On September 19, the 26th Pingyao International Photography Festival 2026 opened as scheduled, with more than 2,600 photographers from 34 countries and regions gathering in Pingyao to take part in the grand event. At this year’s festival, the themed photography exhibition “Millennium-Old County · Picturesque Qinshui” made a spectacular debut. Dozens of carefully curated photographic works were showcased, drawing numerous Chinese and international photography enthusiasts who paused to admire and praise the displays, fully showcasing the latest achievements in the integrated development of culture and tourism in Qinshui.
The exhibition featured carefully selected photographic works capturing key scenic spots such as Lishan Mountain, the Taihang River Gorge, Xiangyu Ancient Fortress, the Liu Family Residences, and Shuli Town. Through the lens, visitors could admire the majestic scenery of Lishan Mountain, the starry night sky over the Taihang Honggu Valley, the historic architecture of Xiangyu Ancient Fortress and the Liu Family Residences, as well as the cultural charm of Shuli Town—comprehensively showcasing Qinshui’s natural beauty, the charm of its ancient fortresses, and the spirit of the times.
Within the exhibition area, many photography enthusiasts and tourists from across the country paused to view the exhibits, carefully savoring every image. One visitor remarked that through the images on display, they truly experienced the spiritual essence of Qinshui’s landscapes and its millennia-old cultural heritage deep within the Taihang Mountains; the vicissitudes of the ancient fortresses and the breathtaking beauty of the mountains and rivers came vividly to life, inspiring a desire to visit the area in person. Professional photographers noted that the works in the Qinshui exhibition area blend natural scenery with cultural history, vividly showcasing the renewed face of this ancient county with a history spanning millennia.
Through the medium of light and shadow, cultural heritage conveys emotion. The debut of the “Millennia-Old County · Picturesque Qinshui” themed photography exhibition at the Pingyao International Photography Festival not only allows domestic and international audiences to see and understand Qinshui but also opens a new window for showcasing the integrated development of Qinshui’s culture and tourism to the outside world. Taking this major exhibition as an opportunity, Qinshui will continue to enhance the “Millennium-Old County · Picturesque Qinshui” cultural and tourism brand, inviting more people to explore Qinshui through the lens and experience the charm of its ancient fortresses, the beauty of its landscapes, and the spirit of the times. (Yang Liming, Zhai Yujuan)