China: A Decade of Change

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China: A Decade of Change

The People's Republic of China is one of the world's fastest changing societies. This page documents some of the changes by comparing photos from 1991 and 1999 of the city of Jinan, capital of Shandong Province. I lived there for a year in 1990-91 while teaching at Shandong University, and returned for a visit in 1999.

1991
1999

Above are two pictures of the same street on the outskirts of Jinan in 1991 and 1999. In 1991 it was largely deserted except for a few bicycles, a donkey cart and several shops. By 1999, there were more buildings and the street was lined with shops and vendors with their merchandise spilling out into the street.
Below are photos of another street in the same neighborhood. In 1991 there were a few vendors selling backpacks and briefcases. By 1999 the street was lined with vendors on both sides and down the center of the street. They were selling all kinds of things, but mostly clothing, food, and liquor. I was told that the proliferation of street vendors was due to the layoff of many factory workers who are now trying to eke out a living.

1991
In 1991 the street was empty 1999
In 1999 the street was crowded with vendors

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1991	1999
Above are two pictures of the same street on the outskirts of Jinan in 1991 and 1999. In 1991 it was largely deserted except for a few bicycles, a donkey cart and several shops. By 1999, there were more buildings and the street was lined with shops and vendors with their merchandise spilling out into the street. Below are photos of another street in the same neighborhood. In 1991 there were a few vendors selling backpacks and briefcases. By 1999 the street was lined with vendors on both sides and down the center of the street. They were selling all kinds of things, but mostly clothing, food, and liquor. I was told that the proliferation of street vendors was due to the layoff of many factory workers who are now trying to eke out a living.
1991	1999