[Photo provided to China Daily]

As well as covering war zones - Afghanistan, Kuwait, Ethiopia - McCurry has also traveled 85 times to India. He has been on shoots several times in China as well. His insightful work across Southeast Asia earned him the famous Robert Capa Medal Award.

McCurry recalls his first trip to China in 1984.

"The political system was different. The people dressed the same; there was a kind of uniformity. We arrived at the train station and had to carry our heavy bags ... Everything was very simple then."

McCurry returned to a very different China in 1989, 1999, 2001 and 2006 and says he will travel to China again in a few months.

"There are so many authentic, incredible regions in China that represent its varied traditions and sensibilities. So many exciting, interesting things are happening in China now: in cinema, architecture, music."

McCurry has always been impressed by the hospitality of the Chinese. "People are very welcoming. They treat foreigners with cordiality and generosity," he says.

More recently, he has developed a passion for Africa.

"It's a fascinating place," he says. "Next summer I will go back to Ethiopia, where I was this past August. And I'll return to Kenya as well. I want to explore Africa more and more."