The Heart of Peace

Ruotong Yang, China

This photo series explores the quiet, everyday beauty of peace in nature, with a special focus on the theme of gentle companionship and coexistence.

At the heart of the project is the tender moment of two mandarin ducks swimming side by side, their bodies forming a natural heart shape. This scene, captured in Hangzhou, symbolizes the purest form of peace, trust, and connection between living beings.

The rest of the series expands on this idea: blooming cherry blossoms and wildflowers represent new life and the calm of spring; buzzing bees and colorful fish show the harmonious rhythm of the natural world; and soft sunset light over the lake evokes a feeling of tranquility and hope.

Through these simple moments, I want to show that peace is not just a grand concept, but something we can find in the quiet, unplanned magic of nature, if we take the time to look.

Discover more: Shortlist 2026