About the Author
Mike Emery
Photographer | Writer
In the Spring of 1980, Photographer Mike Emery was on board one of the first ever American passenger cruise ships sailing the China coast. No one on board had been to China, in fact, it was a seldom visited country for Westerners. Mike found himself arriving at a time of rapid change and excitement, with economic, political and cultural reforms sweeping the country.
With his bright clothes, fair hair and camera, Mike stood out in the streets of the cities he visited in China. Local people were intrigued, as Mike played the clown to gauge reactions. He’d pull faces, poke out his tongue, even lay in the middle of the street to get noticed. Sometimes he’d get crowds up to 50 people, wanting to speak English or just satisfy their curiosity about this strange westerner. As a result, Mike was able to capture the essence of the time, both in people’s faces and the unique urban landscapes they inhabited.
38 years later, and Mike has collected his finest images and memories into a uniquely beautiful hardcover coffee table book. China’s Children is not solely a collection of works featuring children, rather it captures a time over which a generation grew up. It captures everyday people in their lives with a freshness and reality rarely seen.
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History
China in 1979-1980
In the late 1970s, China was undergoing significant changes as the country was shifting from a planned economy to a market-oriented one. The average person's lifestyle was influenced by a combination of traditional cultural values and the changing economic and political landscape.
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The average person in China lived in small apartments or government-subsidized housing. Many people lived in communal apartments, which were usually cramped and lacked basic amenities like running water and toilets. The living conditions were harsh and many people had to queue up for food, water, and basic necessities.
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Work was a crucial aspect of life for the average person in China. The majority of the population was employed in state-run factories and farms, while others worked in various other industries such as construction and transportation. The working conditions were often harsh, with long hours, low pay, and inadequate safety measures. Many workers lived in the same housing as the factories, which meant that work and home were intimately connected.
Socialisation in China during this period was heavily influenced by the government's emphasis on collectivism. People were encouraged to participate in collective activities and events, such as mass dances and parades, as a way of promoting unity and community spirit. People also gathered in parks and public squares to play games, sing songs, and engage in other forms of leisure activities. There was also a strong emphasis on community-based organisations, such as the Communist Youth League and the Women's Federation, which aimed to promote the values of socialism and promote social and political awareness among the population.
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Despite the emphasis on collectivism, family was still an important aspect of life for the average person in China. People lived close to their extended families, and grandparents often played a significant role in raising children. Family gatherings were frequent and marked by feasting, storytelling, and other forms of social interaction.
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The average person in China in the late 1970s lived a challenging but socially rich life. Despite the harsh living conditions and long hours at work, people found ways to create a sense of community and enjoy their leisure time. The government's emphasis on collectivism had a significant impact on the way people lived, worked, and socialized, but family remained an important aspect of life for the average person in China.
Our Mission
Bridging Generations Through Timeless Images
Our mission is to reconnect with the people featured in Mike Emery’s evocative photographs from 1980, capturing the vibrant street life of Beijing and Shanghai. These unique images provide a rare glimpse into a time before China became Westernised, serving as an invaluable social record of that era. We aim to discover the stories of these individuals and learn about their lives over the past 40 years, preserving and celebrating the rich history and culture that these photographs represent.
In addition to uncovering the personal journeys of those depicted, we aspire to have a version of this book in every school in China. By doing so, we want to offer children a chance to see how their parents and grandparents lived and worked, fostering a deeper connection between generations. These images will serve as a powerful educational tool, helping young people appreciate the history and heritage of their country.
Help us achieve this goal and ensure that the legacy of these remarkable individuals is remembered and cherished for years to come. By supporting this mission, you are contributing to the preservation of a unique moment in time and aiding in the creation of a bridge between the past and the present for future generations.
Secure a Copy Today!
Over 20,000 copies sold worldwide
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Exclusive Historical Collection: One of the earliest full-colour photo collections capturing china in the pivotal year of 1980.
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Authentic Glimpse into 1980s China: Experience the daily life and vibrant culture of Beijing and Shanghai during a transformative era.
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Captivating Visual Journey: 100 pages of stunning street photography showcasing the authentic styles and scenes of the time.
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Own a Piece of History: A unique and visually rich documentation that preserves the essence of a bygone era in Chinese History
What the critics are saying
The people and places depicted in Mike Emery’s evocative street photographs of Beijing and Shanghai in 1980, are much the same as those I encountered when I visited China for the first time just three years later. Over the next twenty years I watched China and the Chinese change before my eyes, like a film spooling forwards at high speed. These important stills captured by Mike reintroduce us to an age gone by, a China irrevocably banished to the mists of history. They describe the poverty of the time, and the hard but simple life of a people not yet exposed to the decadence of Western consumerism. They also convey a sense of innocence long since lost to the march of progress.
Peter May
International Author
We'd love to hear from you.
If you spot yourself, family, or friends in the photos, please get in touch with us. We would love to reconnect and reminisce with you.