Photographer Aixingero Hing-tong
Passport photographer Aixingero Hing-tong claims his descent from the Manchurian emperors. He displays his pride in his heritage by retaining the ancient look of the Manchus, from his clothing to his queue hairstyle.
HK Magazine: What’s the story behind the hairstyle and outfit? Have you always dressed this way?
Aixingero Hing-tong: No, I didn’t look like this before. I only started to cultivate my Manchu look in 2003, when I finally got recognition from the mainland authorities that I could prove myself a descendant of [The Last Emperor] Aixingero, earning my right to use that as my surname. I always felt a close bond with Manchurian culture, learning all I could from my family. So after I restored my proper surname, I felt like it was my mission to pass on the Manchurian culture and not to let it die. My wife wears a Manchurian outfit, too.
HK: What are people’s misconceptions of Manchuria?
AHT: They don’t know much about it and they don’t care about the truth. Even the Hong Kong Museum of History made a mistake when displaying the Manchurian Eight Flags; they put them in the wrong order. When I told the person in charge, he said that everything was fixed, and there was nothing he could do about it. Many people think that we’re a barbarian race, but they’re wrong. Did you know we invented shuttlecocks and ice-skating?
HK: Why did Manchus adopt the queue hairstyle?
AHT: It’s a clever style that we invented. Our ancestors used to ride horses to go hunting, so having clear vision was crucial. That’s why our ancestors shaved the hair on the forehead—for convenience.
HK: Are there many Manchus in Hong Kong?
AHT: I don’t know the exact number, but there are tens of thousands of Manchus in Hong Kong. Many of them don’t even know they’re Manchus because their ancestors changed their names when the emperor fell. So if you’ve ever suspected you’re one of us, check the nail of your pinky toe—if it’s really small and curled in, you’re a Manchu and you can join our society.
HK: You’re well-known in your profession: taking passport photos. Does your drastic look scare people off?
AHT: It does happen from time to time. But I don’t really care. I have a lot of loyal customers and people love coming to me for their passport photos. What’s more important is, I want to clarify some misconceptions that most Chinese have of Manchus, such as our history of invading China. We want to tell people our side of the story. I don’t really care what other people think.
HK: Any opinions on the policies on minorities in Hong Kong?
AHT: I think the government only focuses on the ethic minorities, not the Chinese minorities. I think we’re all Chinese; I call myself a Chinese but there are some characteristics in minorities that are worth preserving. This is what I’m trying to do here. I talk to all the customers about Manchurian history and culture if they’re interested. Even if people come to my shop just for a history lesson, they’re also welcome.
