A micro-documentary series produced by the South of Nanfang Media Group, titled "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in the Eyes of Pulitzer-Winning Photographers," has been honored with the "Best International Communication Award." The prize was presented at the 7th "My China Story" International Short Video Competition awards ceremony in Beijing on December 20.
Launched in 2018, the "My China Story" competition invites global creators to share diverse perspectives on China. The winning series was recognized for its innovative approach, using the viewpoints of internationally acclaimed photographers to capture the dynamic blend of tradition and modernity in the GBA.
A Journey with four master photographers
In November 2024, South invited four renowned photographers to explore six cities in China's Guangdong province: Qingyuan, Dongguan, Guangzhou, Shantou, Zhongshan, and Foshan. The group included Pulitzer Prize winners Nick Ut and Ringo Chiu, acclaimed photojournalist Irfan Khan, and World Press Photo honoree Michael Nelson.
Four photographers shared nearly 100 posts about their Guangdong experiences on Instagram.
The resulting documentaries, structured as "one city, one storyteller," captured intimate interactions between the artists and local communities. Michael Nelson immersed himself in the culture of the Yao ethnic group in Qingyuan. Irfan Khan documented the vibrant urban energy of Guangzhou's youth. Ringo Chiu revisited his ancestral roots in Shantou. Nick Ut reflected on the coexistence of heritage and innovation in Zhongshan and Foshan. Through cinematic visuals and compelling narratives, the series presented a portrait of contemporary China where development and humanity thrive together.
Global engagement through exhibitions and online interaction
Combo photo shows people visiting a photo exhibition titled "Nihao, China! See You in Guangdong" in Costa Mesa, California, the United States, on January 23, 2025. (Photo by Felix Li)
The project's impact was amplified through photo exhibitions on two continents. An exhibition titled "Nihao, China! See You in Guangdong" was held in Costa Mesa, California, from January 23 to February 12, 2025, attracting over 500,000 visitors. It received coverage from more than 500 media outlets, including the Associated Press and Yahoo Finance.
A corresponding exhibition, "Discovering China Together," was held in Guangzhou from February 15 to 27, 2025, drawing 10,000 visitors in just ten days. Attendees included consuls general from Italy, Poland, and Turkey.
People visit the "Discovering China Together" exhibition in Guangzhou, Guangdong, on February 15, 2025. (Photo: Liang Zijian)
The photographers also shared their experiences directly with a global audience, posting nearly 100 times about their Guangdong journey on Instagram. Their posts generated over 15 million impressions and 10,000 interactions, sparking cross-cultural dialogue.
The project garnered heartfelt responses from international audiences.
Viewers praised the authentic portrayal of the region. "The exhibition offered a human and everyday perspective, taking me into China in a way that felt like a complete experience, as if I had been there," said Mona Sherif, a visitor to the California exhibition.
The project successfully bridged cultures, receiving heartfelt responses from international audiences and fulfilling its goal of sharing China's stories with the world.
Related news: "Discovering China Together": GDToday's project with renowned photographers concludes with a global impact
Reporter: Hu Nan
Editor: James Campion, Shen He
