Khorgos, a border city in the northwest Chinese mainland’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has been on a rocket-fueled transformation over the past few years. Photojournalist Lai Yuning, based in Ili, has watched the skyline shift from dusty streets to modern boulevards—with a special attachment to every corner. 🌅
Thanks to major aid initiatives from the eastern city of Suzhou, Khorgos’s infrastructure has been overhauled: new bridges, upgraded roads, and community centers now dot the landscape. Through his lens, Lai captures not just buildings, but the spirit of local residents chasing fresh dreams: students exploring new career paths, entrepreneurs launching small startups, and families enjoying lively public spaces. 🏘️🚀
Guided by his mentor, veteran photographer Wang Minbin, Lai Yuning’s photo series tells a story of ambition and hope. Each image freezes a moment of daily life—a teen studying under LED lights, a vendor selling handmade crafts, friends gathering in bright plazas—and shows how change fuels possibility. For Lai, Khorgos isn’t just a subject; it’s home, and his pictures invite us all to feel the heartbeat of a city on the rise. ❤️📷
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
