Photo: Li Hao/GT

Photo Beijing 2024, featuring nearly 60 exhibitions and over 5,400 works by more than 2,000 international photographers, kicked off in Beijing on Saturday. The event highlights themes such as the Polar Silk Road, cultural heritages in ancient cities like Beijing and Florence and the diverse traditions of various ethnic groups.

More than 800 photographers from dozens of countries and regions gathered at the opening ceremony held at the China Millennium Monument, collectively appreciating selected photos that capture historical moments of interactions between humans and nature, or among diverse nations.

Several photographers were also present at the event. Some paused in front of certain photos, appearing lost in thought. They told the Global Times that a picture is worth a thousand words and as an irreplaceable narrative medium, the stories behind these photos can deeply touch people’s hearts.

One of the themed exhibitions titled “Polar Silk Road” Photography Exhibition For The 75th Anniversary Of The Establishment Of Diplomatic Relations Between China And Russia, vividly portrays a path of communication through the Arctic Circle with photos taken by nine Chinese and five Russian photographers recording the ice and snowy world, harmonious relations with wild animals and the lives of little-known local ethnic groups.

Visitors were stunned by the polar scenery and through introductions to these photos, and said they gained a better understanding of the achievements and significance of joint construction efforts between China and Russia on the Polar Silk Road after walking out of the exhibition hall. This is one of goals of planning the exhibition, the curator Wang Jiannan told the Global Times on Saturday.

Since Beijing Central Axis was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the beauty of the ancient capital has become more visible around the world. At the Photo Beijing event, the themed exhibition Hello Beijing attracted the attention of many visitors.

The exhibition presents the beauty of nature, history, humanity and innovation to the audience. The works serve as witnesses to history and reflections of Beijing’s evolution in the modern era.

Riccardo Busi, president of the International Federation of Photographic Art, said at the ceremony that Photo Beijing is not only a celebration of images, but also a bridge to enhance understanding among cultures. The exhibitions not only present innovative works and diverse perspectives to both Chinese and international audiences, but also showcase the latest trends in the global photography industry.

Chinese and international photographers, along with other visual artists exchanged views on photography and cross-cultural understanding through the platform provided by the annual photographic event, conveying friendship contained in photos with a broader audience. 

Centered at the China Millennium Monument, the event also extends to 11 additional venues across Beijing, creating the "Image·Beijing Map."

Photo: Li Hao/GT

Photo: Li Hao/GT

Photo: Li Hao/GT

Photo: Li Hao/GT

 

Photo: Li Hao/GT