The Disappearance of Shanghai’s Old City and the Dilemma of Urban Memory

Abstract

Shanghai’s renewal has advanced rapidly, replacing old neighbourhoods with commercial complexes and large infrastructure. While these projects modernise the city, they often demolish historic areas that embody local identity and memory, disrupting long-standing communities and social networks. The city increasingly caters to tourists and investors, sidelining the value of generational communities beyond financial compensation. Drawing on fieldwork and photographic documentation, this article examines shifting urban functions and their impact on residents’ daily lives.