Photos focus on a rich heritage

Dzyupa, 24, a young man from the Tibetan ethnic group, who graduated from a technical college in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, last year, was one of the prizewinners who photographed his hometown on his mobile phone. His photos capture the essence of people's lives in Zekog county, Huangnan Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Qinghai province.

"My hometown used to be a pasture where past generations made a living raising animals. But when I was 6, my family moved to a town like many others and we began to live a more stable life," says Dzyupa. "We no longer experience many things our ancestors did. When I see the changes, I feel like what I am experiencing may also disappear and become nothing but memories in the future, so I want to capture the stories of the present."

With photographs, he shows many facets of local life, including Tibetan New Year customs. Despite changes over the years, he still finds something enduring in the photography process.

"Although only a few people make a living by grazing animals today, I find that they still use the techniques our ancestors employed. Moreover, the hardworking nature of my people, their strong willpower and our emotions also remain the same," says Dzyupa. "I want to show that, despite the influence of urbanization and modern changes, my hometown still has its own pace of development, and local people live a relaxing and happy life."