Photos are created by Chen Xin out of her imagination of the exotic mythical creatures and characters depicted in the Book of Mountains and Seas, a classic compendium of Chinese mythology.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Chen, a former teen model herself, discovered her passion for the art of photography gradually. She only became a professional photographer about three years ago, but she puts her camera skills to good use at a cultural creative company based in Chengdu and enjoys much freedom in her work. She spends most of her free time, however, working on her own photography projects.

"She always resolutely carries out her plan," observes her employer, Guo Hanlin. "Once she has an idea, all her mind is occupied with the detailed plans of how to get it done."

One fan on the Sina Weibo social-media platform, Lin Heye, comments: "I like her works as they are a fusion of fashion and traditional heritage.

"Young people are so familiar with images from Western fairy tales and myths. It's interesting for her to bring back Chinese legends in this way." According to Chen, her lens will continue to bring the folklore to life for a new generation. Besides continuing the Mountains and Seas series, she will also turn her hand to reimagining other classical Chinese themes, such as the 24 Chinese solar terms and traditional festivals.

"I am happy to try new things, instead of sticking to one fixed style," Chen says.