Hong Kong photographer Eddy Li’s book focuses on changing times for old Silk Road nations
Entrepreneur’s 800 photos in ‘Belt and Road’, published with ‘National Geographic’ magazine, shed light on everyday life and views in 30 nations
When National Geographic magazine and Hong Kong-based entrepreneur and photographer Eddy Li came together, it heralded the birth of a timely project in the current global trade climate.
Li’s efforts involved the visual documentation of old Silk Road nations before the full effect of China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” takes hold across many regions.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Chinese government, will improve trade and economic integration across Asia, Europe and Africa.
The strategy is using free-trade agreements and infrastructure projects – including roads, ports and railways – to create a modern Silk Road spanning some 65 countries and includes an economic land “belt” through Eurasia and a maritime “road” to connect coastal Chinese cities to Africa and the Mediterranean.
Li’s photography book Belt and Road – the first to be published by National Geographic by a single Chinese photographer – features more than 800 pictures across its more than 500 pages.
It sheds light on everyday market life, people and scenery in more than 30 of the “Belt and Road” nations.
A charity exhibition, featuring 30 of Li’s images from the book, is now being held at one of the world’s biggest auction houses, Sotheby’s Hong Kong Gallery, with all proceeds going to the Hong Kong Chinese Arts and Culture Promotion Foundation.