STORY: Award-winning U.S. photographers bring China stories to life on American campus
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 20, 2025
DATELINE: Feb. 24, 2025
LENGTH: 00:01:55
LOCATION: LOS ANGELES, U.S.
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the event
2. various of pictures by the photographers
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): MICHAEL NELSON, Recipient of the U.S. National Press Photographers Association's Best of Photojournalism award
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MICHAEL NELSON, Recipient of the U.S. National Press Photographers Association's Best of Photojournalism award
5. various of views at the California State University, Long Beach

STORYLINE:

In a lecture hall at the California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), a series of striking photographs transported the audience across the Pacific -- into the bustling markets of south China's Guangdong Province, the serene villages of the Yao ethnic minority, and the rhythmic movements of the traditional Yingge folk dance.
   
The images were part of a special exhibition capturing the essence of China through the creative lens of four award-winning American photographers.
   
Last November, the photographers embarked on an 11-day journey across Guangdong, exploring its rich history, diverse communities, and evolving modern identity. From daily life to traditional celebrations, they documented the province's vibrancy, culture, and rapid development.
   
At a storytelling event at CSULB on Thursday, the photographers shared their experiences with students, scholars, and faculty, offering a firsthand account of their journey.

Michael Nelson, a recipient of the U.S. National Press Photographers Association's Best of Photojournalism award, recalled his unforgettable memories in China.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): MICHAEL NELSON, Recipient of the U.S. National Press Photographers Association's Best of Photojournalism award
"One thing that really impressed me about Guangzhou as well as in Sichuan was downtown, in these huge cities that are 20 plus million people. It's quiet. You don't smell exhaust fumes, and it's healthy. So that was one of the things that I didn't mention when I was talking to them. But that particularly impressed me about China on these two visits in particular."

Nelson added that he was also struck by China's technological advancements, openness, and commitment to environmental sustainability.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MICHAEL NELSON, Recipient of the U.S. National Press Photographers Association's Best of Photojournalism award
"As one of my colleagues mentioned is about the Alipay and that type of thing, where, you know, these little kiosks that are selling little candies and other things like that. And it's a little tiny village area. Instead of cash, you just use the Alipay, super secure."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Los Angeles, U.S.
(XHTV)