Street Hawkers

In Shantou during the 40s many shipping merchants travel the world in search of new soil to settle. A multitude of immigrants came to South East Asia and became successful merchants trading and becoming business icons in their new country - the Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia etc.

However since their motherland is not in the tourist belt in China Shantou has been very much neglected by China. Main areas are left as it is during the early years and developments is still in the doldrums in this city. It is like a land where time stood still for the residence. I was visible shocked by the deserted road and tattered building in Downtown Shantou. I am also surprised that those who were successful did not come back and contribute to rebuilding their motherland.

It also show the importance of the country to develop regional provinces instead of looking only at monetary gains before urban planning can follow.

An excellent capture that tells the story you speak of. I find it almost hard to believe the vegetation that is growing out of the buillding itself. What a shame to let what was a thriving area, go to such waste. People so live here, but I can imagine just how impoverished they must be.

Kindest regards, Gail