Chairman Mao's photographer wins life achievement award in Pingyao International Photography Festival

Visitors view Chinese photographer Gu Ying's Life in Corners at the Pingyao International Photography Festival (PIP) in Pingyao, North China's Shanxi province, Sept 19, 2016. The photo series reflect on the relations between humans and animals and call for respecting nature and animals. [Photo/Xinhua]

The week-long PIP kicked off in Pingyao on Monday, showcasing more than 500 artworks created by more than 2,200 photographers and organizations from 33 countries and regions.

The annual festival began in 2001 and has entered its 16th year, becoming one of the most important photography events and biggest image trading markets in China.