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Beijing is both ancient and modern.Long-standing Chinese culture and cutting-edge technology coexist smoothly in the metropolis.Beijing’s beauty is found not only in natural landscapes and historical structures,but also in the radiant smiles of the city’s residents.

Launched in 2009,the“Beijing Spirit in the Eyes of Foreign Friends”Photo Contest has become a major cultural exchange event organized by Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.Over the past decade,myriad photos have been exhibited at the annual event,providing an up-close glimpse of the glamorous ancient city and static documentation of the fastchanging features of the cosmopolis.China Report ASEAN selected several award-winning works by photographers from ASEAN member states to print in this issue.

The Great Wall—A Mighty Chinese Dragon by Ny Keo Ponha (Cambodia),second prize,2016

“From atop the Great Wall,I felt like living in an ancient dynasty.The Great Wall was like an earthly paradise or the flying dragon in a Chinese drama.I believe in the solid unity and hard work of the Chinese people and know that it took strong leadership across many eras to make this happen.”

Golden Hour over Kunming Lake by Ny Keo Ponha (Cambodia),third prize,2017

“Kunming Lake in the Summer Palace is a well-known historical site and one of Beijing’s most popular tourist destinations.I love to visit it to enjoy the beauty of nature and purity of the environment and witness the stunning sunset over the lake.”

Twilight by Saktad Patanapoonyapirom(Thailand),third prize,2016

“From the hilltop,I saw a village surrounded by mountains.The sun began to set with light shimmering into the far corners of the horizon.It seemed like the last warmth was absorbed into the atmosphere,so I wanted to keep the moment in my memory forever.”

Iron ‘Horse’ in the Golden Fall by Ng Boo Ho (Malaysia),honorable mention,2016

“Beijing’s autumn is colorful,and people love the yellow ginkgo leaves.Beijing’s plentiful ginkgo woods paint the city gold.”

Sunset by Alex C.de Dios (the Philippines),second prize,2012

“The photo shows skyscrapers in downtown Beijing against a golden afterglow.The hustle and bustle of this modern metropolis is inspiring to people of all stripes.”

Tower amid Flowers by Parichamon Siriwannahong(Thailand),third prize,2018

“Spring is my favorite season due to the mild weather.It is a good time to go on an outing in the fresh air.”

The Great Wall in White by Adhi Widyanata Pesik(Indonesia),second prize,2016

“This picture captured some wonderful memories.Great time,great place,great company! Wonderful Beijing!”

Smiling Eyes by Michael Oliver (Indonesia),honorable mention,2012

“As spectators,we usually only see a show as a spectacle.We don’t get to feel the performers’ emotions.This photo shows the girls’ happiness and smiles of relief after finishing the show.Such moments and emotion draw me in as a photographer to capture the performers’ emotions.I am grateful for being honored in the‘Beijing Spirit in the Eyes of Foreign Friends’ Photo Contest.I see Beijing as a great dynamic city with magnificent and powerful people.As a foreign friend,I feel proud that my picture was deemed to represent the Beijing Spirit.I want to encourage everyone to keep telling stories by capturing photos of things around us.”

Living in the Moment by Teoh Li Ying (Malaysia),honorable mention,2017

“In this photo,the elderly are singing,playing musical instruments and dancing in a garden.They’re all in a good mood,reflecting China’s new start and inspiring other countries.”

Big Happy Family by Wiradinata Pesik(Indonesia),honorable mention,2015

“This is a great photo contest event and a wonderful platform to develop photography talent.I have participated every year,but this is the very first time I got a picture in the top 50.I submitted this photo because it reflects peace,fun and a colorful life:the kind of life that all of us look for.May peace be with us.”

Tai Chi by Daher Ognita(the Philippines),second prize,2010

“Accompanied by tweeting birds early in the morning,a senior was practicing the traditional Chinese martial art Tai Chi like a scene from a Chinese kung fu movie.This type of exercise is very popular in China and helps tremendously with physical fitness.”

Chinese Brushes by Domingo Cui (the Philippines),honorable mention,2016

“Chinese people invented the Chinese brush to practice calligraphy and painting.In an antique shop in Panjiayuan,Beijing,I found some interesting things including these brushes.They left a deep impression.”