The 2024 Asian Universities Alliance “Embracing Asian Diversity” Photo Contest Series with the theme Neighborhoods of Asia took place from January to May 2024. The contest was hosted by the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) and organized by Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS). The contest aims to capture and celebrate Asia’s diversity and its impact on the world through the camera lens.
Over 190 students and faculty/staff members from all 15 AUA member universities submitted 950 photographs to the contest. Their photographs vividly depicted the vibrancy and diversity of Asia’s neighborhoods.
Today, we officially announce the 12 award-winning photographs and six Honorable Mentions.
Congratulations to our winners who have wonderfully captured the beauty of Asia’s neighborhoods!
First Prize
Fisherman
Location: Inle Lake, Shan State, Myanmar
Families living around Inle Lake make their living through traditional fishing. This tradition has existed since ancient times until today. These beautiful moments attract travelers and provide a source of income for the families living there. 
Photographer: Myo MINN AUNG
Undergraduate student at the University of Yangon
“The Inle Lake area of Myanmar is renowned for its unique traditions and stunning landscapes. In this traditional fishing workshop, fishermen skillfully navigate their boats using a single leg.
Local tribes craft exceptional fishing tools from bamboo, showcasing their traditional craftsmanship. The inhabitants wear beautiful and comfortable attire.
Inspired by this cultural richness, I submitted this photo to the contest, aiming to highlight Asia's traditional cultures and exquisite ways of life.”
Urban forest
Location: Hong Kong, China
In the unique urban setting of Hong Kong, tourists can experience up close the prosperity and bustle of the city as they navigate through it. However, from the sky, everything seems to reveal a different order and beauty. The dense clusters of buildings resemble small mountain peaks, closely connected, forming a vast urban “forest.”
Photographer: XIE Yuxin
Graduate student at Peking University
“I launched a drone from the peak of Tai Ping Mountain, and as it ascended, my gaze followed suit. The captivating Hong Kong cityscape captured from above appeared exceptionally charming. At such heights, I felt as if I could perceive the heartbeat of Hong Kong more profoundly. Each press of the shutter recorded the unique brilliance of the city.”
Second Prize
End of the day
Location: Negombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
On a golden sandy beach of Negombo, a city home to a prominent fishing community, a weary fisherman takes a refreshing and much-deserved wash, cleansing away the day’s trials. In the background, women engage in friendly conversation as they wait for the fish preparation process to be completed.
Photographer: Gitanjali MAWALAGEDERA
Faculty/staff member at the University of Colombo
“As an island nation, Sri Lanka hosts a vast, sprawling coastline where fishing plays an important part in the day-to-day lives of many.
This photograph, taken during my travels to Negombo in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, captures a fisherman showering after a long day of hard work hauling in fish, with his neighbors seated in the background. Sorting the catch of the day is very much a group activity.
Asia is a truly unique continent and each neighborhood has something unique to offer.”
The bright colors of the bazaar
Location: Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Bazaars in Central Asia are the life of the city, and Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent is no exception. In this photo, a man is busy preparing Lagman, a typical Uyghur noodle dish. The bazaar is blessed by the fading afternoon springtime sun, bringing a peaceful atmosphere to this usually bustling and loud commercial place. The colorful blue and red patterns on the stall recall traditional Uzbek patterns, adding a unique character and charm.
Photographer: Helene THIBAULT
Faculty/staff member at Nazarbayev University
“I am originally from Canada, but I have been living in Kazakhstan for eight years. I frequently travel to neighboring countries. This photo was taken during a working trip to Tashkent, just before the traditional celebration of spring called Navruz (literally, “New day”). I did not miss the chance to visit one of the most iconic bazaars in Central Asia. The region's historical heritage, multicultural character, warm people, and spectacular landscapes are definitely worthy of attention!”
Shanghai in the sunset glow
Location: Shanghai, China
The Lupu Bridge, with its vast deck and continuous traffic flow, creates a striking vertical line in the scene. The wide river flowing horizontally is the Huangpu River. From above, the cargo ships on the river, the traffic on the bridge, the clear Huangpu District, and even the distant Pudong Lujiazui skyline can be seen at a glance. At this moment, the sky is equally magnificent, with a spectacular and radiant sunset.
