Chinese Fishing Villages
A modern island with a quiet side.
By Ephemera documentary
Angelo Chiacchio
Floating in Shengsi (2018) by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
Over the last three decades, China has been completely transformed by its booming economy. The city of Shenzen is known as a manufacturing hub for the technology industry. Few can recall its roots as a small fishing village.
A small archipelago, known as Shengsi, embodies the region’s rapid pace of industrialization and urbanization. While thousands of local fishermen still call Shengsi home, it is also the site of the abandoned fishing village of Houtouwan.
Boats near Shengshan island (2018) by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
Off the southeastern coast of Shanghai, a fleet of identical boats enters the archipelago via the Pacific Ocean.
Fishes in Shengshan (2018) by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
The region is widely known for its fishing industry.
Chinese shipyard (2018) by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
Boats are built on the island of Gouqi using the same precise and familiar template.
Chinese man on a boat (2018) by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
Most fishermen reside near the main harbor on the nearby island of Shengshan.
Chinesea boat mechanic (2018) by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
A ship engineer takes a break during his busy workday. The fishermen’s boats generate non-stop requests for ship maintenance.
Chinese woman waveing fishing net (2018) by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
A woman weaves a fishing net in preparation for the next expedition.
Aerial view of Houtouwan (2018) by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
An eerie calm covers the other side of the island.
Aerial view of Houtouwan (2018) by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
Since the 1990s, the village of Houtouwan has been nearly abandoned.
Aerial view of Houtouwan (2018) by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
Villagers became increasingly wealthy and expanded the village as their local fishing industry grew. Money, travel and the desire to provide their children with a better education eventually convinced most to move away.
Houtouwan (2018) by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
You can walk the empty streets of Houtouwan for quite some time before coming across another person.
Panorama of Houtouwan (2018) by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
Abandoned house in Houtouwan (2018) by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
Time stands still inside an abandoned home.
Houtouwan (2018) by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
The villagers left in a hurry. Nature did not hesitate to reclaim the land.
Worker in Houtouwan (2018) by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
A local man carries crops in total solitude.
Man working in Houtouwan (2018) by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
The soil remains healthy and fertile. Crops grow quickly here in the subtropical climate with the help of a skillful farmer.
Portrait of Chinese man (2018) by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
Houtouwan still has a few remaining residents who have chosen the island’s quiet side over its modern, busier side.
Nature's return (2018) by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
Conclusion
The contrast between Shengshan and Houtouwan highlights the unexpected changes brought on by rapid economic growth. But bustling economic activity can only dominate a landscape temporarily. The quiet side of the island offers a subtle reminder of Nature’s resilience.
Terra by Angelo Chiacchio Ephemera documentary
This story was created with the support of Art Works for Change
, a nonprofit organization that creates contemporary art exhibitions and storytelling projects to address critical social and environmental issues.
Written, shot and produced by Angelo Chiacchio
Copy editing: Al Grumet, Rajesh Fotedar
With the support of: Google Arts & Culture, Art Works for Change
Thanks to: Jie Lan
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