Since 2008, the expansion of China's high-speed rail network has greatly facilitated nationwide travel for everyone. It is how I make regular visits to Tianjin, a city that has gripped my interest in recent years. Also, Qufu, a small city but one of great interest due to its deep connections with Confucius. But sometimes I still take conventional "green trains" on overnight journeys.

Of course, Beijing has held my interest for over 34 years. It is city I have walked many times, photographing daily life where local traditions mix with an increasingly fast-moving and young society.

My experiences show the importance of international travel restarting, so friendships can be built and maintained and visitors can once again hear, "Welcome to China!" Hopefully this will help correct some of the misunderstandings that sadly appear too often these days.

Today, when people see my photography, some are reminded of growing up in the hutongs of Beijing or their own travels. However, such photography is a priceless testimony of how I have seen China's transformation. "A picture tells a thousand words" is an old expression. But sometimes a photograph can say much more.