Xia Tiangong's work shown at the exhibition at the Shang Ba Art Gallery, Beijing, May 13, 2017. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Xia, a former television producer, majored in seal cutting at the China Central Academy of Fine Arts. Because of this, seal engraving and calligraphy has been a long-time interest and expertise of the photographer. Xia took an interest in photography when he was just a teenager; however, he did not buy his first digital camera until 2009.

"My photos are works of art. I intend to put more creative elements in them, rather than use them to show reality," Xia said.

"So, unlike other photographers, I choose to shoot things which accord to my artistic taste."