'Life of its own'

The wall looks fresh and bright after a rainfall, and takes on a charming golden color at sunset, he says. In winter, snow renders the wall a look of both desolation and tranquility, while lightning and thunder give it a strong visual impact, "like shining spears and armored horses in action".

To get the best image, Yang has often been drenched in rain and seen lightning strike nearby. After a day's work, Yang has also had to fumble his way down mountain paths in low light.

In a published article titled He, Born for the Great Wall, Yang's wife, Li Runying, writes: "The twists and turns of the Great Wall have been left with his solid footprints over more than a decade. His soul is in the grips of the Great Wall's charm and his heart beats faster at its sight.

"Tears overflow in my eyes when I watch his back, not ramrod straight anymore and holding equipment of different sizes."

Yang has spent a lot of his income on equipment, transportation and accommodation to pursue his passion. He says he is grateful for Li's support.

Yang Yang, vice-chairperson of Shuozhou writers association, has admired Yang Jianmin's work for long.

"The images are deeply moving and resonant with people, because they have a soul," Yang Yang says.

Yanmen Great Wall won the best photography album award at the China Pingyao International Photography Exhibition in 2013, among the many honors that Yang Jianmin has received. The album was displayed at the Beijing Olympic Park and some of the photos were published in Chinese magazines.

He says he wants to carry on with the wall photography as long as he lives.