'Guangdong in the Eyes of European Photographers' exhibition travels to Italy

In the wake of its success in Germany, the information office of the Guangdong provincial government kicked off "Guangdong in the Eyes of European Photographers" photo exhibition in Rome, Italy on Sept 26.

The exhibition displayed 36,000 photos taken by 12 European photographers, quite a few of whom are Italians. The photos show the moments they snapped during their 10-day visit to Guangdong in May, 2015.

"The handpicked pictures on display truly reflect the openness, compatibility and courage shown by Guangdong during in-depth national reforms. They also represent the province's happy and harmonious society, city's uniqueness and tantalizing natural scenery," expressed Zhang Zhigan, executive deputy director-general of the information office of Guangdong provincial government.

He also said, "Occupying a crucial position in China's ancient Maritime Silk Road, Guangdong has a very long history of non-government exchanges with Italy." Zhang added that room for co-operation between the province and Italy has seen expansion since China began its opening policy in late 1970s, especially in recent years.

Citing as an example, the officer explained the city of Zhaoqing in the province was the first stop that Italian Jesuit priest Matteo Ricci arrived during his missionary trip to China during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Better known as Li Madou in China, Ricci played an important role in introducing Western culture, art and science to China during his stay in the country.

"We are anticipating an even rosier co-operative prospect as China is carrying on the initiative of modern Maritime Silk Road. It is also expected to get a boost this year from the World Expo in Milan," remarked Zhang.

Official statistics indicate that the province's foreign trade value with Italy reached 8.83 billion yuan ($1.39 billion) in 2014.

Andrea Cicini, representative of ANICA (Associazione Nazionale Industrie Cinematografiche Audiovisive Multimediali) in China, said that the "Guangdong in the eyes of European photographers" photo exhibition is unique in perspective and it will help the Italian people to know Guangdong better and minimize misunderstandings about it.

"Guangdong is a beautiful place. I hope more friends will go to China and know what China is really like," he pointed out.

At the launch of the exhibition, the information office of the Guangdong provincial government bestowed the honor of "Guangdong's Messenger of Cultural Exchanges" upon Italian photographer Massimo Colato.

Zhang Zhigan (right) honors Italian photographer Massimo Colato, a messenger of cultural exchanges. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

'Guangdong in the Eyes of European Photographers' exhibition opens in Rome, Italy, Sept 26. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Pictures themed 'Guangdong in the Eyes of European Photographers' on display. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]