Katie Stevens

This photo was taken during our visit to Tianjin. In the photo you can see the vibrant, colourful and oriental style buildings that represent traditional Chinese culture, with flags and lanterns overhanging Chinese food stands and shops, similar to what one would expect to see in places such as Chinatown in London. In the background of the photo however, you can see the tall, grey high-rise buildings that one would associate with any large developed city. This photo captures the contrast seen on the trip (both in Tianjin and Beijing) between old and new and between tradition and modernity. This reflects the wish to retain Chinese culture and traditions in the face of the vast and rapid economic growth and development that can be seen in many Chinese cities over recent decades.