From late January to mid-March 2025, the School of Urban Planning and Design hosted a nearly two-month-long photography competition to capture fleeting moments of life and showcase the unique artistic talents and aesthetic perspectives of its faculty and students. Over 40 submissions were received, and after rounds of online voting and expert evaluations, 17 award-winning works were selected. Let’s delve into these remarkable pieces, exploring the emotions and stories behind each frozen moment in time.
First Prize
"Chasing the Light Along the Coast" – Xu Yushu
The golden moments of dusk at Qianhai Bay and Shenzhen Bay are truly mesmerizing. The vibrant clouds, juxtaposed with the cross-sea bridges and urban architecture, outline the dynamic growth of Shenzhen as a coastal city, symbolizing its relentless progress. Under the setting sun, crowds interact intimately with seagulls, immersing themselves in the beauty of nature. This scene is not only a vivid reflection of the city’s humanistic spirit but also a testament to people’s pursuit of dreams and enjoyment of life.
Second Prize
"Golden Songs of the Sea: Returning at Dusk" – Wang Yuqi
Captured on Meizhou Island, Fujian, this photo portrays a fisherman at the close of day during the off-season. The glow of the sunset illuminates the sea like a golden tapestry. A lone fisherman walks across the sand, his silhouette stretching over the shimmering water, symbolizing the timeless connection between man and nature. It reflects the enduring value of hard work and a harmonious relationship with the environment.
"Tides of the East: Visions Reflected in Water" – Wang Yuxiao
This triptych explores the theme of water across three coastal cities. From the bustle of Shenzhen’s port to the skyline of Dalian and the reed-fringed renewal projects along Shanghai’s Huangpu River, the works collectively illustrate a hopeful coexistence between industrial progress and ecological harmony.
Third Prize
"Yungang Millennium: Heritage Reborn" – Chen Ran
The tranquil grandeur of the Yungang Grottoes, as touched by sunset light, speaks to millennia of history. The serenity of the Buddha statues under the fading glow echoes President Xi Jinping’s recognition of the site as a cultural treasure. The piece calls for a future where heritage is both preserved and innovated upon.
"Evening at the Idle Harbor" – Chen Shuyang
Set against the backdrop of a summer fishing port during the closed season, this series juxtaposes still fishing boats with a glowing orange sky. It reflects China’s respect for marine ecology amid its modernization, underscoring a balanced approach to development and sustainability.
"Cement Jungle Fetishism" – Lu Yao
This satirical photo series documents the surreal intensity of Shenzhen’s urban development. From mechanical cranes to the futuristic DJI headquarters, the series reflects on the relationship between technology, architecture, and society, hinting at a distinctly Chinese cyberpunk vision.
"Radiance in Urban Splendor" – Wu Yuefeng
This set captures the luminous beauty of cityscapes at different times of day, celebrating the spirit of modern urban life through dynamic contrasts of light and architecture.
Honorable Mentions
"Autumn Harvest" – Tang Hao
From Qiandao Lake in Zhejiang, these images celebrate agricultural modernization, combining golden rice fields with vibrant rural life and advanced farming techniques.
"Azure Coastline" – Zhang Yanzhen
From urban traffic to scenic promenades, this series presents a poetic fusion of nature and city, where history and modernity coexist.
"Years of Light in the Snowlands" – Chen Minxin
Through scenes from a live performance at Yulong Snow Mountain, this work reveals the cultural legacy of China’s ethnic minorities and their deep-rooted connection to nature and tradition.
"Blue Hour" – Deng Zhicheng
Taken at 19:24 in Nanshan Park, this photo captures the tranquil interplay between the deepening sky and city lights.
"Togetherness" – Hu Yuxin
With soft sunlight and sea breeze, this image of shared gazes over the ocean encapsulates decades of cherished memories.
"From North to South, Life Flows On" – Huang Yixin
From Beijing to Hong Kong, this triptych captures different urban faces under one unyielding spirit of vitality.
"Mountain Twilight" – Li Yannan
Terraced fields bathed in golden light reflect the harmony between human life and nature in rural landscapes.
"Elegance of Ancient Dwellings" – Su Xingyu
Overlooking Quanzhou’s historic quarters, this photo juxtaposes ancient architecture with modern urbanity, creating a visual dialogue across eras.
"Love of the Sea" – Zhan Ge
Shot at Qingdao’s Sea Love Park, this work symbolizes the eternal rhythm of the sea and the city’s poetic urban planning aesthetics.
"Return at Sunset" – Zhu Keyi
This coastal sunset scene on Nan’ao Island freezes the peaceful silhouettes of passersby and the sea in golden hues, showcasing a sublime bond between humanity and nature.
Epilogue
Congratulations to all the award-winning photographers for their exceptional achievements! Details regarding the certificate presentation and the exhibition of winning works will be announced shortly via official competition channels—please stay tuned.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to every photography enthusiast who participated in this event. Your unique perspectives and compelling visual storytelling have enriched our collective experience. May your passion for life and photography continue to inspire more explorations into the endless possibilities of the everyday through the lens.
Disclaimer: All submitted works are original and copyrighted by their respective authors. Please refrain from any commercial or unauthorized use.
