Visual stories unite China, France and Europe in Beijing

A photography exhibition celebrating the cultural landscapes and everyday life of China, France and Europe opened at Beijing Language and Culture University on Friday, using the camera lens as a bridge for cross-cultural dialogue.

The exhibition, Photographic Perspectives on Chinese, French and European Cultures, is organized by the Alliance Francaise de Pekin (French Language Training Center of BLCU) under the guidance of the Federation Internationale de l'Art Photographique.

The opening ceremony, held at the Sino-French Friendship Exhibition Hall of the Sino-French Cultural Exchange Space, brought together university officials, representatives from the French embassy in China, participating photographers, and guests from the cultural and arts sectors.

In his opening remarks, BLCU President Duan Peng described the Sino-French Cultural Exchange Space as a "living room" for cultural exchanges between China and France.

He said the university has integrated the center into its general education curriculum through an arts appreciation course, encouraging students to broaden their cultural horizons through aesthetic experiences.

Featuring 60 photographs, the exhibition expands its focus beyond China and France to include Europe, offering Chinese and international students an opportunity to better understand one another through visual storytelling, Duan said. He added that BLCU will continue to nurture globally minded talent by building bridges through culture.

Florent Aydalot, minister-counselor for culture, education and science at the French embassy in China, praised the close partnership between the Alliance Francaise de Pekin and BLCU, saying it has helped support high-quality cultural programming and exchanges.

He said the exhibition showcases cultural heritage, natural landscapes and everyday life while highlighting the shared human experiences that transcend cultural differences.

"Artistic exchanges are an important vehicle for dialogue between cultures and help bring people closer together," he said.

Divided into three sections — China, France and Europe — the exhibition presents scenes ranging from China's grasslands, deserts and folk festivals to French streets and landmarks, as well as ceremonies and daily life across Europe. Together, the works offer visitors a vivid panorama of cultural diversity while underscoring the enduring value of people-to-people exchanges.