An epic photographic journey

These images also reflect from one aspect the critical moment of the 56 ethnic groups being lifted out of poverty and bidding farewell to the traditional slash-and-burn cultivation, the disappearing primitive lifestyle and the longing for the future, in which the Chinese civilization passes on from generation to generation.

For him, photography is a race against time. After his first trip in 2008, Chen completed the family portraits of 56 Chinese ethnic groups. He was determined to set off again, as he believes modern civilization advances so fast that the traditional ways of survival in China's remote regions are about to perish, especially those ethnic heritages on the border of extinction. Rich in styles and patterns, the ethnic culture is beguilingly attractive.

It has become an urgent photography mission for him to save more notes on these rare existences once again. After nearly 10 years of continuous tracking and accumulation, starting from July 2017, he led his team on road again. One can feel the photographer's 12 years of hard work and perseverance in these artworks. His strong family and patriotic sentiments are in parallel with the contemporary and historical responsibility and mission of the photographic art－discovering greatness in the ordinary, finding sublimity in simplicity, and creating excellent works worthy of a great era and a great nation with heart, affection and hard work.

China has been a unified multiethnic country since ancient times. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the various ethnic groups have jointly adhered to the reunification of the motherland. National rejuvenation and prosperity have always been inseparable from the joint maintenance of national unity and the unremitting efforts of the people. The industrious, brave and wise people of all ethnic groups are the pathfinders in this vast land in the East, and they are constantly writing the history of perseverance, jointly creating the brilliant Chinese culture, and forging the great national spirit.

"Only the most authentic state can have the most infectious appeal, and can convey the perseverance of a nation, and it is also the world's language," Chen says.