Chongqing - The newly released publication Hi! I’m Chongqing has recently hit the bookshelves nationwide in China, taking readers on an immersive journey through the remarkable development of this 8D metropolis, beginning from its very formation millions of years ago and detailing key factors that have shaped the lives of Chongqing people from times ancient to modern.
As one unfurls this work three years in the making, a collection of more than 200 exquisite photographs with detailed illustrations, along with plentiful scientific diagrams created for popular audiences, which bring to life the full scope of geographical and cultural depth waiting to be explored in Chongqing, an internet sensation that has taken the world by storm in recent years.
Striking contrasts ignite the passion for photography
Mikkel Larsen is a former long-term resident of Chongqing from Denmark who first arrived in 2013. He graduated from the University of Aalborg with a degree in computer science and media technology, and during his time working for iChongqing as a contract photographer and social media manager, he widely explored over twenty counties and districts across the municipality and unearthed rich human narratives and traditional culture through production series like Chongqing Travel Guide.
Danish photographer and author Mikkel Larsen has widely explored 20 districts and counties in Chongqing Municipality (Photo/Mikkel Larsen)
Following his arrival in Chongqing after three years of living in Beijing and Luoyang, the lure of capturing the magical cityscape on camera soon proved irresistible, and he subsequently became a fervent enthusiast in photography. Among the top sources of motivation for this stemmed from the marked differences that Chongqing strikes with his home country.
“In the beginning, everything looked so new, different, and fresh compared to where I grew up. Denmark doesn’t really have super tall buildings and rolling hills, so to have all that in one metropolis was quite amazing. I especially grew fond of photographing the city lights, the balance with nature, and trying to capture real life on the streets. Moreover, small temples became one of my favorite locations because of the stark contrast they form against the otherwise modern and sleek look of the city.”
Chongqing experiences culminate in the new publication
Mikkel eventually relocated back to Denmark in 2021, but over the eight years he spent in Chongqing, he witnessed numerous changes as the city continued to develop at a remarkable pace. Apart from the completion of new skyscrapers, malls, and infrastructure projects like bridges and subway lines, the rapid transformation into an international city struck him on a personal level.
“Chongqing was already a highly functional city when I first arrived, but I still had the impression foreigners were somewhat a rarity. Children would approach you on the street to say hi, while every now and then, people would ask to take photos together. In the time since, Chongqing really has become a far more international city, and ever more welcoming towards foreigners.”
Night views such as the Yuzhong Peninsula from across the river towards Qiansimen Bridge and Hongya Cave inspired Mikkel to take up photography (Photo/Mikkel Larsen)
As the popularity of destinations outside the main urban area continually increased thanks to improved transportation networks and strengthened publicity, Mikel also took the opportunity to make numerous trips around the municipality, with several visits to Dazu Rock Carvings and a scenic cruise through the Three Gorges being prominent examples for which he remains grateful.
On his return to Denmark, Mikkel turned his attention to compiling his works and experiences into a travelogue-style photo collection, wherein he shares Chinese tales and promotes the cultural tourism resources of Chongqing.
These efforts culminated in the publication of his new book Impression of the Mountain City, Chongqing in the Eyes of a Dane, which vividly portrays the dynamic urban development and the harmonious blend of modern and traditional elements. Mikkel hopes this work can further enhance global awareness of this largely undiscovered mega-city and facilitate cultural exchange between China and Nordic countries.
Everyone has a unique perspective on Chongqing
Looking back, Mikkel never imagined that he would author a publication with his own photographs in this way, but the fact he always loved showing off views of Chongqing through a lens, the book can be regarded as an organic progression that naturally showcases his love and impressions of the city, recounting personal experiences from his unique perspective.
Chongqing has always struck a fascinating contrast between modern and traditional elements (Photo/Mikkel Larsen)
“My book aims to show how people can view the same thing in their own unique way. My photos are distinctive in the sense I have a specific eye for content, along with a particular style in what I capture. However, another photographer might go to the same location and capture something wildly different. This may be down to individual preferences, while it is sometimes our culture that dictates the scenes we look for.”
Despite having left Chongqing nearly two years ago, memories of the city remain vivid, and Mikkel is busy making plans to return for three weeks in the spring of 2024 to catch up with friends and family, a length of time which has never felt so overwhelmingly brief, considering the vast realm of possibility the city offers, and how the eight years he spent here made a lifelong impression.
“Chongqing really shaped me in a big way over the years, and I still consider it my second hometown. I have actually lived there longer than anywhere else since childhood, so the city is hugely important to me, and I hope our association will continue long into the future.”