Old Shanghai is called "Paris of the East". In this colorful world, China and foreign countries are mixed and luxurious. Mr. Wang's pen, like a focused plane, takes us to Shanghai, which carries memories of the past.
The full text originally planned to write nine chapters, and * * * completed six chapters, from Shanghai's history, the peak of prosperity, to Shanghai's alleys, pavilions and pavilions, with a detailed description of Shanghai people's diet and daily life. The amorous feelings of old Shanghai are vividly on the paper.
Once upon a time is about the historical changes in Shanghai. In our impression, the newly formed "Shanghai Beach" took shape as early as the Han, Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties. The humble "Shanghai Town" has become a "peak of prosperity" because of the "unequal treaty" after the Opium War. I wonder if every dark cloud has a silver lining. This "adventurer's paradise" has formed its own personality characteristics because of its openness. He said, "However, if you want to be a real Shanghainese, you have to be very particular, such as one brand, two styles, three gimmicks' (also called' signboards') ..." The summary is simple and clear, and to the point.
All the familiar scenes in the alley were seen when I was a child. All kinds of ordinary citizens, under the only conditions, try their best to live a life with relish. Although Mr. Wang jokes about the filth in the world, what he spends so much time describing is the life of Shanghainese.
Even if you live in a pavilion, you should take into account decency. "If guests come, four dishes and one soup, plus a cold basin, take your time and spread the desktop ...", no matter how humble the kitchen is, the result is "rotten, sauced, pickled and drunk". This was true in the past. Although the materials at that time were not as rich as they are now, they were much more refined.
Strolling around the streets was once an important way for Shanghainese to relax. Go to the department store in the busy commercial street to buy some delicious food on the rest day. When the lights are on, you may find a "good restaurant" for a meal. Shanghainese have a good taste, which can be tasted not only by major cuisines in China, but also by western "big dishes". Shanghainese who can live can not only eat, but also like to study methods. There are various versions of Luo Songtang, which is still the "housekeeping skill" of many housewives.
Shanghainese pay attention to clothes, and even "only recognize clothes but not people". Although this kind of "power" is not necessarily unique to Shanghainese, it has always been the "wind vane" of fashion, which also gives it the label of "vanity". Although people are eager for the trend of Shanghai, they are also learning and cursing. This contradictory and tangled mentality can be seen everywhere so far. Of course, the real talents in Shanghai are happy regardless of the criticism of "showing off".
The glory of Shili foreign exchange. It is still talked about by Shanghai "Old Koehler". Mr. Chen Cun once said, "In my opinion, I have read Mr. Mu Xin's Shanghai, and others' Shanghai is fake. "Indeed, as a Shanghainese, maybe I can understand the meaning better. Especially in the era of rapid development, look at Shanghai's food, clothing, housing and transportation, cultural environment and people's values at that time, experience the personality characteristics of Shanghainese and have more love for this city.