In the former French Concession near the city center, in the area of Avenue Joffre, Rue Bourgeat and Rue Ratard (now Huai Hai Lu, Changle Le and Julu Lu respectively), there is a surprising amount of greenery to greet the eye. This picture, taken from the author's penthouse terrace, shows some of the formerly single-family dwellings fronting on those streets.

A drive down Shanghai's streets, however, usually proves disappointing. All houses have their "best face", along with their gardens and terraces, on the south side, and most have put up high walls on the street side. The only indication that these are single family dwellings no longer is the front gates, such as the one pictured here. Any gardens that survive are also hidden from view, except from a high vantage point-or from the double-decker buses which once again, after fifty years, ply the streets.