asia

"Chengdu, an oasis of freedom in the Middle Kingdom" photographed for M le Magazine du Monde

Chengdu, known for its relaxed atmosphere, has become a hub for youth culture and creative industries, drawing young people away from China’s more pressured megacities like Beijing and Shanghai.

Despite increasing government control over cultural events, Chengdu retains its reputation for tolerance and laid-back living, making it a unique cultural center in China. I spent some days in the city try to capture that.

Qingtian - Chinese Overseas Town published on Internazionale

My project about Qingtian on the Italian magazine Internazionale

Assignment for The Washington Post in Shanghai, China

The Washington Post assigned me to photograph Xu Bosun, an aspiring actor who was kidnapped in southern China. There, he was beaten and sold to a criminal group running cyber scams that targeted victims with fake investment schemes and online romance scams. He was forced to spend three months duping people out of their money until his family paid a ransom for his release in October.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/07/22/myanmar-cyberscams-china-trafficking/

Solar panels factory in China for Le Monde

On assignment for Le Monde I photographed Eco Green Energy, a solar panels factory Co-owned by a French business man in Nantong, about 2 hours away from Shanghai, China.

Dalibor Nikolovski, President and Funder of Eco Green Energy photographed in Nantong, China, on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

China economy shot for Barron's

Beijing's decision to hold back on implementing substantial fiscal stimulus similar to previous economic downturns has left investors feeling disillusioned. However, policymakers find themselves constrained by the escalating debt burdens, a diminishing and aging population, and the increasing efforts of foreign enterprises to decrease their dependence on China.

China's huge demand for things like iron ore and oil made producers rich. The fast-growing economy led to millions of middle-class Chinese people spending on new services, like travel, insurance, and property management.

The business community is feeling cautious and uneasy due to the potential crackdown on the private sector under Xi Jinping. Sean Taylor from Matthews Asia notes that entrepreneurs have become less enthusiastic about start-ups. After the initial hope and optimism brought on by the pandemic, businesses are now hesitant and adjusting their expectations and strategies in response to the challenging economic environment.

The Chinese solar panel industry faces challenges from overcapacity, leading to price drops and financial concerns for firms. Beijing's renewable energy mandate has driven industry growth, but rapid expansion may lead to bankruptcies or acquisitions. This situation poses risks for China and international competitors, with up to 70% of solar firms facing financial turmoil. These complexities highlight the need for close monitoring and adaptation as the industry evolves.

Docking and maintenance of Busan and Venetia vessels for Peter Dohle in Shanghai and Zhoushan port

Earlier last May, I had the privilege of working with Peter Dohler, a renowned German seaborne shipping company, on an exciting photography project. They commissioned me to capture images of two of their remarkable vessels, named Busan and Venetia. Here some photograph taken between Shanghai Port and Zhoushan Port.



Recent assignment for the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism Photographed in Yangzhou, China

Some portraits and view photographed in Yangzhou, which was one of the wealthiest cities in China and rich of culture and history heritage on assignment for Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

I’ve spent three days photographing the city which is located about 300 km from Shanghai.

Yangzhou-China-Portrait
Untitled-23.jpg
Untitled-25.jpg
DSC02506.jpg
China Yangzhou

My project "Spring Hasn't Come Yet" featured in L'Oeil De La Photographie

L’oeil De la Photographie published my ongoing project “Spring Hasn’t Come Yet” Here the link: https://loeildelaphotographie.com/en/raul-ariano-ww/ about the Coronavirus time in Shanghai, China that I have been photographing in the last months

Shanghai Covid 19 Diary Featured

Blog of Raul Ariano, a Shanghai based photographer

The Globe and Mail assignment

Last week I was assigned by The Globe and Mail to make a portrait done of Raefer Wallis, a Canadian former architect is the CEO and creator of "Reset", a platform that monitors real time indoor health data in buildings.

Portrait Photographer Shanghai
Portrait Photographer Shanghai
Shanghai portrait photographer
Shanghai Portrait Photographer
Shanghai Photographer
Shanghai Photographer


Raul Ariano is a photographer based in Shanghai, China and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.