The geography photographer, writer, and poet SHANG Changping visited IHB on September 19th, 2023. (Credit: IHB)

The geography photographer, writer, and poet SHANG Changping visited the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on September 19th, 2023. During her visit, she made a presentation titled "Encounters with Nature, Gatherings with All Things."   

Shang's presentation unfolded in four parts: the northern foothills of the Kunlun Mountains, human settlements on the Kunlun Mountains, the Taklamakan Desert, and the source of the Yellow River. Through a combination of visuals and prose, Shang showcased the grandeur and beauty of the natural and cultural landscapes of Xinjiang, reflecting the traditional philosophy of unity between man and nature. Simultaneously, she shared her personal journey of exploration and discovery. 

The presentation featured over 300 photographs, capturing Shang's observations over 30 years in Xinjiang. Shang introduced individuals such as a wandering singer with a passion for music, a 75-year-old folk artist, an 83-year-old farmer painter, a volunteer teacher, and hardworking villagers. The presentation documented the changes in people's lives over three decades, revealing the diverse oasis culture, improvements in the quality of life, and the enduring love for music and life.  

Shang's heartfelt and eloquent style of speaking resonated with everyone present. Professor Zhu Yixuan, in his eighties, attended the lecture, sharing his deep love for the Northwest and narrating the challenges and progress of the voluntary tree-planting activities over the past decade. He expressed the hope that the initiative would continue, adding more greenery to the country and transforming deserts into green seas.