Shanghai (CNS)--Several decades ago, people stopped by the bookstands along the roads for picture-story books. Recently in Shanghai, a piece of news brings about heated discussion. A picture-story novel The Three Kingdoms was bid for 100,000 RMB ($15,470). One would be so surprised by a dramatic comparison with its original low price.
Scarcity led to preciousness. Picture-story books and tiger kitchens have gradually faded out from daily life. At the same time, it increases in value and attracts more and more attention from the collectors. In the eyes of 80s and 90s generations (people born in 1980s or 1990s), it is of unique fun to review the past of Shanghai through these items.
Picture-story books regain popularity
Another name of picture-story book is comic strips. Shanghai is where Chinese modern comic strips originate. Around the Confucian Temple in central Shanghai, many book worms are satisfied with a variety of picture-story books.
In a more and more materialistic society, picture-story books recall the joys of one's childhood, said Jiang Ye, from a Japanese corporation in Shanghai.
At the time of the 90th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall exhibited a series of popular red comic strips of 50 stories, including Comrade Mao Zedong in Northern Shaanxi, My Father Deng Xiaoping. The history behind the unforgettable stories has deeply affected his life, said Mr. Wu over his 60s.
Tiger Kitchen in memory
Tiger Kitchen used to be a usual scene all over Shanghai's residential areas. As the city develops, it is not easy to find one any longer.
It is named from its shape, with an upward tail and kitchen bench, used to be popular around Jiangsu and Zhejiang. In the past, few families can afford gas. Every alley has a tiger kitchen to provide the residents with hot water at 2 cent a jarful.
Alley games on the wall
Hopscotch, gamecock, rope skipping, ring throwing, jump rasping...Shanghai kids used to love these alley games. Only during foreign friends visits will the families review the old-fashioned fun.
On Weihai Road in central Shanghai, a wall of alley game pictures has attracted many eyeballs. Alley games shows Shanghai's local culture and is designed to preserve the cultural symbols of old Shanghai, said Li Jianguo, senior designer at Shanghai Animation Film Studio and also originator of this childhood scenery.
