“These photos focus on the extraordinary achievements made by laborers from all walks of life, freeze-framing the wonderful moments of their daily work, presenting their diligence, endeavor and commitment to innovation,” says Liang Xiangfeng, secretary-general of Hunan Photographers Association.

The exhibition is a major measure taken by the association in 2019 in its bid to use the arts to alleviate poverty and promote rural vitalization.

Founder of the arts festival, artist Shu Yong, says: “To vitalize the countryside, we must first vitalize rural culture. Only when the local villagers feel proud of their home and culture, can rural vitalization truly be realized.”