Wang Guohua 
Alley Chronicles [EPUB ebook] 
Crowded Shadows

This book is the latest installment in the author’s ‘Street Chronicles’ series. In addition to continuing the aesthetic style of the previous works, the content is broader, selecting famous landmarks such as Shangsha, Shennan Avenue, Shenzhen’s specialty coconut chicken delicacy, and ubiquitous pedestrian overpasses. The text covers the current streets, scenery, social conditions, and folk customs of Shenzhen, with a strong sense of modernity.The book is divided into four sections.The first section, titled ‘Time in the Alleys, ‘ describes typical neighborhoods such as Shangsha, Lou Village, San Wei, and Anle;The second section, ‘Scenes from Above, ‘ describes famous landmarks such as Shennan Avenue, Binhai Promenade, Xiangmi Lake, and Qianhai;The third section, ‘Deciphering the World, ‘ describes the largest bougainvillea tree in Shenzhen, the most common delicacy, and the most peculiar industrial park, etc.;The fourth section, ‘In the Silence, ‘ uses some images to more deeply depict the texture of Shenzhen. For example, what do the seeds of Shenzhen’s many plants look like? What are the differences and similarities between the ubiquitous overpasses in Shenzhen? What feelings does standing on an overpass evoke? What is the smell of Shenzhen…The postscript is a long essay, ‘Wherever I Am Content is My Hometown, ‘ summarizing the feelings and experiences of a non-local living in Shenzhen for many years.The entire book consists of 25 works, with a strong personal touch and a deep love for the city of Shenzhen.