Tales of Han Street

In the early 1980s, several families, including the Chengs, Zhous, and Zhus, lived in an old alley on Han Street in Jiangcheng. As reform and opening up took hold, some shouldered their carrying poles and plunged into business, while others watched from the security of their iron rice bowls. Some became rich overnight; others lost everything.

The older generation each sought a way to make ends meet. With a damaged leg, Cheng Gang carried the burden of supporting his family on a shoulder pole. Wu Qifang went from street to street selling buttons, saving enough to pay for her two sons’ education.

The younger generation grew up wild. After failing the college entrance exam, Cheng Yue started out selling buttons at a street stall. After many ups and downs, he became a clothing magnate. Cheng Rui got into a prestigious university and took charge of Han Street’s demolition and redevelopment.

Every morning, the rolling shutters on Han Street still go up as usual. Family bonds that cannot be broken and neighbors who may quarrel but never drift apart help people find their footing on this street and keep moving forward.