The 2017 Pingyao International Photography Festival opened yesterday in Pingyao, Shanxi Province. Over 2,000 photographers coming from 23 countries and regions gathered at Pingyao Ancient Town, with more than 16,000 pieces of photos displayed at the festival.
"It is a unique opportunity to participate in this festival. It is my first trip to China," said French photographer Philippe Vermes, known for his black-and-white portrait photography, at the opening ceremony.
"Photography is a binding force. It is the reason that we are here today to participate in this diverse and colorful cultural exchange," he said.
Photos that show China's industrial development by domestic photographer Wang Yuwen are on display in a special zone for exhibiting Chinese contemporary photography.
This year's festival also highlights works by American aerial photographer Jamey Stillings and leading British artist Marcus Lyon. The latter, in his work Somos Brasil (We are Brazil), documented more than 100 Brazilians through photography, sound and DNA sampling.
There will also be slide shows, videos, workshops, symposiums and forums during the week-long festival.
Established in 2001, Pingyao International Photography Festival has been running for 17 years. It is considered an important stage for international photographers to display their talent.
