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Film summary
The largest mass migration in the world is taking place, as Chinese farmers flock from their rural homes to urban areas. But their search for better standards of living does not always turn out as they'd hoped...Key facts
- An influx of millions of immigrants from rural regions has raised Shanghai's population to over 18 million.
- The most densely populated city in the world, Shanghai's infrastructure is under significant strain.
- Congestion has worsened in Shanghai, contributing to air pollution caused by the city's 18 power stations.
- Despite a construction boom, affordable housing is scarce in Shanghai, as rural migrants move into the city to work undesirable construction and factory jobs.
Transcript
These glittering neon signs are beacons promising a better life, creating one of the largest human migrations of modern times.
This is Shanghai.
Shanghai, China
Millions of farmers in rural areas of China are leaving their homes for Shanghai's bright lights.
They're in search of the better-paid jobs and higher living standards that the big city has to offer.
This influx of migrants has raised Shanghai's population to over 18 million.
It's now the most densely populated city in the world.
The mass migration is putting a strain on Shanghai's infrastructure.
Traffic congestion has worsened, adding to air pollution caused by the city's 18 power stations – which are needed to sustain Shanghai's increasing energy use.
Modern living encroaches on the city's architectural heritage, with old houses demolished to make way for skyscrapers and increasingly elaborate and expensive apartments, built for the wealthier urban population.
Despite a construction boom, the escalating cost of housing means that Shanghai's rural migrants can barely afford the most basic of living spaces.
Ironically, the Chinese government only allows the migrants into the city to fill the low-paid construction and factory jobs created by the construction boom – jobs that have been shunned by the urban population.
This connected cycle of migration, construction and urban growth continues to fuel Shanghai's expansion, attracting ever more rural migrants in search of a better life.
