Why Chegongmiao Station’s Giant Black-and-White Photo Is a Must-Photograph for Shenzhen Visitors

Shenzhen’s metro system is known for its futuristic stations, but one art installation at Chegongmiao station stands out: a giant black-and-white photograph suspended above the escalator. The image is a tribute to workers and matches the raw concrete interior, making it a popular subject for metro photography. This guide shows you where to find it, what it represents, and how to capture it with your phone.

Where exactly is the giant photo located at Chegongmiao station?

Chegongmiao station is a major interchange on Line 7 and Line 11 in Shenzhen. The large black-and-white photo is installed directly above the escalator connecting the two lines. Because it spans the full width of the escalator well, it’s impossible to miss. Visitors coming from the Line 7 platform will see it as they ride up to the concourse level. The photo’s location is deliberately positioned to be seen from multiple angles, making it an ideal spot for a quick photo stop.

What the photo shows and why it was installed (Labor Day tribute)

The photograph depicts a group of construction workers in a candid, documentary-style composition. It was installed as a tribute to workers, especially fitting for International Workers’ Day (May 1). The black-and-white treatment matches the station’s bare concrete architectural style, creating a seamless blend between art and environment. The piece is not a permanent fixture but a long-term installation that has become a landmark for both commuters and photography enthusiasts. For more public art in Shenzhen, see our guide to free outdoor art installations.

How to photograph it with a phone (perspective correction tips)

While the original photographer used a Canon 750D with a 10-18mm lens, a modern smartphone camera can capture the photo effectively. The main challenge is the upward angle, which causes perspective distortion — the photo appears to taper toward the top. To fix this:

• Stand as far back as possible on the lower escalator landing to get a straighter view.
• Use your phone’s ultra-wide lens if available, then crop and correct perspective in post-processing apps like Snapseed or Lightroom.
• If your phone lacks a built-in perspective correction tool, tilt the camera slightly downward after centering the frame to reduce distortion.
• Take multiple shots from different angles: from the bottom of the escalator, from the top looking down, and from the side rail.

For a more structured photography experience, consider joining a photo walk through Bay Talent.

Other architectural details worth capturing at Chegongmiao

Beyond the giant photo, Chegongmiao station offers several other photo opportunities:

• The long escalator tunnels that create a sense of depth, especially when empty.
• The exposed concrete ceilings and industrial-style lighting fixtures that contrast with the sleek trains.
• The platform-level glass barriers that reflect the station’s geometric lines.
• The station’s unique colour scheme — orange tones for Line 7 and green for Line 11 — which can be used for creative colour grading.

If you’re interested in other metro art, check out the eye photography at Gangxia North station.