Chinese on the Train , 1994
22.5 x 21 cm (h x w)
coated paper

“Chinese on the Train” (火车上的中国人) is a masterpiece by Chinese photographer Wang Fuchun (王福春), who documented life on a train carriage from 1978 to 2014. The theme of this work is to document the life and travel of Chinese people on the train, and Wang Fuchun brought his camera to the train to record the people and things he saw. In his works, people can see a small mobile society. This photograph shows passengers playing mahjong, which are popular in China, on a train from Beijing to Shenyang. The train is a microcosm of society, a temporary home for the Chinese people. It's an emotion when people from far and wide get together, interact with each other and become good friends in a few minutes. "Chinese on the Train" is his most famous piece. The works in this series attest to the societal shifts brought about by the reform and opening up. He once stated: "I photographed the Chinese people on the train, but also the historical changes of reform and opening up." His work is shown all over the world and is well known. His creations give us the opportunity to reflect on the past and the Chinese people's unforgettable memories.

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