Guangzhou in focus: Global pictures showcase highlights metropolis’s spirit and tales

A narrative-sharing session celebrating excellent works from the “You Make The World a Beautiful Place” Global Photography Story Collection was held on September 26 on the Guangzhou People’s Arts Center, bringing creators and audiences collectively to discover town’s narratives by means of the lens.

The occasion is a part of an ongoing exhibition that opened on September 16, that includes greater than 100 chosen works from a three-year world storytelling marketing campaign. Together, the exhibition and sharing session spotlight how photographers from all over the world have captured Guangzhou’s dynamic city life, cultural vitality, and inexperienced improvement.

Telling Guangzhou‘s story to the world

Liu Jupei, Chairman of the Guangzhou Federation of Literary and Art Circles, acknowledged that the marketing campaign has change into an essential window for the world to grasp Guangzhou — a metropolis identified for its openness, heritage, and concord between custom and modernity. “These images not only freeze beautiful moments but also reflect deep thinking about the harmony between people and nature,” Liu mentioned.

Yin Jie, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the China International Publishing Center, remarked that the initiative goals to attach world audiences with Guangzhou’s distinctive appeal. “By using Guangzhou as a window, we’re sharing China’s vision for green development and telling stories of a modern, inclusive city,” she mentioned.

Since its launch in 2023, the worldwide marketing campaign has drawn over 60,000 creators from greater than 20 international locations and areas, accumulating 600,000 photographs and 5,200 movies. This 12 months’s exhibition presents over 100 chosen works, grouped underneath 4 themes: Floral City in Bloom, Dream Builders, Dynamic Greater Bay, and City of Culture.

Creators share tales behind the lens

During the sharing session, creators from China and overseas supplied various views on town. Spanish photographer Sergio Villa shared how he has documented Guangzhou’s avenue life and historic neighborhoods through the years. “I focus on everyday scenes — from people walking their birds to the festive flower markets on the water — to capture the city’s warmth and rhythm,” he mentioned.

Local photographer Shi Jianhua mirrored on his 18 years of capturing conventional tradition, from lion dances to Cantonese opera. He additionally mentioned his latest experiments utilizing AI to deliver new power to visible storytelling.

Documentary filmmaker Li Jia spoke about her movie Reviving Huating Hall, which follows the restoration of the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. “Only by understanding the land beneath our feet can we show the world a true and living image of China,” she mentioned.

As one of many judges, Zhang Zongtang praised the variety and creativity of the submissions. “Photography is a universal language,” he mentioned. “Through these images, we see how Guangzhou connects with the world — open, vibrant, and modern.”

Exhibition open to the general public

The “You Make The World a Beautiful Place” exhibition on the Guangzhou People’s Arts Center, that includes works by practically 80 photographers, runs till October 8, inviting guests to find a world portrait of Guangzhou — a metropolis the place custom meets innovation, and native tales encourage world resonance.

Reporter: Li Fangwang

Photo: Li Fangwang

Editor: Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He