"On an island surrounded by wind and sea, I wanted to see how these women could seize their own lives," he says. More than 10 of his photographs are being displayed in an exhibition titled Seeing: Cities and Riders, running from April 17 to the coming Sunday at public locations across 12 cities nationwide, capturing these women, who root themselves in a life defined not by circumstance, but by choice, against the rhythm of waves and wind.

Xie, 75, is known for a photo that he took in 1991, telling the story of Su Mingjuan, then 8 years old, with great sparkling eyes and a pencil in hand, in rural Jinzhai county, Anhui province. The photo became a household image after it was used as a poster for Project Hope, which was launched by the China Youth Development Foundation in 1989 and is dedicated to helping underprivileged children get an education.

Xie was inspired by a video online that he watched in 2025, featuring this group of women whose optimism, smiles and authenticity shone through every frame.

"I was captivated by their energy and found myself curious about this unique team — how, in such an isolated place, surrounded only by wind and sea, could they courageously choose their path, work tirelessly, and hold tightly to the life they wanted to live," the photographer says.

The first time he saw them in person, their vibe instantly drew him in. They were a diverse group of women, aged between 30 and 50, all dressed in bright orange uniforms. They gathered at the "CBD" of the island and chatted and laughed together.