The Iconic 1991 Photo of Chinese Girl Captures a Nation's Aspiration for Education The 1991 black and white portrait of an eight year old girl from rural China, affectionately known as "Big Eyes," is a powerful symbol of a nation's collective aspiration for education.
The photograph was taken by Xie Hailong, a photojournalist who documented the evolution of Project Hope, an initiative launched in 1989 to assist young dropouts in impoverished areas.
Project Hope was sponsored by the Communist Youth League and aimed to provide educational opportunities to those in need.