Photos focus on a rich heritage

"Many photographers would ask people to wear clothes with ethnic features and pose for photos, instead of showing the local people in their natural state. I think such photos are superficial, or even fake," says Na.

Since he knew many photographers from within the ethnic groups, it occurred to him that he should hold an exhibition showing photos taken by them. The 2009 exhibition was popular and eventually evolved into the Country Road prize.

"I do not say that only the ethnic group photographers have a deep understanding of their hometown, but in most cases they live in the locality, and know about their group more than outsiders. I hope that, through this selection, they can view their traditional culture in a more faithful way," says Na.

Judges select photos that show the photographers' true emotions to the groups, display their lives faithfully, and show skill in framing and capturing an image.

"Many of the participants are not professionals, and some just take photos on their mobile phones, but their photos can still move us," says Na.