About
Why CitiGrow
Most guidebooks answer one question: Where should I go?
We ask something different: Why does this place matter?
That's why CitiGrow exists.
CitiGrow is an independent cultural archive documenting Shanghai through long-term walking, field observation and place-based storytelling.
Cities aren't downloaded. They're walked, observed and understood.
One doorway, one bridge, one forgotten garden — one conversation, and one return at a time.
A Living Archive
For more than three years, we've walked Shanghai one neighbourhood at a time — more than 500 hours on foot, and counting.
Routes are revisited before publication.
We begin on the ground, then compare old maps, historical records and lived local knowledge with what is still visible on the street.
The People Behind CitiGrow
CitiGrow began with one person's love for Shanghai.
Born and raised in the city, Lao Yan has always been curious about the streets, buildings and neighbourhoods around him. As an urban designer, he understands how cities are shaped. As a Shanghainese, he feels a personal connection to the places, people and memories that make Shanghai what it is.
What began as his own walks through familiar streets gradually became something more. He started documenting overlooked details, tracing forgotten stories and sharing his discoveries through Walking Shanghai: 100 Places.
Along the way, his curiosity brought together like-minded people from different backgrounds — architecture, urban design, education, research and storytelling. Each brought their own perspective, but all shared a love of discovering and understanding the city.
CitiGrow grew from that shared passion.
We believe a city is more than its famous landmarks. It is found in everyday streets, old doorways, changing neighbourhoods and the stories of people who have called it home.
We walk, observe, ask questions and share what we discover — not because we have seen everything, but because there is always more to understand.
What began with Lao Yan's love for Shanghai has become a shared journey of discovery.
CitiGrow preserves the research and stories. Lao Yan brings them to life on the streets. Meet Lao Yan
Our Promise
We won't try to show you everything. Only what is worth noticing.
Cities are understood by returning.