Pingyao gears up for international photography festival

The 21st Pingyao International Photography Festival will open on Sept 19 in the Ancient City of Pingyao – situated in Pingyao county, administered by Jinzhong city in North China's Shanxi province, according to a local news conference. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's festival – which runs until Sept 25 – will be held on site and also online, using high-tech means. 

The on-site exhibition will take place at the old Pingyao Diesel Engine Factory, while the online event will feature videos and virtual reality, to create an immersive visual experience for viewers.

Themed on "Wonderful World & Beautiful China", the photography festival will be divided into three sections consisting of 12 separate display units, showcasing over 10,000 works from around the world.

An exhibition with the theme of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China has been specially planned and will be launched during the festival. 

In addition, a themed exhibition on Shanxi merchants' culture, the cultural landscapes of the Ancient City of Pingyao – as well as an exploration of Jinzhong city's practices in rural revitalization, cultural and tourism integration – will be held during the event.