UN exhibit offers insight into China’s eco efforts

Locals fish on bamboo rafts on the picturesque Lijiang River in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo provided to China Daily]

A photography exhibition at the United Nations Headquarters gave a visual insight as to how China is attempting to balance economic development with care for the environment. Mei Jia reports in New York.

Abreathtaking photography show at the United Nations Headquarters in New York has offered an insight into China's efforts to preserve its natural environment.

The Beautiful China Photo Exhibition wrapped up its UN debut at the end of May. With 63 carefully selected photos, the exhibition displayed images of China's natural beauty, ancient wisdom and world heritage.

It tells the story of China's natural and cultural attractions as well as its continuing efforts to build an environmentally friendly and ecologically sound country, such as moving toward green energy and conserving water resources.

"I was so taken by the pictures on show, especially the Yellow River photo, which looks like a golden dragon to me, that I would like to go on a trip to China right now," says Maria Travato, a UN staff member visiting the exhibition.

For China's permanent representative to the UN, Liu Jieyi, every photo on display tells a wonderful story of China, about its traditions, and more importantly, about its recent progress in balancing economic development with care for the environment.

"The photos show Chinese history and the Chinese way of thinking that is part of the country's glorious past, but they are also evidence of the Chinese Dream that we're pursuing: to build a beautiful China, which is in line with the world's progress," Liu said at the opening ceremony of the exhibition on May 27.

Michael Adlerstein, assistant secretary general of the UN, who is also an architect, says he is impressed by ancient Chinese buildings.

"The photos exhibited here show the diversity of China's natural environment and its ecological zones ... they inspire us to protect them for future generations," Adlerstein says, adding that "China is emphasizing ecological awareness and protection".