Shopping: People shopping for food in preparation for Chinese New Year. ZHU GANG / FOR china daily

In the early 1980s, before the city had been gentrified, Shanghai’s winter was grey, almost depressing. But despite the cold weather, there was nevertheless a warmth and happiness that was emanated from familial bonds.

Most people, including myself, lived in narrow lane houses where homes did not come in regular shapes and sizes. Families usually gathered at home to stay warm. Adults smoked and chatted or played poker. Till today, whenever I read about family happiness, the image of a small house, grey smoke and vague figures puffing on pipes and sipping tea, immediately comes to mind.

The children would insist on playing outdoors despite the biting cold. Many of them would end up with a runny nose but they hardly seemed to care. Sometimes, when we were aimlessly running along the lanes, the cold air would carry a whiff of sweetness that would cause everyone to let out a big cheer — the old man selling baked sweet potatoes was just around the corner.