From historic reforms to vibrant ethnic cultures, French photographer Grégoire de Gaulle has spent decades framing China’s transformation. The grandnephew of former French President Charles de Gaulle recently donated a treasure trove of books and photographs to China Media Group’s Foreign Expert’s Book House, marking World Book Day with a cross-cultural flourish. 🌍📚
In an exclusive interview with CGTN, de Gaulle reminisced about his first trip to China in 1978—a time when the country was opening its doors to the world. \"Seeing a society I’d only read about was like stepping into a living history book,\" he shared. His photos, often centered on children’s unfiltered joy 🎈, reveal a fascination with innocence and cultural authenticity.
De Gaulle’s adventures took him to Guizhou in 2019, where he documented the Shui ethnic minority. Their ancient script, older than Mandarin, and efforts to balance education with tradition left him awestruck. \"It’s a dance between preserving heritage and embracing progress,\" he noted, highlighting similar harmony in Jilin’s multicultural communities.
His work isn’t just art—it’s a bridge between France and China, echoing his family’s legacy of diplomacy. As he put it: \"Every snapshot is a conversation across generations.\" ✨
