Chongqing - The book "Hi I'm Chongqing," which intricately captures the essence of Chongqing's beauty, was at the heart of a book-sharing event held on January 26 at the Wenwen Bookstore in Chongqing's Yuzhong District. 

The event, titled "Rediscovering the Beauty of Chongqing," brought together the book's authors and behind-the-scenes creators to engage readers in discussing the city's charm.

The group photo of guests and book fans at the "Hi I'm Chongqing" book-sharing event. (Photo/The event organizer)

A month prior, on December 25, 2023, the new book "Hi I'm Chongqing" was launched at the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum. The book, featuring over 230 photographs, maps, and scientific illustrations, offers a comprehensive and profound look at Chongqing, guiding readers through the city's and its inhabitants' past and present.

Ma Ranxi, Deputy Director-General of the Publicity Department of CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, expressed his dedication to promoting the city's beauty through this book. "The city is a co-creation of Chongqing people and its landscape," he said, inviting everyone to discover its many splendors.

Ma Ranxi, Deputy Director-General of the Publicity Department of CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, gave a speech. (Photo/The event organizer)

Independent musician Ya Jing, with his songs "The Sun Comes Out Happy" and the original "Rainy Day Chongqing is Especially Beautiful," led the audience to experience Chongqing through music. Ya Jing emphasized that everyone, be it authors, photographers, or musicians, is exploring and depicting Chongqing uniquely.

Wu Pengfei, the book product manager at Planet Research Institute and planner of "Hi I'm Chongqing," shared insights on the book's thematic planning, development, and publishing impact. "I think that in making this book, in addition to telling everyone what Chongqing is and where Chongqing comes from, the purpose of making this book is actually to pay tribute to the people of Chongqing," he said.

Wu Pengfei, the book product manager at Planet Research Institute and planner of "Hi I'm Chongqing." (Photo/The event organizer)

Through this publication, the institute aims to enable readers to understand Chongqing's history and culture. He highlighted the book's unique ability to tell both Chongqing's and China's stories to a global audience.

Zhou Yong, Honorary Chairman of the Chongqing History Research Association and professor, offered his perspective on the book's significance. Citing at least five of his books as references for "Hi I'm Chongqing," he spoke about fulfilling his geographical dream through the book's publication, continuing the legacy of documenting Chongqing's history and culture.

Zhou Yong, Honorary Chairman of the Chongqing History Research Association and professor, shared his insights about the book and Chongqing. (Photo/The event organizer)

Wang Zhengkun, Vice Chairman of the Chongqing Photographers Association, whose photographs feature prominently in the book, shared his experiences and stories behind the photos. He revealed that many of his works were shot from high altitudes, including skydiving 60 times to capture the beauty of Chongqing and relocating to the riverside for diverse perspectives.

Finally, Zhou Xuan, Deputy Director of the CQCB News Film and Television Center, shared his insights as a photographer, particularly the differences between news photography and landscape photography. He emphasized the importance of composition, lighting, weather, and the photographer's emotional expression in landscape photography, in contrast to the immediacy and authenticity required in news photography.

"Hi, I'm Chongqing" is available nationwide and distributed through major bookstores like Xinhua Bookstore, CITIC Bookstore, Jingdian Bookstore, Sisiphe Bookstore, and various online platforms. Readers are invited to embark on a cultural journey through Chongqing with this enlightening book as their guide.