ENTRY DESCRIPTION
This photograph captures the beauty of Heidu Mountain, a black ridge rising from the Gobi Desert. Its name, which means “Black Recluse Mountain", comes from the deep volcanic basalt that gives the mountain its dark color.

Formed millions of year ago from intense volcanic activity, it witnessed the Earth's violent past. During the Cold War, the region was once used for strategic mineral resources but it was then considered as too remote for development. Today, it remains largely untouched.

Shot with DJI Air 3, this photograph reveals the beauty of this landscape. The scattered human figures emphasize the scale and solitude of nature, while the wind turbines in the background hint at human intrusion into this ancient desert. This is a land blackened by fire, shaped by wind, and silent through centuries.

AUTHOR
Hey! I am Chenhan (Matthew) Qiu, a current high schooler from Shanghai. Through my lens, I take pictures of nature, especially using my drone. My photos help me remember the memories of from the places I went to. Photography acts as a pathway for me to connect with different places and people.

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