A photo exhibition themed "Discovering China Together: Photography Exhibition by Renowned American Photographers in Guangdong" is being held at Canton Place, Guangzhou city, from February 15 to 24. Special invitations were extended to the photographers of the photos, local shutterbugs, and visitors to communicate via video across thousands of miles. 

The exhibition showcases 42 photos taken by four renowned photographers, including Pulitzer Prize winners and World Press Photo honorees — Nick Ut, Ringo Chiu, Irfan Khan, and Michael Nelson — during their exploration tour in Guangdong last November.

On the opening day of the exhibition, visitors from various countries and of different ages came to the scene. They picked their favorite photos to explore the stories behind them and felt the cultural charm of Guangdong with the photographers.

School kids touch the lion head for good luck at Foshan Ancestral Temple, Foshan, Guangdong, November 22, 2024. (Ringo Chiu)

Jonathan, a British visitor with his family, liked the lion dance photo in Foshan by Ringo Chiu and said, "The photo is very vibrant and it captures the essence of Chinese culture, particularly in Guangdong."

Yuko, a Moldovan street photographer living in Guangzhou, was happy to partake in the event and shared his experience and feelings about Shantou after seeing the photos from the masters. "That's an amazing place with old streets and nice people."

During the video call, the photographers looked at their exhibited photos and recalled the magical and unforgettable experience of their 11-day trip in Guangdong. They admired the development of China, the diversity and colorfulness of Guangdong's culture, and the hospitality of the local people. They look forward to revisiting Guangdong and exploring more places in China.

Audiences watch laser show at Guangzhou International Light Festival at Haixinsha Asian Games Park in Guangzhou, Guangdong, November 15, 2024. (Irfan Khan)

Ringo Chiu, Pulitzer Prize winner for Breaking News Photography, said that many people have come to know China through the internet in the past few years in California, but a lot of information is false. "If foreigners go to see our photos, I hope they'll be more interested in China and actually go to China and see for themselves, rather than just looking at our photos."