Winners of the “Jiangsu’s Changes in 40 Years” photo contest launch the Go Jiangsu: Enjoy Spring Tea and Coffee in Elegant Changzhou event with officials including China Daily Deputy Editor-in-Chief Wang Hao (fourth from the left) and Yang Liqun, deputy director of the Publicity Department of CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee (fourth from the right). [Photo by Xiao Da/ chinadaily.com.cn]

Among the expats, five of them were winners of the “Jiangsu’s Changes in 40 Years” photo contest held last year. China marked the 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up in 2018. To celebrate the momentous occasion, the Jiangsu Provincial Information Office and chinadaily.com.cn held a photo competition named “Jiangsu’s Changes in 40 Years,” inviting fans from around the world to share their appreciation for how far Jiangsu has come since reform and opening-up began.

Zhorea Shara from the Philippines loves taking pictures of nature and has visited Nanjing a couple of times, falling in love with the city. “I would love to share the great experience with my country,” said Shara who was very happy to experience Changzhou as it was her first time to travel the city.

Indah from Indonesia lives in Nanjing and has traveled to cities such as Yangzhou, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. She said that China has developed so fast and it’s a vast country with diversified culture. “Winning the first prize makes me very confident. I am so happy to join the Go Jiangsu trip to make new friends and learn more about Chinese culture,” she said.

Husnain Raza, from Pakistan, has been living in Wuxi for more than four years and has visited more than 15 cities in China including Beijing, Shanghai, and Suzhou. For him, the historical architecture and beautiful landscapes in China fortified his skills in photography and he considers the Go Jiangsu trips a great opportunity for him to explore the beautiful scenery and culture of Jiangsu province. “I would love to avail every chance to travel and capture the beautiful world in the eye of my camera,” said the second prize winner.

Muhammand Aulia Rahman, from Indonesia, said his loves are travelling, photography, and editing photos and videos. As a third prize winner attending the award ceremony, he said, “This is really such an honor and the wonderful trip has been unforgettable”.

The Go Jiangsu trip to Changzhou also included visits to Maoshan Mountain, Oriental Salt Lake Resort, and Baosheng Park. Last year, Go Jiangsu trips were held in Nanjing, Wuxi, Suzhou, Yangzhou, and Zhangjiagang. The Changzhou event was the first Go Jiangsu trip of 2019 with more to be announced later in the year.