Left behind: The containers, which house different families, were set up by the landlord, who charges a rent of 500 yuan (£50) per month

Risk: A similar container village in Pudong was pulled down by the Chinese authorities in 2011 because it was too 'dangerous'

Struggling: There are 18 shipping container homes in this 'village' on the edge of Shanghai

They also struggle for rights to health care and public education because of the government's household-registration system 'hukou'.

Li Yanxin, a native of Anhui Province, said she and three other migrant families have lived in the so-called 'container village' for the last 10 years.

The old cargo containers were reportedly rescued by a man in his 70s, known simply as the 'old man', who acts as landlord after he found them discarded on the side of a road.

All are equipped with doors, windows, electricity and water and Li said she feels safe.



She has divided her 15 square metre home into a small supermarket, selling food, drinks and other daily necessities, and a living room with a bed, sofa and even a television.