Over the years, I have journeyed deep into both Western China and the American West, using photography as a medium to explore the grandeur of their landscapes and the richness of their cultural heritage.

In Western China, I have traversed vast plateaus, snow-capped mountain ranges, expansive deserts, and remote borderlands. Through my lens, I capture not only the raw textures of the natural world but also the profound spiritual spaces shaped by centuries of faith. From the monasteries, lamas, and pilgrims of Tibetan Buddhism to the historical remnants of Islamic culture in the western regions, this land tells stories of resilience, devotion, and enduring tradition.

In the American West, my work focuses on the majestic beauty of national parks, the cultural imprints of Native American reservations, and the fading towns along historic Route 66. From the arches of Utah to the depths of Arizona’s Grand Canyon, these images reflect not only the sublime force of nature but also the tensions between wilderness and civilization—the echoes of ecological change and the imprints of modern life etched into the landscape.

Through a blend of black-and-white and color photography, my documentary practice seeks to create a dialogue between history and the present. I invite viewers to look beyond the surface of the scenery, to feel the rhythms of life and layers of culture that resonate across the lands of the West.

——Hans Xu