Chongqing Through Images: ‘Hi, I’m Chongqing’ Sharing Salon Held

Chongqing - On January 12, the “Chongqing Moments • 2024 New Year Cultural Bazaar” unveiled its cultural tapestry on Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, the heart of Chongqing. Central to this cultural confluence was the “Chongqing Through Images: Past and Present - Hi, I’m Chongqing” sharing salon held from January 13 to 14.

Curator and Chongqing image researcher Wang Yuanling, when talking about the changes and constants in Chongqing, said that the unchanging aspect of Chongqing is due to its terrain, which shapes its form. What changes is the attitude of the people here, who have always been hardworking, optimistic, and resilient in building the city? The mechanism remains the same, but its form is constantly changing.

Wang believes that the people of Chongqing have a tender heart and are outwardly enthusiastic, and this duality makes them more inclusive. As a curator focused on imagery, Wang evaluates the publication of “Hi, I’m Chongqing” as not only using images to showcase history and present a beautiful Chongqing to readers but also introducing them to a culturally rich city. 

Photographer Si Qi from the Planet Research Institute shared his most impressive experiences photographing Chongqing, saying, “I started by documenting the city, then capturing urban landscapes, and now I also pay attention to people and events that have a point of view. Sometimes, you see warm scenes, the kind that really resonates emotionally. These images sometimes make you feel that Chongqing is such a city full of sentiment.”

Li Yinfan, a highly skilled Chongqing city image photographer, shared stories that left a deep impression on him during his photography of Chongqing. He believes that the photos selected by the Planet Research Institute reflect Chongqing’s historical development and cultural heritage. He also shared some tips for photographing this magical city.

On January 13, the salon was hosted by James Alexander, a foreign anchor from the Western China International Communication Organization. The event invited special photographers Fan Xiaodong and Chen Liang from the Planet Research Institute for a discussion. They shared photography anecdotes, interesting stories in Chongqing, photographs used in “Hi, I’m Chongqing,” and techniques for photographing Chongqing.

Fan shared that his main profession is English teaching, and photography is his side job. Since his first photograph of Chongqing in 2009, he has persisted until now. He mentioned that photographing Chongqing requires emotional and cultural depth. He feels a deep connection to Chongqing but admits that he lacks cultural depth related to his profession and lacks time to explore Chongqing. He said, “Only after accumulating more cultural depth can one truly capture the elements representing the people of Chongqing. That is also the direction of my future photography.”

Chen spoke about the challenges and techniques of photographing Chongqing, mentioning the city’s frequent fog, hot summers, and the need to constantly climb slopes. Despite these, photographers enjoy capturing the morning and evening glows of Chongqing’s summer, the city’s lighting, and the dreamy winter fog. Chen believes that the biggest challenge would be if there were no scenic views to capture in Chongqing. He thinks the title “8D Magic City” best represents Chongqing’s character, as it offers different landscapes and beauty from various angles.

On January 14, the “Hi, I’m Chongqing” sharing salon was again hosted by James Alexander, who invited notable photographers Yuan Chenxi and Tan Xiangjun from the Planet Research Institute to share their experiences. Yuan shared the stories behind three of his photography works, which were selected by the Planet Research Institute and included in the book “Hi, I’m Chongqing.” As a university student and a native of Chongqing, Yuan has witnessed significant changes in the city over the past 20 years. He wants to use imagery to record these changes and preserve memories, believing that the impact of these images is precious. His current focus is on capturing the relationship between people and the city, documenting the preservation of old things and the emergence of new ones.

Tan, also a native of Chongqing, shared his insights on photographing the city. He emphasized the need for good physical strength to carry photography equipment and traverse challenging terrains, choosing between high-angle or low-angle shots. He also highlighted the importance of considering the weather, as Chongqing is known for its fog. He aims to capture Chongqing as a city surrounded by mountains and rivers.

Tourist Zhang from Guilin also shared her impressions, praising Chongqing’s hospitality, unique landscape, and exquisite cuisine, notably the hotpot.

In a special showcase, China Post offered visitors the opportunity to purchase “Hi, I’m Chongqing” and enjoy the fun of custom stamping. This initiative provided a tangible memory of Chongqing’s rich cultural heritage.