Photo exhibition in Zhejiang spotlights China-US people-to-people ties

A photography exhibition featuring over 160 works by Chinese and American photographers opened last Friday in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

The exhibition, titled "Encountering the Mountains and Seas: China-US Photographers Exhibition", marks the culmination of an eight-day cross-cultural tour of these artists through Zhejiang province. It seeks to present the region's natural beauty, cultural heritage and modern development.

On show are 70 physical prints and 98 digital images captured during the tour, which took 14 US photographers alongside their Chinese counterparts to Wenzhou, Lishui and Hangzhou, among other cities.

For Yaakov Gottlieb, a travel photographer visiting China for the first time, the journey was an eye-opener. He was drawn not only to Zhejiang's dramatic waterfalls and ancient villages but also to its everyday street life.

"People make baskets and fans, make crafts in metal workshops and cook food in the streets — these are cultural moments you don't see in the United States," he said. Describing the experience as "a delight", he said he would love to return.

Even for long-time expats, the trip revealed hidden gems.

Eric Seidner, who has lived in China for 20 years, admitted he had never heard of the Baizhangji Waterfall before. One of the country's tallest, the waterfall is located in Wencheng county, Wenzhou city, one stop of the tour.

"Seeing it in person was breathtaking," he said.

Programs like this not only give participants a deep impression of China, but more importantly, a well-rounded view of the country, according to Seidner.

"We visited the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, and we also interacted with the latest models of robots and AI," he said. "All the way from the ancient past, beyond the present day and into the future of China."

China and US still have a lot to do to bridge their gaps in terms of how their perceive each other, said Huang Ping, vice-president of the China-US Peoples Friendship Association, at the opening ceremony. He said it is imperative that people-to-people exchanges continue to be strengthened.

"Such exchanges play a fundamental role in fostering mutual understand," he said. "I hope the US photographers will take their photos home and share them with their families and friends, especially the stories behind them."

The exhibition runs through June 25.