Photographer Andy Yeung wishes everyone would look up from their phones more often and appreciate the beauty of their own cities. With his series “Look Up”, he wants to show viewers exactly what they’re missing.
This February, the Chinese central government demanded an end to all mainland construction of buildings that are “oversized” or “weird” — a law that will surely change the future skylines of major Chinese cities. Yeung’s dizzying and unique images of the varying architecture in Hong Kong — and other cities throughout China — explore the country’s skyscrapers and public housing that were built before this new state rule was in place.
With over 300 skyscrapers in the metropolitan area, Hong Kong remains Yeung’s favorite city to photograph. “When it comes to architecture, Hong Kong is a city where old meets new,” he told Business Insider. “It gives the city a unique character.”
Ahead, 12 disorienting images of Chinese buildings that even the locals might be missing.
The Four Seasons hotel in Guangzhou, China is inside the Guangzhou International Finance Center — a 103-story-high skyscraper that is the 15th-tallest building in the world.
Credit: Andy Yeung
There are a number of housing developments like this one in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong.
Credit: Andy Yeung
The apartments in Macau, China are similar.
Credit: Andy Yeung
Built in 1975, Hong Kong’s public housing development Lai Tak Tsuen, consists of three separate buildings.
Credit: Andy Yeung
The stadium inside the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center in Shenzhen, China, can hold up to 20,000 people, and hosts table tennis, swimming, and soccer competitions.
Credit: Andy Yeung
The Ping Shek Estate in Hong Kong consists of seven different buildings, and houses over 12,000 people.
Credit: Andy Yeung
The Nina Tower in Hong Kong is made up of two buildings, one of which is 80 stories high. The other is 42 stories.
Credit: Andy Yeung
The Choi Wan Estate in Hong Kong consists of 16 buildings.
Credit: Andy Yeung
The Choi Wan Estate was built in 1979, and houses close to 18,000 residents.
Credit: Andy Yeung
This shot, of the Fok Cheong Building in Quarry Bay, won Yeung two separate photography awards.
Credit: Andy Yeung
Inside the China Hong Kong City buildings are offices, a shopping mall, and a luxury hotel.
Credit: Andy Yeung