Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 12 | Page 574

Back to the History - Old City of Shanghai
Ying Wa Primary School, Tam, Hoi Hin – 11
B
roken red brick walls. Antique temples. These are the only hereditary remains of the old city of Shanghai.
Everybody who once lived in the isolated area had moved out long time ago, except this thin old man, who
was probably the only ancestors of the long past heritage.
The old man was called Sam. He was almost seventy years old, yet still full of energy. He decided to do something
so that he could let the visitors understand the real meaning and history of the town. He hoped that he could stop
the heritage of town from vanishing.
He started to host tours every day. He brought a few visitors to see the traditional culture. He showed them
photos from the time of his great-grandfather. He described how the pirates attack the city and how the city wall
protected them. The tour was very informative. People started to become interested in the history of the city.
Sam looked at the precious photos from the past. He was encouraged by the visitors’ interests. He said to himself
that he wanted to continue to introduce the city to more people. He kept hosting tours. In order to attract more
visitors, he even opened a tea house which serves traditional tea and snacks.
It was a great success. The tour and the teahouse were so popular that more and people want to know the origins
of the city. He has now expanded his business into a huge tour company.
“Shanghai Dim Sum ! Yum!” A boy shouted. He was selling home-made dim sum made by Sam. This little town
is no longer quiet and isolated. There were all kinds of visitors here and there, taking pictures of the temple. The
town was also crowded with famous restaurants. Gradually, it had turned into a tourist attraction.
People always ask Sam what he thinks about his business and the old city of Shanghai.
He always answers with a smile, “It’s the new tales of old Shanghai!”