Plane trees (Platanus × acerifolia) creating a dark cool green tunnel on a hot day, Yueyang Lu, French Concession

A neat little market along Dapu Lu near Luban Rd subway station on LIne 4 (purple line)

The edge of St Ignatius Cathedral along Caoxi Lu near Xujiahui - the tower in the background (in suitable churchy modern style) is the headquarters of the Shanghai Diocese of the Catholic Church in China - the Xujiahui area has a history since the 17th century (if you can believe it) as a Jesuit settlement

The former St Ignatius Convent (now the strangely named "Ye Olde Station Restaurant") along Caoxi Lu near Xujiahui, surrounded by imposing new buildings - the Xujiahui area has a history since the 17th century (if you can believe it) as a Jesuit settlement

Wheelchair access device at Caobao Lu station on Line 1 of Shanghai's Metro - you have to push a button which calls one of the staff to come and operate it for you... not exactly convenient

A big residential compound off Songhang Rd in a new district near the end of subway Line 2 (Green Line) - this if fairly typical of some of the larger new high density compounds

A shoe repair guy, ket cutter, etc... working in a doorway along Xinle Lu - this is actually an small entry courtyard (almost like Shikumen ones), so above his head is open air which is why he's so well lit

A curious giant parking sign on the side of an apartment building

An historic lilong district along Yuyuan Lu (formerly Bubbling Well Road), in the former International Settlement

A charismatic lilong district off Yongyuan Lu in easter International Settlement - it seems like the wisteria vines run over arches right across the lane