Capturing Khorgos’ Metamorphosis Through the Lens
Photojournalist Lai Yuning is based in Ili, in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Over recent years, he has watched his hometown of Khorgos transform from a quiet border outpost into a bustling trade hub. Alongside his mentor, Wang Minbin, Lai documents this journey through powerful images that speak to growth, resilience, and ambition.
Eastern Aid, Local Impact
Thanks to aid initiatives from Suzhou, Khorgos has undergone profound infrastructure development. New roads, modern trade facilities, and upgraded public spaces have reshaped daily life. Lai’s photos reveal how these changes are more than concrete and steel—they are opportunities for residents to reimagine their futures.
Everyday Stories, Global Resonance
In Lai’s frames, a young entrepreneur opens her first café under the gleaming railway overpass. A schoolteacher celebrates the inauguration of a new community centre built with Suzhou’s support. These snapshots highlight the aspirations of ordinary people embracing unprecedented connectivity and commerce.
A Visual Dialogue
By pairing his work with Wang’s earlier photographs, Lai creates a visual dialogue that traces Khorgos’ evolution and invites viewers to consider the ripple effects of regional cooperation. For globally minded audiences—travelers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers alike—Khorgos’ story is a testament to how targeted aid and local drive can spark lasting transformation.
Through his camera, Lai Yuning captures not just landscapes, but the dreams they inspire.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
