For Fang Shiyin, there is no reason police work can't be artistic.
The traffic police officer has developed his own set of traffic direction gestures that have made him a star on local streets.
Fang, 53,  joined the Huangpu District traffic police in 1973 as a retired soldier who had received training in music and dancing in the army.
Being an art lover, the police officer was inspired by a traffic cop in New Delhi, India, who danced to direct traffic on busy streets, achieving an amusing yet effective result about 20 years ago.
"I remember I saw him on a TV program and was very impressed by his special way of directing traffic," said Fang. "He combined elements of traditional Indian dance with his gestures."
Fang has been improving his gestures over the past 20 years and uses them every day at the crossing of Yan'an Road E. and Zhejiang Road M.
"I think directing traffic is also a kind of art just like that of a band conductor. We rely on the whistle, the eye contact and impressive body language to better pass on our messages," Fang said.