Somewhere under the bridge studio rainbow
Elderly music enthusiasts, who took to playing their instruments under a highway bridge across the Dianpu River in Xinzhuang, have had their “practice studio” renovated and turned into a public space with a better environment to play and enjoy music.
The renovation work is part of a project aimed at building a 4.5-kilometer-long ecological corridor along the Dingpu riverside, from Xiaolai Port to Humin Road, in Minhang District.
Shanghai Daily photographer Dong Jun reported the highway bridge studio story in May earlier this year, and was invited to revisit the venue and take pictures of them playing under the rainbow.
“Bridge studio” before and after renovation: Mr Wang, 65, plays saxophone under the highway bridge in May and June.
Ms Liu comes to the “bridge studio” every day even when the renovation was taking place. She said she watched the place getting better, day by day. “I feel I have to dress smart to come here and practice as the place is so beautiful now,” Liu said.
Liu Shiyuan, 68, plays his new bass saxophone, bought in Japan, to his studio friends. Liu was the first to play saxophone under the highway bridge in 2019. He said there were only two to three players at first, adding that he never expected the group to grow to nearly 20 people.
Elderly music enthusiasts, who play under the highway bridge, said they now play music under the blue sky, white clouds and beautiful rainbow every day.
The renovation of the bridge space is part of a revamping project of the waterfront along the Dianpu River in Minhang District. After renovation the waterfront will feature various exercise facilities for public use.
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