Lishui Photography Festival 2017: A Chinese Photography Powerhouse

In 2017, Lishui, a Chinese city with a population of 2.5 million and recognized as the 'Chinese capital of photography,' hosted its eighth Photography Festival. The opening ceremony was reminiscent of an Olympic celebration, showcasing hundreds of photographers across fifteen different venues. While the festival itself spanned less than a week, some international exhibitions were available for a month. The prior festival attracted 120,000 attendees within five days. The central theme, 'Images in the Era of Hypermedia,' was predominantly highlighted in international exhibitions. Significant displays included 'Where Does the Future Get Made?' curated by James Ramer and 'reGeneration3' from the Musée de l'Élysée. Photography associations contributed significantly, with international involvement from South Korea, France, and the U.S. Despite its 'underdeveloped' status, Lishui advocates for green initiatives.