Through the Lens -- Essence of Chinese Culture and Natural Heritage

Author: Guan Yue, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: In a photograph taken by American botanist Joseph Rock in 1924, a bustling market filled with crowds and lively chatter is nestled among rustic houses—this is today's center of Lijiang Ancient Town, the Square Street. Heritage demands authenticity. They are either remnants bestowed by nature upon future generations or relics of ancient civilizations preserved to this day. Under the erosion of time, how many civilizations have been buried in the sands, and how many natural wonders have been altered beyond recognition. Only they have traveled through dust and wind, fortuitously arriving in our era. We gaze upon these heritage sites with a sense of extraordinary emotion. Yes, worthy of the crown of "World Heritage," their value is undeniably global. They are beautiful, rich, profound, awe-inspiring, and unparalleled. Yet, they also demand our heartfelt devotion.
The modern world is filled with restlessness and change, accelerating history and leaving us with a sense of panic as we spin, feeling lost. Yet by cherishing them, we can rely less on imagination, gaining a genuine understanding and grasp of this planet and the history of our civilization. We can also trace our origins. In the face of an unknown future, we are better equipped to clarify our path forward.
Before the over 200 images that follow, keep a touch of curiosity and anticipation: the Forbidden City under the blue sky and clear sun, the Potala Palace amidst swirling winds and storms, the smiling Longmen Buddha, the dancing Dunhuang murals, a fragment of wood in the waters of Jiuzhaigou, the vibrant wildflowers on the Yunnan grasslands, the Huangshan Pine welcoming the sunrise, and the Lushan Waterfall rushing towards us—all imbue a subtle meaning in the moment the shutter clicks. In the joy of viewing, they shine with the wonders of nature and the brilliance of civilization, while in silence, they reveal a sense of wonder, a hint, a nudge, and a reminder to cherish.