"My grandparents came from China. Looking at the photo of the 105-year-old grandma always stirs up deep emotions within me. I feel like crying," Intan, a Chinese Indonesian lady, told GDToday reporters when viewing the "Charming Guangdong" Photography Exhibition in Jakarta, Indonesia on June 24.
Jiang Jushun, a centenarian from Fengkou Village, Lanfang Town, Jiaoling County, Meizhou City, is known for her open-minded and cheerful temperament, coupled with an optimistic and witty spirit. Despite being over a hundred years old, she can still travel to a scenic spot 10 li (five kilometers) away by car, climb more than 100 meters up the hill behind her house, and pick fruits from the loquat tree. (Photo: Liang Weilong)
Intan visits the "Charming Guangdong" Photography Exhibition. (Photo: Li Fangwang)
The "Charming Guangdong" Photography Exhibition, as an important part of the "Charming China (Guangdong)—Asia Culture Tour," featured a stunning collection of photographs capturing the beauty and cultural richness of Guangdong.
It comprised fifty works completed by photojournalists from the Nanfang Media Group and photographers from the Guangdong Photographers Association. The exhibition is divided into three sections: "Integration of Mountains, Cities, Rivers, and Seas: Harmonious Coexistence of All Things," "Global Economic and Trade Connections: A Hotbed for Innovation and Entrepreneurship," and "Lingnan Cultural Essence: A Beautiful and Prosperous Land."
Mangroves thrive in tropical and subtropical intertidal zones, fulfilling crucial functions such as seawater purification, windbreak, wave energy absorption, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation. The photo shows a flock of birds soaring over the Zhanjiang Mangrove National Nature Reserve. (Photo: Zhang Youqiong)
Dr. Indra Wahidin, Executive Chairman of the Chinese Indonesian Association, was interviewed by GDToday and Nanfang Daily at the photography exhibition. (Photo: Yao Zhihao)
Dr. Indra Wahidin, Executive Chairman of the Chinese Indonesian Association, said excitedly after viewing the photo exhibition that all the photos were well taken and that he was impressed by the photo of the mangroves in Zhanjiang. He pointed out, "Indonesia also has mangroves which are more extensive than in Guangdong, but Indonesia still needs to learn from Guangdong in terms of mangrove protection."
Photos on display showcased the beautiful landscapes and cultural customs from various regions of Guangdong Province, including the bustling urban scenes of Guangzhou, the modern cityscapes of Shenzhen, and the historical and cultural landmarks of Shantou, Jiangmen, Meizhou, and more.
The exhibition also highlighted famous "Guangdong icons" such as Cantonese opera, lion dances, dragon boat races, and Wing Chun. Additionally, it demonstrated Guangdong's achievements in the new era, documenting its rapid development in the economy, technology, and culture through themes like the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Canton Fair.
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge stretches across the Lingdingyang waters of the Pearl River Estuary, connecting Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macao. It is the world's longest sea-crossing bridge, spanning 55 kilometers. The photo shows the bridge stretching towards the horizon, blending with the sea and sky. (Photo: Zhang Youqiong)
Indonesian students visit the "Charming Guangdong" Photography Exhibition. (Photo: Yao Zhihao)
Two Indonesian students told GDToday reporters that they had only heard of Guangdong but didn't know much about it before. After visiting the exhibition, they got to know that Guangdong has a profound historical and cultural heritage, rich and diverse agricultural products, as well as highly advanced science and technology, which left a deep impression on them. They expressed their desire to visit Guangdong or study in China, learn advanced technology, and bring it back to Indonesia.
The exhibition paid special attention to Guangdong's culture and ecology, presenting the intricate details of life and the charm of nature. It vividly reflects the green and beautiful Guangdong under high-quality development and the happy lives of its people. The photographers, akin to treasure hunters, delve into the vast fields and daily lives of people, using their lenses to tell the compelling stories of Guangdong, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and China.
Dragon boat racing: Dragon boat racing is a significant part of the traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival. The photo depicts oarsmen celebrating their victory on a dragon boat, wielding oars, in Heshan City, Guangdong Province. (Photo: Yi Liyan)
The representative works in the photography exhibition were also made into exquisite postcards by GDToday, a media organization under the Nanfang Media Group, and presented to all the guests. After the event, the photography exhibition will continue to be exhibited in other places in Indonesia.
Local people from Jakarta pose for a photo with the "Charming Guangdong" postcards at the exhibition. (Photo: Yao Zhihao)
Guangdong is at the forefront of China's reform and opening-up, serving as a pioneer, leader, and experimental zone. Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, is renowned as the "Millennium Business Capital." The photo shows Guangzhou's urban area illuminated by the sunrise. (Photo: Chen Bixin)
The "Charming China (Guangdong)—Asia Culture Tour" event was hosted by the Information Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province and the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province. It was co-organized by the Guangdong Federation of Literary and Art Circles and Nanfang Media Group. The photography exhibition was supported by Nanfang Daily, GDToday, and the Guangdong Photographers Association.
GDToday reporters: Monica Liu, Nick Li
Nanfang Daily reporters: Zhang Youqiong, Yao Zhihao
Bian Yongxin also contributed to the story.
Editor: Monica, James
