To mark the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China, Shenzhen Art Museum is exhibiting more than 200 old photos taken by Shenzhen photographers He Huangyou and Zheng Zhongjian and Hong Kong photographers Chak Wai-leung and Lau Kwun-tang.

The photos span from the 1950s to the 1980s. Zheng’s photos reflect the lives of farmers in the 1950s when Shenzhen was Bao’an County while He’s photos mainly focus on migrant workers in the early period of reform and opening up. To reflect the changes that have taken place in Shenzhen, He often photographed the same places at different times.

Chak was born in Dongguan in 1942 and became a civil servant in the Hong Kong government in 1959. He was well-versed in photography and darkroom operations as a teenager. While pursuing the art of photography, he also wrote articles for newspapers and photography magazines, and practiced calligraphy and painting at the professional level.

Since the 1960s, Chak has taken a great number of photos that reflect the hardships of life in Hong Kong, recording how Hong Kong’s regular citizens led their lives and showcasing the enterprising spirit of Hong Kong.

Dates: Until June 25

Venue: Shenzhen Art Museum, inside Donghu Park, Aiguo Road, Luohu District (罗湖区爱国路东湖公园内深圳美术馆)

Metro: Line 5 or 7, Tai’an Station (太安站), Exit C and then take a taxi

(Cao Zhen)