Co-authors Andreas Körner and Gao Yi initiated a photographic project that illuminates the different facets of two different cities in flux- Shanghai and Beijing. Their images are not so interested in spectacular surfaces or architectural masterpieces, but rather on the chance encounters, and the fine cracks that are emerging at the dividing points between tradition and belief in progress, and between state-regimented family life and unconstrained consumption. 70 colour photographs provide a different perspective on a revolution that is going to affect all of us.