Key to success

Studying for a fine arts major in college in 1991, Xue set his sights on becoming a news photographer. Two years later, he was hired as a graphic editor by the Wuxi Daily. Although it wasn't the role he originally applied for, he maintained a positive perspective.

After six years in the graphic department, Xue became a reporter in 1999, and began documenting everything happening in the city, with a firm belief that media should serve its role providing public information.

One of his most successful photography projects was a series that focused on construction workers on the Wuxi section of the Shanghai-Nanjing intercity railway in 2009.To capture the most touching moments, Xue visited different construction sites and spoke with the hardworking laborers he considers the unsung heroes of the country.

The photographs received national recognition in 2010, winning a silver award at an annual competition held by the China Photojournalists Society.

Exploring frontiers

Since the 2010s, he has shifted his focus from on-site reporting to academic research, publishing nearly 50 articles and theses on media communication development and trends. His successful endeavors in this new area led to his appointment as deputy head of the Wuxi All-Media Communication Association, and earned him a guest professor position at the Wuxi Taihu University.

"A reporter is a witness to news and historical events, while a media scholar observes and reflects on the communication industry," he says.

When asked what drives him to adapt, Xue cites American photographer Ansel Adams (1902-84), a leading landscape photographer and environmentalist.

"I remind myself that I'm still young compared to Adams, and I'm striving to leave a meaningful impact in the fields I pursue."

Yan Weijue contributed to this story.