A story-sharing session celebrating outstanding works from the "You Make The World a Beautiful Place" Global Photography Story Collection was held on September 26 at the Guangzhou People's Arts Center, bringing creators and audiences together to explore the city's narratives through the lens.
The event is part of an ongoing exhibition that opened on September 16, featuring more than 100 selected works from a three-year global storytelling campaign. Together, the exhibition and sharing session highlight how photographers from around the world have captured Guangzhou's dynamic urban life, cultural vitality, and green development.
Telling Guangzhou's story to the world
Liu Jupei, Chairman of the Guangzhou Federation of Literary and Art Circles, stated that the campaign has become an important window for the world to understand Guangzhou — a city known for its openness, heritage, and harmony between tradition and modernity. "These images not only freeze beautiful moments but also reflect deep thinking about the harmony between people and nature," Liu said.
Yin Jie, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the China International Publishing Center, remarked that the initiative aims to connect global audiences with Guangzhou's unique charm. "By using Guangzhou as a window, we're sharing China's vision for green development and telling stories of a modern, inclusive city," she said.
Since its launch in 2023, the global campaign has drawn over 60,000 creators from more than 20 countries and regions, collecting 600,000 photos and 5,200 videos. This year's exhibition presents over 100 selected works, grouped under four themes: Floral City in Bloom, Dream Builders, Dynamic Greater Bay, and City of Culture.
Creators share stories behind the lens
During the sharing session, creators from China and abroad offered diverse perspectives on the city. Spanish photographer Sergio Villa shared how he has documented Guangzhou's street life and historic neighborhoods over 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 said.
Local photographer Shi Jianhua reflected on his 18 years of capturing traditional culture, from lion dances to Cantonese opera. He also discussed his recent experiments using AI to bring new energy to visual storytelling.
Documentary filmmaker Li Jia spoke about her film 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 said.
As one of the judges, Zhang Zongtang praised the diversity and creativity of the submissions. "Photography is a universal language," he said. "Through these images, we see how Guangzhou connects with the world — open, vibrant, and modern."
Exhibition open to the public
The "You Make The World a Beautiful Place" exhibition at the Guangzhou People's Arts Center, featuring works by nearly 80 photographers, runs until October 8, inviting visitors to discover a global portrait of Guangzhou — a city where tradition meets innovation, and local stories inspire global resonance.
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Photo: Li Fangwang
Editor: Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
