and tradition. On one side is the financial center, also known as Pudong, with its endless rows of skyscrapers and bustling, vibrant streets. But on the other side of the river, known as Puxi, lies the older part of Shanghai, not as hectic as Pudong, but still with a lively and vibrant atmosphere. As Mark himself shared, it's not easy to find a place that offers a sense of unhurried pace unless you venture further into the suburbs.

Residents of Puxi can easily observe the towering buildings glistening in the morning sun, or the dazzling neon lights as night falls. Conversely, those in Pudong can only see the low-rise buildings on the other side of the river, interspersed with ancient tiled-roof temples. Perhaps the common thread between the two sides is the people themselves, rushing about their daily lives, caught up in the flow of time and the demands of work and daily sustenance.

Here are some more images of Shanghai captured by photographer Mark Siegemund:

Yuan Bao