As China's largest metropolis, it's population bulging at 24 million, Shanghai is an emblem of the nation's incredible economic miracle. Representative of contemporary China's urbanism, its vast suburbs are home to the aspirational classes: those who want a piece of the materialistic pie and have their chance at newfound wealth. But the promise of a better future comes at a compromise. To many suburbanites, growing materialism and increasing costs of living are bringing unwanted struggles. Welcome to Shanghai's 'burbs: where myriads live amid a boundless sea of faceless high-rise condominiums, streets are coated in construction dust, and omnipresent arterial expressways leading to yet more suburban sprawl.