The Return

A city rapidly transforming, and people who continue to live unchanged.

This photobook by photographer Wan Chaofan captures his memories overlapping with reality as he revisits his small hometown in China after four years, walking through its streets and villages.
While high-rise buildings and Shinkansen stations sprang up following the Beijing Olympics, the rural areas still held red-brick houses, mosques, and the daily lives of their inhabitants.
Born into a family of the Hui minority, who practice Islam, Wan found his childhood memories returning as relatives gathered on an anniversary of a death.
Even if the townscape changes, people's lives do not – this realization forges a new connection with his hometown.

[Title] The Return
[Publisher] Wan Publishing
[Publication Date] April 15, 2025, Limited Edition of 200 copies
[Page Count] Unpaginated
[Size] Approx. 30.5 x 30.5 cm, 0.40 kg
[Format] Softcover
[Title Reading] KIKYORAI, ZAA RITAN
[Author/Editor] Wan Chaofan/Author, Tang Yayi/Design, Satoshi Wada/Japanese Translation
[Printing] YI BEN YIN HUA
[ISBN] None
[Condition] New, Signed
[Accessories] Case, 1 separate statement
[Featured In] None
[Related Exhibitions]

Wan Chaofan (born 1991)

Born in 1991 in Gu'an County, Hebei Province, China.
Completed Ph.D. program in Fine Arts at Tokyo University of the Arts in 2021.
Received the Excellence Award at the 44th Photo New Century for "The River Knows All – Arakawa" in 2021.
Received the 24th Jun Miki Award and the 23rd Sagamihara Photo Newcomer Encouragement Award for "The River Knows All – Arakawa" in 2023.
Currently a co-managing member of Totem Pole Photo Gallery (Yotsuya, Tokyo).

Personal Website:http://www.wanchaofan.com

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