Photographer: WANG Haolin
Graduate student at Tsinghua University
“I have traveled through many interesting and absolutely impressive cities in Asia, which have important international influence, unique histories and cultures, and developed business and entertainment industries. They are definitely the treasures of world culture.”
Morning impressions
Location: Shenzhen, China
As the dawn breaks over Shenzhen, the early morning sunlight begins to illuminate the bustling cityscape. People from various walks of life move briskly through this modern metropolis. Yet, the sun has already woven their shadows into the grand urban backdrop. Let’s take a moment to follow the shadows that accompany us, to catch a glimpse of this fleeting beauty.
Photographer: ZHU Dekuan
Graduate student at Tsinghua University
“In my view, the Shenzhen streetscape embodies a seamless fusion of modernity and tradition, harmoniously blending fast-paced urban life with a relaxed atmosphere. This youthful city consistently astounds me from the most unexpected corners.”
Third Prize
A chat
Location: Xining, China
On the streets near Dongguan Mosque in Xining, I photographed two elderly men whose faces reflected the trials of time and the joys of life. The open shop in the background carries distinct Northwestern Chinese features. The entire scene showcases the extraordinary in a seemingly ordinary corner of this city.
Photographer: HE Pu
Graduate student at Peking University
“In my photography, I have always maintained the humblest attitude to record and learn. I am very happy to have participated in this competition and am honored to use my works to spread the beauty and emotion of Asia’s streets.”
Minimalist dusk
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This photo was taken on my usual route home from school. That afternoon, a ray of sunlight pierced through a gap between two buildings, illuminating the building across from me. Walking past this scene after class, I quickly took out my phone to capture this rare and stunning moment.
Photographer: LI Xiaoran
Graduate student at Universiti Malaya
“‘Carefully observe, and life will change the plain color of the past to show us many beautiful moments,’ I often remind myself before pressing the shutter. Minimalist dusk is based on such an idea. This competition is not only a test of my photography skills but also an important opportunity to show the world the beautiful scenery of Asia’s communities.
Life struggle
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
On a busy street in Colombo, a king coconut vendor is pushing his loaded cart with great effort. The photograph was taken as he moved from the shade into a patch of sunlight. The expression in his eyes reveals his fatigue, yet he perseveres, determined to earn his daily bread for his family.
Photographer: Lakshan SENEVIRATHNE
Graduate student at the University of Colombo
“This photograph was captured during an early morning visit to the busy streets of Pettah in Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. I have a special interest in capturing people and their lifestyles. This king coconut vendor was pushing his cart with great effort on a busy street. I managed to capture him when he was exposed to a patch of sunlight which brought a unique photographic value and special focus. Post-processing of the image into monochrome helped to highlight his facial expressions. This image is a perfect match for the theme ‘Neighborhoods of Asia’ of this competition.”
Decisive battle
Location: Minamisoma, Fukushima, Japan
I photographed a ritual passed down through generations called Soma Nomaoi. The sight of 400 mounted warriors parading through the town and competing in the arena allows us to experience what it might have been like to travel back 1,000 years.
Photographer: Hiroyuki SHIMA
Faculty/staff member at The University of Tokyo
“At first, I found it very challenging to photograph the theme ‘Neighborhoods of Asia,’ which can be interpreted in many ways. One day, I found myself thinking about my hometown, Minamisoma City in Fukushima Prefecture, which was struck by a major earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. I decided to submit a photo of the traditional ritual called Soma Nomaoi, which has been passed down for over a thousand years. Despite the town’s significant damage from natural disasters, its people have continued this ritual. I hope that everyone in Asia can witness the brave and fierce mounted samurai in action.
A corner of the Red Sea
Location: Umluj, Saudi Arabia
The coast of Umluj is quiet and relaxing. A man stops his car to buy dinner, while a woman in the distance calmly watches the waves rolling in at sunset. Being in Saudi Arabia gives you a sense of indescribable beauty.
Photographer: ZHANG Zhichao
Graduate student at Tsinghua University
“This photo was taken in the seaside city of Umluj, Saudi Arabia, during a student group visit to the country in the winter of 2023. The food stalls are quiet under the setting sun, and a lady sits quietly in the distance. Such a beautiful scene reflects my experience in Saudi Arabia: we can never truly understand a country solely through information found on the internet.”
