Beijing’s Changping District recently witnessed the unveiling of an ambitious and culturally rich project – the “Beautiful Ming Dynasty” Photography Manual. This project, an artistic endeavor to encapsulate the millennia-old majesty of the Ming Tombs, is the brainchild of a remarkably talented 17-year-old high school student, Junhao Zhang.
Junhao, enrolled at the prestigious High School attached to Renmin University of China, has been nurturing a deep-rooted passion for photography and the Ming Dynasty’s history since his early years. His journey, intertwined with the fate of the Ming Tombs, began with a simple family trip that unveiled the understated beauty of this historical site. Contrary to his expectations of a bustling crowd similar to that at the Forbidden City, he found the tombs in a serene state, vastly underappreciated and overshadowed.
Determined to raise awareness about the Ming Tombs – a symbol of China’s rich history and civilization, Junhao embarked on a mission to bring local photography enthusiasts together. Their goal: to capture and share the unique allure of the Tombs, thus preserving these historical treasures through the art of photography. The “Beautiful Ming Dynasty” project aims to immortalize the historical essence of the Ming Tombs, fostering a deeper appreciation of their mystery and grandeur.
In his role as the initiator and planner of this photographic feat, Junhao contemplates the paradox of the Ming Tombs’ global obscurity despite being the most intact imperial burial complex worldwide. His solution: a creative fusion of photography and storytelling, engaging local talents to depict the Ming Tombs’ splendor, thereby enhancing their prominence in the tourism and cultural landscape.
Junhao’s vision extends beyond mere documentation. He sees photography as a medium for cultural transmission and artistic inheritance, a way to combat the relentless erosion of time and preserve these monumental stories for future generations. This manual, more than just a collection of photographs, is set to be a tangible representation of China’s profound cultural heritage.
The launch event, held at the Ming Tombs Visitor Center on January 20, was a confluence of dignitaries and cultural aficionados. Spearheaded by the Photographers Association of Changping District and Beijing Haoli Culture Co., LTD, the ceremony featured keynotes from Mr. Ma Ruiman, Deputy Mayor of Ming Tombs Town, and Mr. Yang Lianrong, Chairman of the Beijing Changping District Photographers Association, among other notable personalities.
With plans to distribute the manual in school libraries and sell it on platforms like Amazon, Junhao aims to ignite a passion for history and culture in the hearts of the young and old alike. The proceeds from the sale are earmarked for further cultural dissemination within the Ming Tombs area.
This inaugural event marks the beginning of what Junhao hopes will be an enduring and evolving journey, inviting more people to engage with and promote the Ming Tombs’ rich heritage, ensuring that the legacy of the Ming Dynasty continues to inspire and educate for generations to come.
