When the organizers of the 15th China Pingyao International Photography Festival, in the city of Pingyao, in Shanxi province, announced the list of winners, on Sept 21, Wu Jian, of Gansu province, took the top honor with his photos of relics and scenery along the fabled Silk Road.

In commenting on the works, the panel of judges remarked that, “Wu used the lens and play of light and shadow to combine the Silk Road with historical objects delicately and with different perspectives, increasing our admiration for the ancient road.”

Wu put it more plainly by saying,“I just wanted to record this world heritage site that joins East and West,” then added that he actually began getting shots of the Mogao Grottoes, a world heritage site in Dunhuang, Gansu province, when he was 18, so he returned because it really attracted him.

He says he believes that this prize will encourage him to produce more great works in the future and make photography his career.

There were a total of 12 awards at the photography festival, including one for best photographer, excellent young photographer, and Phoenix TV award for best photo album.