In the City Descriptors

Business is booming at the Sonora Market in Mexico City, where people concerned with the economy and the country's drug violence seek charms for protection and good luck.

Many illegal settlements in India have grown into bustling districts more populous than many American cities, yet lacking amenities and legal protections, and residents face the perpetual threat of eviction.

Its simple yet contemporary design creates a stunning effect. It combines two intersecting arcs and a square prism – and this makes the building more efficient.

Walking downwards from the top through a continuous spiral promenade, the visitors of the observation tower experience all of the building’s programs in a constant motion, enjoying dynamic 360 degree views.

I rode all day at a modest clip, on both sides of the Seine, in the Latin Quarter, past the Louvre and along the Champs-Elysees, feeling exhilarated, not fearful. And I had tons of bareheaded bicycling company.

To avoid paying exorbitant rent and focus on the food, savvy restaurateurs in Hong Kong have hawked their dishes in government-run food courts.

In China’s vast metropolises heavy traffic jams and long commute times mean millions spend hours glued to their smartphones and in need of diversion. Mini movies give them a little escape in their hectic lifestyles.

In the 1980s Cubatao was one of the most polluted cities in the world. Hard providences have been taken, costing $1.2 billion so far, to improve damages caused by its many oil refining, steel and fertilizer industries.

subterranean
In the Stockholm some subterranean metro stations are cut into solid rock and have cave-like ceilings.

Malaysia has a new image. The sleepy tropical backwater stereotyped in the novels of Anthony Burgess and Somerset Maugham's short stories has been superseded by Malaysia the high-tech urbanized regional powerbroker.