Photo story: An old accordionist in Shanghai

Shi Zhentai, over 60, is a resident in Dongjiadu, Shanghai. As the place of origin of Shanghai, Dongjiadu is located between Shanghai Old City Area and Shanghai Bund and was one of the earliest city areas when Shanghai was opened as a commercial port. Many photographers and foreign tourists are fond of this place.

Shi was a wireman before retirement. The old single man often plays accordion in the streets or on the ruins for residents and tourists. He is good at playing some famous accordion music like Ode to Joy, Sailor, Night at the Naval Port and Moscow Suburbs Night.

Shi likes to make friends and play the accordion for them. Sometimes, people think he makes a living by playing the accordion and give him money. He will politely refuse and tell them that he could support himself by his pension. As houses at Dongjiadu will be pulled down and people all begin to move out to new residences, Shi feels sad to leave the place where he was born.