In the tradition of his “Everyday Dalian” photobook, the Municipal Government of Dalian originally commissioned SongLi to produce his second photography book about the city. The intended purpose was as an international promotion for the 2009 Davos World Economic Summit.
However, SongLi evolved that inspirational vision into a new and unique visual expression with the timeless book, “A Walk Across Dalian.” This rare artistic perspective offers a photographic guide to the city unlike anything done before. Based on his 2008 Coast-To-Coast Trek across the city of Dalian, this journey of images shows the city through the eyes of a resident foreign expert. It also offers a personal introduction to the history and culture of the famous and historical seaport.
China is a country of evolving cultural legacies and economic destinies. Weaved within this tapestry of modernization are the threads of Christianity and its fluctuating influence. One of the most unique examples of this Western religion takes place in a historic coastal city that has long been overshadowed.
The Chinese city of Dalian has gone by many names in the past one hundred years. Each title was in preference to the language used by the colonial society or occupation force that administrated the city, from Great Britain to Russia to Japan to the Soviet Union, and then finally native China. As a military port and commercial hub, Dalian was a strategic location in three foreign wars and the national civil war.
From its formal foundation in 1898, Dalian was a center for cultural exchanges. Its Christian community thrived for generations, with ties to Europe, America, and Japan. During the years of social turmoil within China, churches where closed and their congregations scattered. Yet that spiritual faith remained. These centers for worship have been restored and their congregations attract growing numbers of Chinese Christians. Dalian is also one of the few cities in China to have preserved Christian cemeteries for foreigners.
Most of these historical records and pictures have been lost, and what survives exists with little knowledge or attention. Therefore, this project will create a definitive reference source of materials that is both educational and personal.
The original Russian settlers of Dalian were Orthodox Christians. They established their cemetery at the furthest boundaries of the city in 1989. In later years a chapel was built and expanded on the grounds. Buried at the location are the early citizens of the colonial community. During the Russian occupation after the war, this site was used for Soviet soldiers, in addition to another forgotten cemetery North of downtown. Lushun hosts the oldest known historical Russian cemetery and it is designated as the only one in the region, which is not completely true. Any foreign cemetery on Chinese soil is rare. However, SongLi discovered two other century-old cemetery locations that have been preserved yet forgotten by the public. SongLi also has been able to guide foreign families to visit the final resting place of loved ones buried at these locations during the 1920s and 30s. This service is extended to anyone looking to rediscover the grave of a family member. Otherwise, in the interest of privacy and preservation, these sites will not be disclosed for any non-family visit requests.
Everyday Dalian: Life in Modern Manchuria. A former colony briefly founded by Russia but later developed over two generations by Japan, Dalian has always been a strategic hub for control of Northeast China. SongLi’s photography collection about the city and its population has won multiple international awards. Each image captures the richness and color of the modern-day Manchurian metropolis, documenting its transition over six years.
The “slice of life” presentation, a hallmark style of SongLi, offers a new depth to the environments and people living in this historic port. These pictures also present an original artistic and realistic view of a community shaped by the turbulent legacy of its foreign occupation, and the aftermath of the bitter Chinese Civil War, to emerge as one of the leading cities in the country.
This book also comes with a foreword by Phil Borges. The humanitarian photographer is famous for his signature black and white portraits with hand tinted skin tones of endangered cultures around the world.
The Historical Society of Dalian provides an open forum where resident and foreign historians can exchange information and contribute to the public record. The HSD promotes a scholarly view of history that enriches public understanding. The Society hosts an annual conference and quarterly seminars.
