Framing the Nation: Landscape Photography and Cultural Identity in the Young Companion

Abstract

The Young Companion (良友), a bilingual magazine established in Shanghai in 1926, significantly influenced early 20th-century Chinese culture. Recognized for diverse content including fashion and politics, it notably utilized landscape photography to bridge cultural gaps during a period of modernization and instability. This media not only portrayed China's geographical diversity but also acted as a unifying force, connecting fragmented populations through shared cultural roots. By using iconic landscapes as metaphors for resilience and unity, the magazine reinforced national identity through visual narratives. These images served as cultural archives and political tools that underscored the harmonious relationship between China's natural landscapes and its cultural heritage, aligning with concepts like Benedict Anderson's "imagined community." This interplay of media and cultural identity profoundly shaped Chinese public perceptions amid socio-political challenges.