In December 1987, fresh snow blankets the rooftops of closely spaced homes in Shanghai. Seen from above, the dense pattern of tiled roofs, chimneys, and narrow gaps emphasizes the compact scale of the city’s older residential neighborhoods

The snowfall briefly softens the city’s hard geometry, creating a quiet pause within an otherwise crowded urban environment. The photograph captures a rare moment when weather, light, and stillness reshape the experience of everyday housing.