“As the world awaits China’s “Olym_pic bow”, the North-Eastern city of Dalian shines out as China’s “most habitable city”.

But away from Beijing and the media spotlights, hidden among the uptown hotels and sky rises lies a derelict and neglected neighborhood with a community in need. Faced with the realisation that their homes may be destroyed at anytime, the inhabitants are placed in a difficult situation as terrible living conditions are brushed aside by a local govern_ment who have planned to demolish the area for years. In a city whose people live to remember the war atrocities of Japanese invaders, residents remain torn over the fate of an area which houses both fond memories and a painful past. As China redevelops at an astounding rate much of its precious heritage is destroyed. This project takes photography back to its rawest and most intimate form – remembering.”

A photo story of Boris Austin, that aims to show that there is a lot more happening in China than the well known realities of economic development and the Olympic games.

Please note – *Certain* Words have been intentionally misspelled in order for this story to remain available online from within China.

As a group of young boys race through the streets, time for this historic neighborhood and its community may be running out. Among the many stories are plans for building apartment blocks and business parks and even the idea that the old town will be saved and become a movie park for film makers. With the planned demolition delayed and mounting rumors over its redevelopment, the fate of the old town lies truly unknown.

A brand new building containing luxury apartments towers over the edge of the old town.

Wu Xin Jin, 69, one of the areas original inhabitants explains the history. Behind him lies one of many burnt out and now derelict homes. “I remember the Japanese being here, we got along with them, the civilians at least – they were kind, unlike the soldiers.”

Zhang Zhengfa sits on the bed of his home which is also the local shop. In a living space of approximately 4 square meters he provides a telephone and sells cigarettes & confectionary through a small hatch to the local community.

A woman goes to refill her bowls with water after working washing vegetables in a courtyard.

Li Hong Ying holds her baby in their living space which is occupied by 10 other people.

Guo Chang Jiang (centre) and his biker friends pass the time whilst waiting for fares. The four-strong team use their motorbikes as a cheap taxi service for the locals. Although they are unlicensed and must keep an eye out for the police, on a good day can earn over 50 yuan (£3).

Yang Wu Jin watches women crush garlic on the street. These women will prepare one whole basket of garlic in a days work and will receive 15 Yuan (£1) between them. For these women this is some of the only work they can get, their only other option is to recycle rubbish.

Zhang Wan Yu sings a song surrounded by household waste which has been dumped on people’s rooftops outside her home. Among a global call for China to pay attention to its environmental policies, it is people such as Wan Yu’s parents who’s work is to recycle household rubbish.

A boy eats Chinese dumplings as 104 year old Gu Yue Wu smokes a cigarette in the noodle shop owned by his granddaughter, who stands behind him. “They say the whole neighborhood will be demolished after the winter” says owner Gu Ai Zhen, “but they’ve been saying that every year for the last ten years… it’s too bad these old houses are disappearing but then again what does it matter what I say, if the government decides something then that’s what’s going to happen”.

Lian Ming Wu , the boss of the noodle shop jokes with his customers as he prepares their food. A large bowl of dumplings will cost them 4 yuan and beef with noodles 6 (£0.35).

Zhang Yang points a toy gun as families gather on the street. Many of the local children, influenced by China’s modern TV culture, like to act street wise. However in reality the tight-knit community makes the old town a relatively safe place.

Fan Zhen Yu, owner of the local public toilet shows her family photo album as she waits to take a 5 Jiao (3 pence) payments from customers for its usage. Opposite her husband works in his repair shed.

Yang Chun Hua searches through photographs of the local people looking for pictures of friends. As winter sets in, temperatures drop forcing people to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.

Liang Sun has his days findings weighed by a team of workers after scouring the city for rubbish. His entire cart of paper is exchanged for just 8 Mao (£0.05)

Zhang Ao peers through the door of his living space. After the local fires people have become increasingly wary and are on the look out for any strangers. The fires were all started in the same manner by flammable liquid and happened within three days of each other, creating a distinctly fearful atmosphere in the community. A notice posted on signposts read “These fires are happening for no reason, do not panic” the entire area was covered by undercover po_lice, who after several days announced that they had caught the man responsible claiming that his actions were a statement against the govern_ment.

Li Siu Ming makes his point at the dinner table. The sound from a television protects us from eavesdroppers as we discuss the fires, the history and many other issues that face local people in the area.

Xu Jia Jin looks shyly away from camera. At first Jin felt a little uncomfortable showing us his living space. Having lived locally for over 30 years, Jin told us of much harder times during China’s cultural revolution and remembers when “there were no leaves on the trees outside” because people had eaten them to stay alive.

A mother holds her son’s hand as they walk home through the central street. As the sun sets early on a bright winters day the fate of the old town lays in the balance, nobody knows if and when their story might end.

Full story here.