....Migrant workers are the backbone and unsung heroes of China's rapid economic and urban transformation.

Originating from the less developed provinces, they come to cities such as Shanghai in search of a higher wage and a better life. I photographed these  construction migrant workers outside of the luxury developments they are building. Each site is surrounded with large adverts selling a lifestyle and culture that is only attainable for the wealthy elite of China.  These juxtapositions shows two very different lives.  For the builders, they would need to work an entire year, with only two days off every month to afford just one month's rent in an apartment at these sought-after addresses. 

All images © Jonathan Browning 2019