Ghost Cities of China

In contemporary China, there are surprisingly many places equipped with every amenity for modern living, yet people do not seem to inhabit them. Due to this human absence, these cities possess a captivating and alluring emptiness. The goal of this visual study is to examine the phenomenon of the external appearance of ghost towns and its diversity.

The book’s cover references street Chinese advertising, which is typically printed on yellow paper. The cover is metaphorical, much like ghost cities that beckon people toward them, but upon entering, the person realizes they are surrounded only by lifeless space. Thus, the cover is conceived as the book’s sole vibrant element.

The grid was referenced using a layout inspired by traditional Chinese books, featuring wide margins and ample top space for headings and annotations.

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The book also includes an insert in the form of a vertically oriented Chinese brochure. It features a series of photographs by François Prost titled «Paris Syndrome,» which compares the originals of French landmarks with their Chinese replicas.