We've reported numerous times on the sad state of architectural preservation here in Shanghai, but we will probably never get as deep as Shanghai history buff Paul French. French has now taken the time to compile a list of the worst losses of 2010 (there were a LOT of them) and it's well worth a read. more ›

Occasional Shanghaiist contributor Sue Anne Tay has a gorgeous and touching photo gallery up on Foreign Policy about the parts of Shanghai being cleared away to make way for its rapid development. more ›

And no, unfortunately it's not the Great Firewall. Apparently around 300 feet of the actual great wall,, located in a remote part of Inner Mongolia, has been irreparably damaged by Mongolian gold prospectors. The section, an historical artifact built during the Qin Dynasty between 220BC and 206BC, is more like reinforced earth than the formidable stone structure snaking through Beijing, but historians insist that it still carries the same significance. Hohhot Kekao Mining has been blamed for the destruction and can face a penalty of up to ten years in prison or a fine of 500,000RMB. more ›

A few months ago we stumbled upon some rather critical-of-the-politico graffiti at the crossing of Luban lu (鲁班路） and Quxi lu （瞿溪路）, in the Luwan District. When we returned this weekend, we found a harmonized wall. The only words now discernible was a half hidden: "Long live Chairman Mao". more ›