"Tunnel Life Shots" Trend Among Young People in Shanghai
Authorities Warn of Strict Punishment for Unauthorized Entry
A netizen photographed in the style of director Wong Kar Wai in an underpass in Shanghai, China. Baidu
Authorities in Shanghai, China are struggling to deal with a surge of young people flocking to an underpass in the city to take so-called "life shots."
According to Chinese-language media outlets such as Guangming Daily and Global Times on May 27, the Xinhua Road underpass in Shanghai has recently become a popular destination for young people seeking the perfect photo. Word has spread that one can capture a "Hong Kong retro life shot" in the style of Hong Kong film director Wong Kar Wai at this location, prompting a steady stream of visitors eager to take photos.
Although this is a road designated exclusively for vehicles and pedestrian access is prohibited, young people have been entering the tunnel illegally to take photos. Images shared on social networking services (SNS) show individuals pressing themselves against the narrow space between the tunnel wall and the roadway, or extending their legs toward the road, assuming dangerous poses. Some have even been photographed just 0.5 meters away from fast-moving vehicles.
A netizen photographed in the style of director Wong Kar Wai at an underpass in Shanghai, China. Baidu
As the risk of accidents has increased, SNS platforms have begun displaying "Do Not Imitate" warnings on related photos. However, the comment sections are still flooded with messages such as "I want to take a photo too," "Share the location," "It would look even better if you took it a little further forward," and "This really has a Hong Kong vibe."
Local police have now intervened. The police authorities announced that they have increased patrols around the Xinhua Road tunnel and will stop anyone attempting to enter illegally, warning that violators will face strict punishment. Authorities emphasized, "The underpass has heavy vehicle traffic and poor lighting, so any accident could be fatal," and stressed that "unauthorized entry must be completely eliminated."
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