Life in Transition in a Chinese Urban Village
Snooker as a Community Hub in Kunming’s Evolving Urban Landscape
In 2010, an urban village on the periphery of Kunming, in Yunnan province, southern China, was facing significant change. The area was earmarked for demolition to pave the way for modern complexes, a reflection of the rapid urbanization typical of much of contemporary China. Despite the looming redevelopment, life continued in the village.
Amidst the dilapidation of brick buildings showing signs of age and neglect, with unpaved streets strewn with debris, a snooker table stood out, offering a sharp contrast to the decaying surroundings. This table became a temporary community focal point. Despite the backdrop of crumbling structures and closed shops, the game of snooker provided a touch of normalcy and fostered a sense of camaraderie.
Photographs by Matteo Damiani document this period of transition. One image captures two men deeply engaged in their game, their intense focus clear as they aim their cues. Around them, a casual audience of children and adults watched. As urban development projects moved forward, residents faced displacement, leading to relocation. The compensation for these relocations was often inconsistent, sometimes fair but frequently insufficient, creating challenges such as inadequate compensation and the disruption of established communities.
This displacement brought significant difficulties, including the loss of familiar surroundings and the challenge of rebuilding social networks in new settings. The emotional and psychological toll of such upheavals was profound, as residents contended with losing their homes and the community they had cultivated over the years.
As the village, once lively and active, began to change, the sounds of everyday life gave way to the noise of construction machinery. The snooker table, once a symbol of resilience and community spirit, faded into memory as new structures emerged.
Please take a look at the full gallery of images depicting life in a Chinese urban village on China-underground.com.
