Exploring the relationship between memory and migration is a profound journey that involves examining the personal and collective experiences of individuals and communities who have moved from one place to another. The act of migration is often rooted in a desire for better opportunities, improved living conditions, or escaping political persecution. However, migration also carries with it the weight of leaving behind one's homeland, family, friends, and cultural heritage.

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For those who migrate across the river between Hong Kong and mainland China, the journey is particularly complex. The river serves as a boundary, separating two distinct places and determining the fate of Hong Kong. Cultural, ecological, historical, social, and political issues are all intertwined in this relationship.

 

As I was born in a city in southern China and frequently traveled with my mother between China and Hong Kong, I have a personal connection to this journey. Twenty years later, I walk along the border, documenting how this area has changed. I can see how this boundary, like a scar after a wound has healed, is a permanent reminder of the past. It cannot be erased or forgotten.

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The cultural and political environment behind this society is incredibly complex and has resulted in a multitude of repressed traumas. The legacy of the late colonial era is still felt today, and the city of Hong Kong is deeply intertwined with its history and identity. Despite its prosperity, Hong Kong is a post-traumatic island, and the way forward is unclear.

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Through the lens of self-identity, we can examine the personal and collective experiences of those who have migrated across this boundary, and how it has shaped their sense of self and belonging. The relationship between memory and migration is an ongoing journey that continues to shape the identity of individuals and communities.