Shanghai Tech WriterTechnical Writing, Technology, Web2.0, Google, Shanghai, China

Just read a translated article from ChinaHush about the life of a migrant construction worker in China. The original article in Chinese was written by a construction worker in Hainan, China. He shares his thoughts about being a migrant worker, earning 1600 RMB (~$200 USD) a month, building a luxury apartment high-rise in Sanya, Hainan (China’s little Hawaii).

I thought to share this article because I live in Shanghai, one of the fastest growing and developing cities in the world. Shanghai is constantly under construction. I read somewhere that one-third of the entire world’s construction cranes are in Shanghai!

The whole world sees skyscrappers and high-rises pop up all over Shanghai (as well as other major cities in China), but what people often don’t see are the toil and sweat that take place behind the bamboo scaffolding and green mesh. I don’t know the exact number, but a significant percentage of the population of Shanghai are migrant/construction workers. I don’t think they’re actually included in any population counts though. They are the “invisible” force behind the fast-paced growth and economic development across China.