China’s runaway hit TV drama “Blossoms Shanghai” concluded Tuesday, drawing curtains on its dazzling portrayal of the city in the 1990s. Adapted from Jin Yucheng’s award-winning novel of the same name, the series, directed by Wong Kar-wai, captures the essence of Shanghai on the brink of modernization.

In this era of rapid development, the city’s residents saw the skyline transform as high-rises began dotting the landscape. It was also marked by significant lifestyle changes — people embraced new fashion styles, started using mobile phones, and began investing in the stock market.

Sixth Tone presents a selection of photos from the 1990s that showcase the city’s evolution.

Pedestrians on Nanjing Road, May 1, 1994. Peter Charlesworth/LightRocket via VCG

A man talks on his “dageda,” literally “big brother big,” the first generation mobile phone used in China, 1998. Xu Haifeng/The Paper

Two young men in Shanghai, August 1996. Xu Haifeng/The Paper

Residents ride through Shanghai on bicycles, October 1993. Frances M. Ginter/Getty Images/VCG

Neon advertising signs light up Nanjing Road as cars, traffic, and pedestrians crowd one of the city’s busiest shopping areas, Nov. 1, 1993. Peter Charlesworth/LightRocket via VCG

An elderly man and a couple share a park bench, 1997. Peter Turnley/Corbis/VCG

A couple steps over a puddle, 1995. Xu Haifeng/The Paper

Editor: Apurva.

(Header image: A model speaks on a mobile phone on a bridge over Nanjing Road in Shanghai, Oct. 1, 1995. Gerhard Joren/LightRocket via VCG)