Zhangjiagang is a wealthy town near Shanghai. I was preparing to photograph this old woman carrying a big bag, who was walking very slowly towards me. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a young woman riding a motorbike was upon us, flying past this old woman as if she were standing still. I barely released the shutter in time to capture her scarf wrapped face as it came rushing towards me. And then she was gone, leaving this old woman in her wake. The old woman bears the burden of time. She is the China of the poor, as is that old house at the end of this road. The young woman represents modern China, as do the new homes at left. Behind her rides a man on a bicycle, who to me represents the majority of Chinese people, caught somewhere in between.
At the end of 2003, I moved back to China, and discovered street photography. Since then I have been photographing the everyday life of Chinese people. I find photographing people in their own environment a fascinating subject. People are relaxed and can be themselves. Hopefully, I can make a picture that reflects some aspect of the truth of their lives and tells people who they really are.