In the serene early hours at Jinshanling, part of the Great Wall in Hebei Province, photographer Yang Dong stands amidst the rugged terrain, camera in hand, waiting for dawn’s first light. This moment is a mere snapshot of Yang’s extensive eight-year journey, during which he has traveled over 100,000 kilometers across China, capturing the many faces of the Great Wall, from its earliest segments to the Ming Dynasty constructions.
Yang’s passion for the Great Wall has been recognized internationally. In 2016, his portrayal of the Jiankou section earned him a gold medal at the New York Photography Awards. His profound emotional connection to this ancient symbol of Chinese heritage was evident when he spoke at a forum hosted by the China Public Diplomacy Association in Beijing.
The Great Wall’s significance spans over two millennia, stretching across 15 provinces and regions. For Yang, born in 1992 near the Tiger Mountain section of the Wall in Liaoning Province, the monument has been a lifelong fascination. His first photograph, a capture of this section, laid the foundation for his future endeavors in photography, which he took up professionally in 2013.
Yang’s photographic journey is one of immense patience, resilience, and connection. He speaks of the challenges he faces in pursuit of the perfect shot – waiting for precise moments, battling harsh weather, and traversing difficult terrains. An example of his dedication was a 22-hour train journey to Gansu’s Jiayuguan in December 2018, where he overcame extreme cold to capture a striking image of the snow-covered Great Wall.
For Yang, the Great Wall is not just an architectural marvel; it is a living narrative of China’s history. His work aims to capture the monument’s grandeur and the stories it embodies. His series on the Great Wall, featured at the Pingyao International Film Festival in 2018, is a testament to his commitment to documenting this icon of human achievement.
Yang’s current project involves capturing the snow-clad landscapes of the Great Wall’s 13 significant passes, from Shanhaiguan in the east to Jiayuguan in the west. Having completed nine, he aims to finish all 13 by 2024. His journey along the Wall has also fostered a deep sense of responsibility to protect it, inspired by individuals like Lü Chenggui, a guardian of the Great Wall in Shanxi.
Looking ahead, Yang plans to focus his lens on the people tied to the Great Wall – the guardians, restorers, and preservers. Through his photography, Yang seeks to share not just the physical splendor of the Great Wall but also the spirit of those who have safeguarded this emblem of Chinese resilience and ingenuity for generations. His work is a chronicle of the Great Wall’s enduring greatness, a visual ode to this monumental structure that has stood as a witness to the ebb and flow of Chinese civilization.
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