Those Old Houses, Those People

Xin He Pu Community (新河浦) might be a place with memories for many kids who grew up in Guangzhou. What I knew about this peaceful city corner of old houses, trees and creeks came only from books and the internet until I visited there recently. The walk brought me a closer look and a sort of solid feeling.

No. 12, Xugu Yuan Lu (恤孤院路,Orphanage Road) in Xinhe Pu is a residential courtyard compound. I found many people playing Majiang when I entered. A little girl in red intentionally showed herself to me and my camera. She told me the adults often played Majiang.

In China, "four" is a special number that symbolizes extended horizons and stable and cautious being.

In the world of Xin He Pu, "four" can be found everywhere: Kids' world is a four-sided rectangular sky above the courtyard, the adults' square table for Majiang and in her rectangular viewfinder ...

This old courtyard provides vivid impressions



Kids' world is a four-sided rectangular sky above the courtyard.



Adults' world is a square Majiang table



Rectangular viewfinder captures a billboard at dusk calling for community harmony



The balcony view triggers a lingering expectation for an elegant Chinese lady in Qipao gown, idly leaning there.



Any lovely and warming stories behind the closed and sun-lit door?



I would like to open these windows fully to let in the sunlight and breeze.





Dusk, courtyard and a cat



Two oranges hung on a door is believed by the Chinese to bring good luck



Outside view







A lively little girl in red enjoys her performance for the camera



A shy boy seems to have a lot on his mind



A woman sews to make a living.

Source: Lifeofguangzhou.com

Editor: Jessie Hwang