Large numbers of workers from China's poorer cities, such as Heifei, migrate to Shanghai to find jobs in factories and other places, even at low wages. This migrant mother is one of many such laborers, returning from Shanghai to Heifei on this train. She holds her child in her arms as she looks up at another migrant mother. Although her life is very hard, I feel that she carries not only this child with her, but also a sense of hope. It is what keeps her and all of these migrant laborers, going.
Title Page: Community Center, Beijing, China, 2004
I was struck by the red walls. They speak of the new China, yet these men represent the old China. They may be waiting for loved ones, someone they know, or someone new. They have come here to find friends and make the long days move by a bit more quickly. I hope they can.