Part 5/11:
As we traveled from Chongqing to Shanghai, our scenic train ride offered glimpses into the socio-economic fabric of rural China. Unexpectedly, I noticed high-rise buildings juxtaposed with rice paddies in places where a lower-density living arrangement would be the norm elsewhere in the world. Emerging trends pointed towards modern living arrangements where many prefer apartment complexes, even in the countryside, which often looked desolate and underpopulated.
However, one aspect was apparent: the remarkable speed of urbanization has resulted in a plethora of hastily constructed buildings that lack aesthetic merit. While earlier architectural efforts in the West during the early 20th century yielded beautiful structures, many cities in China now feature uninspired concrete facades.