15 October - 15 November 2014

Venue: University of Cologne, Main Building

Over the past two decades, the People’s Republic of China has become a new and attractive destination for migrants from all over the world, including Africa. The city of Guangzhou, with its long history of international trade, has attracted between 200,000 and 500,000 Africans, primarily to do business. A famous ‘African Street’, named Baohan Street, has emerged in Yuexiu District, one of the oldest districts of Guangzhou.

The daily lives of Africans who make themselves at home in Baohan Street have been documented by the photographer Li Dong for over two years. Li Dong has been interested in the striking social and economic transformations in China’s recent history, and the emergence of migrant communities as the ‘new Guangzhou residents’. A selection of his works was exhibited in the Main Building of the University of Cologne from October 15 to November 15, 2014.

The official opening event of the photo exhibition took place on October 16, 2014. The artist was present at the vernissage and panel discussion.

Further information: www.blog.uni-koeln.de/mobility_global_south