Night market aromas in Guangxi
Location: Nanning, China
As night falls, food lovers gather at Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street in Nanning to enjoy these local delicacies and the vibrant street atmosphere. The street vendors best represent the warmth of a city, with their lively calls and varied colors providing comfort to the hurried passersby. This place offers a sense of home for many non-locals.
Photographer: ZHENG Kaiyuan
Graduate student at Tsinghua University
“As night falls, people come to Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street in Nanning to taste delicious food. These snacks can always alleviate rush and busyness and represent a warm aspect of the city. In the corner of the street lies the city’s silhouette. Here, I can feel the warmth of this city, which prompted me to press the shutter.”
Honorable Mentions
Joy in Medina by Hoor ALHAMMADI, King Saud University
People mountain, people sea by Hillary GIAM, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The overseas Chinatown in Thailand by Yingyillong HU, Chulalongkorn University
Whispers of tradition by Chengyuan LI, United Arab Emirates University
Sunset sport by Radityo Jonathan Aron PANJAITAN, National University of Singapore
Legacy and life by Adarsh S, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Judges’ Reflections
A panel of four judges with expertise in photography, media, Asian affairs, and education, evaluated the contest’s submissions. They have shared their reflections on the contestants’ work and the contest as a whole.
FENG Xiukun
Director of the Asian Affairs Department, Foreign Affairs Office of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government
Asia, with its long history and diverse cultures, offers streetscapes that are filled with splendor, reflecting both the continuous transmission of cultural traditions and the innovative spirit of the times. The contest’s submissions focus on Asia’s cultures and distinctive neighborhoods, capturing precious moments, whether spontaneous, long-awaited, or constructed. These works demonstrate high standards from professional, artistic, and technical perspectives. I believe that these photographs, which depict Asia’s open and inclusive nature, distinctive features, and vibrant street scenes, will leave a lasting impression on the audience.
LI Li
Chief Reporter, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily
The Neighborhoods of Asia Photo Contest provides a platform for university photography enthusiasts to showcase their talents and for the public to understand the cultures of various Asian countries. The photographs offer a unique perspective by depicting the street scenes and cultural sentiments of Asia. They capture the ever-changing ambiance of Asia’s neighborhoods and reflect the photographers' ingenuity, offering viewers a glimpse of the blend of daily life, historical relics, and modern life in Asia.
Each piece is a deep expression of affection for Asia’s cultures, and through their images, the photographers also call for a greater appreciation of their diversity and inclusiveness. This activity is not only a contest of photographic skills but also an exchange and meeting of cultures, which is significant in enhancing understanding and respect between regions. The contest promotes cultural exchange in Asia and deepens appreciation for and understanding of Asia's diverse cultures.
QI Tianlei
Deputy Director of News Center, Tsinghua University
This competition, focusing on neighborhoods, not only records the development of urban and rural settings as well as society as a whole but also provides an intuitive perspective for studying different histories and sceneries. The diversity and creativity of the entries are impressive. These photographers ventured deep into the alleys of cities and villages, capturing moments filled with emotion and vitality. The works showcase the vibrancy and charm of Asian cities and convey a deep understanding and respect for Asian culture among today’s young people. This contest is an interesting and meaningful cultural event.
WEI Yuming
National First-Class Photographer, Vice Chairman of the Shenzhen Photographers Association
These works vividly reflect the hustle and bustle of Asia’s neighborhoods. Depicting busy streets and passersby in a hurry, each snapshot is filled with the essence of everyday life. The participants have captured the pulse of these neighborhoods through their camera lenses, showcasing the vibrancy and allure of community life.
All the entries are heartfelt creations of the participants; each press of the shutter is an act of love and documentation of life. In this photography competition filled with creativity and passion, both the works and the participants showcase the elegance and talent of students, faculty, and staff from the Asian Universities Alliance.
Congratulations again to our winners!
Edited by Alena Shish & Yuan Yang
Reviewed by Zhang Chengping & Chen Chaoqun
Layout by Yang Jun
