Dubai: A visual journey capturing the facets of Shandong, China, the hometown of Chinese philosopher Confucius, was promoted as an ‘introduction to China and its customs’ during a one-day photography exhibition.
The travelling exhibition titled ‘Hometown of Confucius, Shandong, China’ showcased more than 50 photos, representing traditional, topographic and economic aspects of China’s pivotal historical site. It was held at the Culture and Scientific Association in the emirate on Wednesday.
Speaking to Gulf News, Zhan Jingbao, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai, said that culturally, artistically and historically, Shandon is important. “This exhibition depicts Shandong’s significance through it history and modern development. It fosters cultural exchange between countries.”
Of the exhibition’s relevance, Ding Zhen, Representative and Speaker of the Foreign Affairs Office, Shandong Provincial People’s Government, China, told Gulf News, that the ancient teachings of the Chinese thinker and social philosopher Confucius are still valid.
“As China makes economic advances, we want to introduce our country through Shandong which reflects our culture and belief. Through this exhibition we hope people get to know China better,” he said.
Hou Heliang, Vice-Chairman of the China Pictorials Association and photographer who has taken thousands of photos of Shandong over the past five years for the exhibition, said he wanted to document the beauty of the place “for the world to see”. He told Gulf News, “Shandong represents all the provinces in China, and the teachings of Confucius represent humanity as a whole. I also have a photo of the UAE participation during the 3rd Asian Beach Games in Haiyang this year.”
Chinese expatriate visitors Yanny, director of a trading company, and Jessica, a general manager in construction, said that Shandong’s beauty lies in both its place and people. “It is my hometown, and this exhibition makes me proud,” said Yanny. Jessica said, “Though I am from the Fujian province, I love Shandong. Like Emiratis, people from Shandong are traditional and warm.”
Iranian expatriate visitor Sia Harandi, senior business development adviser at Nexus Insurance Brokers, added, “Such exhibitions further learning of other cultures. I have a few Chinese friends and I realise that we share philosophies and customs.”
The exhibition has completed 10 countries, including France, Germany, Greece, Austria and the US, and will travel to India next.
