Baohan Street: China's largest African community
The largest African Community in China lives in the Baohan Street, in the Southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. Chinese photographer Li Dong's best shots are currently being exhibited at the University of Cologne.
Looking through the camera
"African Street" or "Chocolate City," is how the Baohan street is known in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. It is the largest African community in China. Between 200,000 and 500,000 Africans live here. The Chinese photographer Li Dong visited Baohan Street and by using his photos he tells the story.
Lots of patience
"To capture these photos, I had to live in the Baohan Street for two years. To build trust, I had to move in and shared an apartment with four Africans. That opened the door to the community," the photographer Li Dong said. "By using photos I would like to show how China has become multicultural."
New neighbors
"In those two years my neighbor Monen and I became close friends. We often met in the Baohan street for a beer," said photographer Li Dong. 80 percent of African immigrants living there are male. Most of them come from Cameroon, Nigeria and Angola.
Why Guanghzou?
"Guangzhou has 14 million inhabitants and has a long tradition as a trading city. This has been attracting many Africans who are looking for fast money. Most of them came to china 10 or 15 years ago," said Li Dong. "Beijing and Shanghai do not attract as many workers as Guangzhou, these cities attract rather academics."
An International marketplace
A lot of things such as fruit and vegetable are traded in the "African Street." Just like its residents, who have become international, many goods have price tags. Most of them are indeed in Chinese. "But one can also find the prices in English advertising the best melons in the world," says photographer Li Dong.
Busy restaurants
In the evening, around 22 hours, the restaurants in the neighborhood are particularly busy. "Many Guangzhou residents, Chinese and Africans alike, are Muslims. You will therefore find a number of Halal restaurants too.
Vibrant nightlife
The nightlife is pulsating. The area is normally transformed into a melting pot of dance and music. Latest Hits from Lagos, Accra and Kinshasa also attract Chinese, Americans and Europeans. "I, too, was often there at night with my camera and this was the best way to get to know people living there," Li Dong recalled.
Problems with the police
"All the people remain somewhat among themselves, but occasionally friendships or even romantic relationships do pop up between Chinese and Africans. The people in Guangzhou are normally open and have positive attitude towards Africans," said Li Dong. "Trouble only comes when the police conduct raids and catch some who want to remain in the country even though their visas have expired."
From Guangzhou to the world
Li Dong’s photos have already been showcased in Guangzhou and in Paris. "Many people in France did not know that there are so many Africans in China". From November 15, the photos can be seen in Cologne and then after in Brussels. Li Dong would also like to showcase his photos in Africa.