A photo exhibition of Ulyanovsk Oblast in Russia, part of the 21st Pingyao International Photography Festival, opens in Pingyao county on Sept 19. [Photo/Pingyao Rong Mei]

A photo exhibition of Ulyanovsk Oblast in Russia, part of the 21st Pingyao International Photography Festival, opened in Pingyao county in North China's Shanxi province on Sept 19. 

The exhibition is jointly organized by the Foreign Affairs Office of Shanxi Provincial People's Government, the Information Office of Shanxi Provincial Government, the Shanxi Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the organizing committee of the photography festival. 

Aleksey Russkikh, acting governor of Ulyanovsk Oblast, sent a video speech to the opening ceremony of the photo exhibition. 

Aleksey Russkikh, acting governor of Ulyanovsk Oblast, sends a video speech to the photo exhibition opening ceremony. [Photo/Pingyao Rong Mei]

A total of 100 photos are on display in the exhibition, most of which were selected and provided by the foreign liaison bureau of the government of Ulyanovsk Oblast.

The photos showcase the history, architecture, education, culture, economy, national festivals, and daily life of residents in Ulyanovsk Oblast, reflecting local socioeconomic development and cultural and natural landscapes.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the official establishment of friendly relations between Shanxi province and Ulyanovsk Oblast. 

Over the past two decades, the two sides have seen exchanges of high-level officials, strengthened relations, and promoted social and economic development, contributing significantly to China-Russia friendship.

Zhang Yuan, deputy director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shanxi Provincial Government, said in his speech at the opening ceremony that the photo exhibition would further deepen Chinese’s understanding of Ulyanovsk Oblast and promote further cooperation between the two regions.