An Yuan Lu

An Yuan Lu – Recorded August 1, 2009 at 5:46 p.m.

Jiang Ning Lu – Recorded August 15, 2009 at 6:09 p.m.

This walk starts down Jiang Ning Lu and finally begins at An Yuan Lu towards the middle of the track. This part of Shanghai has seen quite a bit of change and is now quite modern. Nearby is M50 on Moganshan Lu and there are quite a few galleries scattered about the area. Like a jewel in the rough, this ‘Nong Tang’, still preserves the simple life that was so abundant in this area before and gives an intimate view into the lives of the local Shanghainese. Echo grew up here, mostly under the care of her Grandmother, and still has family and family friends in the area. As we walk into the Nong Tang, the places that she describes are still there and the smell of freshly cooked dinner fills the air.

Toward the end of the alley, we just happen to run into her Grandmother’s sister and some family friends and share some dialog with them. This unexpected break in the typical soundwalk format is a refreshing example of the uncontrollable nature of life in these recordings. It also shows the deep connection that the speaker still has with her family and this location.

Photos by Weina Li.

Here is an excerpt from the transcript:

[17:17] We are now almost at my grandma’s place. This is #142 [Photo 7080]. The houses here usually have two stories and they usually have a skylight at the top floor.

[17:44] I used to come here a lot to run around and enjoy my day with my friends in the ‘Nong Tang’.

[18:04] The sky on top of the ‘Nong Tang’ here, although not very wide, is very beautiful.

[18:28]

Echojin: Hi Uncle!

Uncle: Oh! How are you? Why are you here?

Echojin: Today I am taking a friend here to record the sound of ‘Jing Xiu Li’.

Uncle: Record here?

Echojin: Yes, yes, yes. Grandma? Are you going out for fun now?

Grandma: Yes. I am going with ‘Jiu Jiu’ 3.

Echojin: OK you guys have a safe trip! See you later grandma!

Grandma: Who is this?

Echojin: A friend.

Grandma: Ok, I am going now.

[18:52] [Photo 7081] This is the end of ‘Jing Xiu Li’. We are turning around now. I heard before from others that behind this is an army factory. The Japanese used to build weapons here. I am not sure if that’s true but this area does contain a rich history. At least over 100 years.

[19:12] According to my mom, many of the old people you see here now were born here. They are now 70–80 years old. This place is filled with their memories. To me, this place has a very familiar smell. We just ran into my grandma’s sister. I heard from my mother that she is a very good mother. She did a great job taking care of all her kids at home. She suffered much hardship to raise them until they were independent and became adults. [Photo 7097]