An expedition tour themed “Discover Hunan, Explore Xiangxi,” part of the 9th FIAP Photo Meeting, was held at Furong Town, Yongshun County, in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture on August 25. More than 300 photographers from 40 countries participated in the event to capture the culture and folk customs of the Tujia ethnic group through their camera lenses.
International photographers take photos inside the Silk Road International Photographic Art Exhibition Hall.
On August 25, the opening ceremony of the "Silk Road International Photographic Art Exhibition Hall" and its inaugural exhibitions were held at Furong Town. In his speech, Riccardo Busi, president of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP), noted that the inauguration of the exhibition hall marks a new milestone in the friendship between FIAP and the Silk Road Photographic Organization International Alliance (SRPOIA). He expressed the hope that the venue will become a platform for global photographers to exchange ideas, carry out cooperation, and promote mutual learning among civilizations. Moreover, solo exhibitions of two master photographers, Riccardo Busi and Yang Yuanxing, were launched concurrently on site. Yang is the honorary president of the China Artistic Photography Society.
An international photographer.
The ethnic customs of Xiangxi are vibrant and colorful. Tujia girls welcomed photographers with a traditional lanmen wine ceremony, allowing the guests to experience Hunan people's warmth and hospitality. As the melody of the "Hand-Waving Dance to Celebrate Good Fortune" filled the air, the graceful dance movements and shimmering silver accessories of the girls were captured by cameras. When the bonfire was lit, the photographers joined the hand-waving dance, holding hands with the Tujia people in a joyful celebration.
The crowd dance around the bonfire.
A photographer from South Korea traveling with his parents said, "Experiencing the charm of Hunan culture here in such a lively and engaging way has been wonderful. I’ve also taken many outstanding photos."
The expedition tour will last till August 29. Photographers will visit multiple locations across the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, using imagery as a bridge to explore the history of Laosicheng, the wonders of the Red Carbonate-Rock Stone Forest, the transformation of Shibadong Village, and the charm of Fenghuang Ancient Town. Through their lenses, the visitors aim to showcase Hunan's natural beauty, cultural richness, and development progress to the world.
This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.
Translator: Xiao Juan
Chinese source: hunantoday
