A photo from Xie Shi's book. Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn

Another photo, which shows two elderly people in white prayer caps looking at a young skateboarder from a bridge, reflects the collision of tradition and modern culture in Xinjiang.

"When I skated, my parents didn't understand me. I guess those elderly people felt the same way," Xie says.

He also shows a life where strong friendships are forged in Xinjiang, where different ethnic groups live. Many people featured in the book came from different ethnic groups, he says, but they are united with the same passion for skateboarding.

"I like to see the skater's face in a shot plus a little background. Though I have taken many photos of skaters in different places, I was very impressed by the project I made in Xinjiang," he says. "Many people, like me, have the impression about Xinjiang, which is far away geographically and distant culturally. But when I actually went there and spent days with local people, I felt that they are close and open to us."

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