This year's competition was divided into 25 categories and drew nearly 10,000 entries from 70 countries, with several other Chinese entrants enjoying success in addition to the overall winning image.

Li's picture of a group of elderly women eating and laughing together in Shuangliu Ancient Town, Sichuan Province, was described by awards founder Caroline Kenyon as "a perfect winning image for our times… color, composition, the variety of expressions while one determinedly ploughs on with their food - I defy anyone not to be uplifted by this photograph.

"The joy they have in each other's company is palpable, a powerful rebuke to those who would divide us."