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Event Date: February 20, 2025
Event Venue: University Student Union Ballroom, CSULB
To further promote cultural exchange between China and the United States and to sustain the momentum of the “Taste China: A Journey with World-Class Photographers”Photo Exhibition at CSULB was successfully held at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) on the morning of February 20. The event was co-hosted by International Training Programs at CSULB’s College of Professional and Continuing Education and Phi Beta Delta Long Beach Chapter, with support from the Chinese Culture Development Center (CCDC).
The event brought together four of America’s top news photographers: Nick Ut, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer of Napalm Girl; Ringo Chiu, the first mainland-born Chinese Pulitzer Prize winner; Irfan Khan, former senior photojournalist at The Los Angeles Times; and Michael Nelson, former chief photographer at AFP and EPA. At the invitation of CCDC, these esteemed photographers embarked on an 11-day photography journey through Guangdong at the end of 2024, capturing the diverse cultural landscapes and urban transformations across six cities—Guangzhou, Qingyuan, Dongguan, Shantou, Zhongshan, and Foshan.
The event was attended by distinguished guests from CSULB, including Jane Conoley, President of CSULB; Scott Apel, Vice President; Ashleigh Willis, Senior Director of Marketing and Enrollment Management at the College of Professional and Continuing Education; and Heidi Zhang, Director of International Training Programs at CSULB’s College of Professional and Continuing Education and President of Phi Beta Delta Long Beach Chapter. Additionally, Donghai Xu, COO/VP of CCDC, and Ethan Xing, Director of Operation and Special Project of CCDC, were present at the event.
In her opening remarks, Jane Conoley warmly welcomed the photographers and emphasized the significance of cultural exchange in fostering mutual understanding and friendship. She expressed her hope that this session would offer students an immersive experience in the art of photography while deepening their understanding of Chinese culture.
Over 100 students, faculty members, and photography enthusiasts attended the event, where they viewed a curated selection of 40 outstanding photographs. These images vividly depicted the richness of Guangdong’s culture—from the modern architectural marvels of its bustling cities to the everyday life in its traditional water towns, as well as the irresistible charm of Cantonese cuisine. The photographers shared their shooting experiences in China, recounting memorable moments from their journey and expressing admiration for the depth of Guangdong’s cultural heritage.
“This trip shattered my preconceived notions of China,” said Irfan Khan. Other photographers echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the blend of tradition and modernity, the region’s inclusiveness, and its vibrant yet safe atmosphere. They described China as “a treasure trove of endless photographic opportunities”, vowing to return for more.
During the 50-minute Q&A session, students eagerly posed questions, leading to engaging discussions on topics such as the photographers’ career paths, the ethical boundaries of news photography, privacy issues in street photography, and techniques for capturing candid, dynamic moments in public spaces. The four photographers also reflected on their frontline experiences covering major historical events, including the Vietnam War, conflicts along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, the Middle East, and the California wildfires. They discussed the power of photojournalism and the delicate balance between ethics and professionalism. On the topic of street photography and privacy, they shared insights on observing surroundings to anticipate the perfect shot and capturing authentic moments without disrupting subjects.
This sharing session not only provided CSULB students with a rare opportunity to engage with world-class photojournalists and their works, but also ignited their passion for photography and deepened their appreciation of Chinese culture. Moving forward, the Chinese Culture Development Center plans to continue organizing cultural events that further strengthen U.S.-China exchanges in the humanities and the arts.
Live Photo
Photo by FeiLi
