“Riverside Mountain City” photography exhibition, part of the “China’s Stories” series, grandly opened at China Cultural Center in Stockholm

On August 23, “Riverside Mountain City” photography exhibition, part of the “China’s Stories” series, grandly opened at China Cultural Center in Stockholm. Nearly a hundred Swedish artists and art enthusiasts gathered to witness this century-spanning dialogue of light and shadow. A lecture on “China’s Story” was also held during the event. Ramon Wyss, the grandson of Fritz Weiss, who took the photographs a century ago, engaged in a dialogue with Daniel Fredholm, sharing the stories behind these images.

Ramon, a professor at the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, spoke of his grandfather, who once served as a diplomat in Chongqing. The turbulent waters and silhouettes of ancient city gates in these century-old weathered images are not only family memories but also a form of “visual archaeology” of Yangtze River civilization. Ramon and his family have preserved, organized, and now shared these precious images with us, offering a glimpse back into Chongqing during the era of wooden sailboats.

Mr. Daniel Fredholm, a senior consultant at Prover, has visited Chongqing multiple times for work. During these trips, he delved into the urban fabric, using his lens to capture the rich sense of life in old residential buildings and document the authentic moments of citizens’ daily lives during leisurely afternoons. Through his photographic work, Daniel shares stories of this mountain city, using contemporary imagery to engage in a century-spanning dialogue with the historical photographs. The two protagonists shared little-known stories behind the photos with the audience. The two-hour event was filled with lively discussions and questions from the audience. Many people expressed their desire to visit Chongqing and see its beauty in person after learning about its development and changes.

Additionally, “The Moment of Chongqing City Photo Exhibition,” supported by Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, was held concurrently, showcasing a contemporary Chongqing where ancient cultural heritage blends with modern technological expression.