Telling China Story Through the Lens

A picture can speak a thousand words without uttering a single one. A great photograph tells an entire story, including details, emotions, and the power to transcend time. Seen through this lens, China is like a rich and magical time machine where we live amidst cultures and traditions spanning millennia.

From the Yangshao culture that dates back 5,000 years to the new transportation networks, you can travel through thousands of years in mere minutes. This is one of the messages China sends to the world today: respecting our ancestors and history as a precious symbol for now and the future.

I have taken photographs for more than a decade in China and this selection gives my insights into China's development, journeying through a millennium. The first photo shows a sundial, an ancient Chinese invention used for timekeeping by observing the sun's shadow, which was used for several millennia. Then there's the Temple of Heaven, the largest existing ancient sacrificial architectural complex in China. The images of Qianmen Street in Beijing and skyscrapers show China's excellent job in preserving historical buildings and cultural landmarks, passing down its millennial-old traditions and civilization.

Observations over the past 14 years reveal China, vast and complex, pursuing development, primarily human development. In 2021, China successfully eradicated absolute poverty, demonstrating unique determination and setting a model for other developing countries.

These photos, taken in different parts of China, capture moments when people play ethnic instruments, attend events in traditional attire and a couple take wedding photos.

Through these images, I gained a deeper understanding of the success in poverty alleviation. It enables me to capture such joyful moments across different regions.

From another angle, education, ethics, respect, and loyalty remain fundamental elements of Chinese society. I particularly admire the Chinese model of development based on its history, culture and social patterns. These elements empower China and imbue it with special value.

The educational aspects depicted in these photos may differ from what many might expect. As I mentioned, China holds the inheritance of its history and culture in high regard, which continues to influence contemporary education and play a crucial role in nurturing children's spirit.

Children still learn traditional calligraphy and opera. Moreover, Chinese students participate in tree planting annually, actively protecting the ecological environment. To me, the concept of "education strengthening the nation" is indeed indispensable to achieving modernization with Chinese characteristics.

Today, China's efforts in protecting, inheriting, and promoting culture might be unparalleled globally. With imagination, originality and strength, national memory is elevated through culture, and the link between culture and memory is secured through boosting the economy and tourism.

When I arrived in Beijing 14 years ago, China was conducting its first tests on high-speed trains. Today, China boasts the world's largest railway network, exceeding 46,000 kilometers. It has also developed one of the most extensive highway networks and built new modern cities.

Photos of Beijing and Shanghai illustrate the change; what once required an overnight train ride between the two cities now takes just 4.5 hours on the high-speed train, the Fuxing. This showcases the astounding "China speed."

Time, people, education, culture, and development are key elements of China's success. As a media professional, I will continue to use my camera and writing to document China's stories, narrate its development, and convey the beauty of China to the world.

The author is a Romanian expert from CGTN who was presented with the Chinese Government Friendship Award in 2024.

Source: Science and Technology Daily