Capturing the Timeless Elegance of the Great Wall: A Local Photographer’s Journey

SHIJIAZHUANG — Upon visiting the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall of China, one cannot overlook the breathtaking images of this UNESCO World Heritage Site displayed along the path leading to the exit. A significant number of these photos are attributed to Duan Jiujun.

Duan’s lens offers visitors splendid vistas of the Great Wall, set against backgrounds such as spring blooms, drifting clouds, winter snow, starry nights, and even double rainbows.

His artistry conveys the impression of a seasoned photographer who has frequently toured the area. However, in reality, Duan, aged 56, is a local from Hualougou village, situated at the base of the Jinshanling Great Wall, who set aside his farming tools over two decades ago to embrace photography.

Jinshanling, found approximately 150 kilometers north of Beijing in Hebei province, is recognized as one of the most well-conserved sections of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) structures and is an ideal location for photography enthusiasts because of its seamless integration with the natural surroundings.

As tourism began to expand in the late 1980s, Duan identified a chance to supplement his family’s income by opening a rural inn.

In 2003, a photographer named Wang Jianwu took up residence in Duan’s guesthouse for over a year. Duan was so enthralled by Wang’s artistry that he displayed the photographs on the walls of his establishment.

“With these images and the narratives behind them, it transformed from a mere farmhouse into a site enriched with cultural significance,” Duan remarked.

Before departing, Wang encouraged Duan: “Keep capturing moments. The images on the walls will become yours in a few years.” Motivated by these words, Duan began his journey with a borrowed camera and soon immersed himself in the craft of photography.

With a camera in hand, Duan’s interest evolved into a fervent passion. Despite skepticism from some villagers, he invested in superior equipment and dedicated countless hours to mastering photography techniques.

As his skills flourished, Duan started to attract attention. His photographs of the Great Wall, often highlighting its majestic allure, began to earn accolades and drew an increasing number of tourists to the region, aiding in the success of Duan’s family business.

Photography, however, provided Duan with more than just financial benefits. Soon, other photography aficionados sought his expertise, impressed by his extensive knowledge of the locale.

“One day, when a photographer called out ‘Teacher Duan’, I genuinely thought he was addressing someone else, and I looked around at the others,” recounted Duan, who is now a member of the China Photographers Association and the China Great Wall Society.

“This recognition brings me joy and a sense of achievement,” he said, accompanied by a warm smile.

Duan’s success has motivated others in Hualougou village. Among them is Zhou Baoquan, a former truck driver who had various jobs outside his native town. Following Duan’s example, he returned to his roots to manage a farmhouse and subsequently became a photographer specializing in the Great Wall.

Since purchasing his first camera in 2011, Zhou frequently visits the Great Wall whenever he finds the opportunity.

“The Great Wall was our playground during childhood,” Zhou recalled. “Over a decade after I returned home, it continues to provide me with solace and inspiration.

“It narrates history,” Zhou added.

“Even after all these years, you still discover numerous details, including engravings and embellishments on the walls. Thus, the ancient soldiers did not merely construct it for defense; they also expressed their emotions and cravings for improved lives.”

What began as a small gathering has evolved into a collective of farmer-photographers, transforming the village into a genuine “photography village,” with its association encompassing over 50 members.

Previously dependent primarily on agriculture, villagers have now converted their properties into guesthouses, accommodating the multitude of photographers and tourists visiting from across China and beyond.

In 2014, the village established a rural tourism cooperative, which has dismantled barriers between independent business proprietors, enabling them to collectively promote Hualougou.

Today, Hualougou hosts more than 100 guesthouses, collectively welcoming over 100,000 visitors each year. Some of the well-liked establishments can generate revenue exceeding 1 million yuan ($139,000) annually.

This surge in tourism has created job opportunities for over 700 local inhabitants, assisting in lifting the rural community from poverty and into a new phase of development. Such efforts are ongoing in many other rural regions since China declared the elimination of extreme poverty in 2021.

The village has proposed that its revitalization efforts should prioritize the preservation of the Great Wall’s heritage, according to Zhou.

For these farmers, photography has become a means of safeguarding. They view their photographs not only as a source of revenue but also as a way to uphold the legacy of the Great Wall.

“When tourists come, they pose many inquiries about the Great Wall, which motivates me to research from books and share that knowledge with others,” Duan explained.

“I do not consider ourselves just photographers. We are custodians and advocates of the Great Wall’s culture,” he stated.

Xinhua