The first photo studio Wang Kai Photo Shop (王开照相馆) in Shanghai's "Cultural Street" 4th Avenue ( 四马路) in 1930s, the heyday during Shanghai's colonial era.

Apart from "high culture" represented by book stores, pop culture such as photo shops and theatres and cinemas, 4th Avenue was also a centre for "low culture" - brothels.

With a high concentration of book stores, stationary shops, theatres, cafes and dancing parlours in and around the 4th Avenue, the street became one of the favourite haunts of the young ladies of elite in the old Shanghai.

These noble girls were known as mingyuan (名媛) typically born into a rich family and received scholarly upbringing and artistic training with an educational qualification at an elite girls' school.

In those days, a proper noble Shanghai girl must be capable of speaking fluent English, knowing how to drive a car, ride a horse and play tennis.

A Noble Girl also needed to be able to compose classical Chinese verses, produce fine calligraphy, create exquisite ink paintings, singing the archaic Suzhou style opera Huiqu, play ancient music and do yoga exercise.

If the Noble Girls were the products of "high culture", then the dancing, singing and performing girls in old Shanghai were a group of people who helped shape the pop culture on the stages and screens.

One of the most memorable pop song and film star was Zhou Xuan (周璇). Hauntingly beautiful and extraordinarily talent, she was abandond at birth and then sold to brothel by her forster father.

During the semi-colonial era, it became so common to see those pretty and pretty sensitive Shanghai addresses to end their young lives by committing suicide.

There were exceptions though. This gorgeous performing artist named Qin Yi (秦怡) sustained her professional career and gains wide popularity for half a century. Well entering 80s now, she is still adored by her fans for her dignity and elegance.